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In This Issue
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Volunteer Opportunity
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Click here to join an Information Technology Section or CITP Task Force.
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Upcoming Conferences
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AICPA Controllers Workshop
May 17–18
Bellagio Hotel – Las Vegas, NV
Developed by controllers for controllers, the AICPA Controllers Workshop prepares you to successfully negotiate current and future demands. The discussions will be led by successful experts in this field who will share their knowledge and best practices gained from years of personal experience.
This conference will also offer an Information Technology (IT) program. Specific IT topics will be covered such as “Ten Ways to Bring IT to the Leadership Table” and other presentations around cloud computing and systems implementations.
Click here to register and learn more about the event. Register by April 2 and take advantage of the Early Bird Savings. IT Section Members and CITP Credential Holders save an additional $100.00.
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AICPA Practitioners Symposium and TECH+ Conference
With the Association for Accounting Marketing Summit
June 11–13
Aria Hotel – Las Vegas, NV
This yearly conference offers a one-stop learning experience that addresses the impact of our changing economy and the challenges that lie just over the horizon. The AICPA Information Technology segment will focus on what matters most to you, your organization, your clients and your staff. TECH+ provides you with the latest technical training and practical resources that you need when using, procuring or advising on current or future technology.
Click here to register and learn more about the event. Register by March 3 and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Savings. IT Section Members and CITP Credential Holders save an additional $100.00/$125.00 respectively.
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AICPA National Advanced Accounting and Auditing Technical Symposium (NAAATS)
July 19–20
Swissotel Chicago - Chicago, IL
The AICPA National Advanced Accounting and Auditing Technical Symposium (NAAATS) is the must attend conference for audit partners and technical leaders of firms. The conference is both technical and high-level. It’s packed with everything you need to know about the latest standards impacting upcoming audits and financial statement preparations. This conference will also include a special featured Information Technology (IT) Track. Featured sessions include: learn how to integrate IT audit into your financial audit, top management letter comments related to IT, and more!
Be sure to register early and ensure your spot at this one-of-a-kind conference. Register by April 10 and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Savings. IT Section Members and CITP Credential Holders save an additional $100.00.
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IT NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS
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March 1 Deadline for Final Phase of Massachusetts Data Breach Law
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Section 17.03 of the Massachusetts’ Identity Theft Regulations (201 CMR 17) section requires that businesses that retain third-party vendors include in their contracts a requirement that the third-party service provider will “implement and maintain appropriate security measures for personal information.” These appropriate safeguards include, among other things, maintaining a comprehensive written plan for keeping personal information secure, identifying risks, and designating one or more employees to oversee the plan. Previously the regulation only required that businesses take “reasonable steps” to select and retain third-party providers with adequate safeguards. Accordingly, businesses (no matter where they are located) that own or license personal information of Massachusetts residents must ensure they have specifically contracted with their service providers to implement and maintain such security measures before March 1, 2012.
For more information on this regulation visit the Massachusetts State Breach Law page.
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Safeguarding Taxpayer Data
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Safeguarding taxpayer data is the responsibility of governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals that receive, maintain, share, transmit, or store taxpayers’ personal information. No matter what the size of your firm, it is critical to protect taxpayer data. Having the right safeguards in place helps prevent fraud and identity theft, and enhances client confidence and trust. Firms must implement security and privacy practices that are appropriate for the size, complexity, nature, and scope of their business activities. The Internal Revenue Service Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data A Guide for Your Business, contains information to help firms to understand and meet their responsibility to safeguard taxpayer information.
Read more about this Guide.
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New CITP Exam Sponsorship Program – You May Already Be Qualified!
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The Information Technology Division has introduced the new CITP Exam Sponsorship Program to assist CPAs with interest in Information
Management and Information Technology to complete the CITP Exam requirement and ultimately obtain the CITP credential.
The sponsorship is designed to be a reimbursement of expenses incurred in the preparation and taking of the CITP Exam. You may already be qualified to receive the sponsorship award. Download the application today and take advantage of this great incentive.
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Mandatory CITP Credential Exam in July – Registration Open!
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Beginning July 25, you must pass the CITP exam to apply and attain the AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) Credential. Note that the new requirement does not affect existing CITP Credential holders.
Complete the CITP Application Kit and find out if you already qualify for the credential. The deadline to apply while leveraging the existing credential requirements will be May 25.
Don’t miss your chance to join this elite group of Certified Information Technology Professionals.
Exam Registration Deadline: July 20
Exam Dates: July 25 – Aug. 31
Register for the CITP Exam today!
To get yourself ready, you’ll be able to draw on the Complete Guide to the CITP Body of Knowledge. Note: An additional discount of as much as 45% is offered to IT Section members and CITP credential holders. Purchase the guide today!
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Increase Your Attestation Knowledge with SOC 1 and SOC 2 Guides
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SERVICE ORGANIZATION CONTROL reports are internal-control reports on services provided by a service organization. The reports highlight valuable information that users need to assess and address risks associated with an outsourced service. The guides also assist users in understanding and reporting on controls of service organizations.
Service Organizations: Applying SSAE No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization Guide (SOC 1) is for CPAs reporting on controls at a service organization that affect user entities' internal control over financial reporting. It is designed to assist CPAs in transitioning from previously performing a service auditor's engagement under SAS 70 to doing so under Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16.
Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization Relevant to Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, or Privacy (SOC 2) is for CPAs reporting on controls at a service organization relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality or privacy and provides guidance for performing examinations under AT section 101.
Note: IT Section members save an additional 10%
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AICPA Business and Industry Quarterly Economic Outlook Webcast Series – March 22 – Free CPE for the First 2,000 Who Register!
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The AICPA Business and Industry Economic Outlook Survey is a leading economic indicator for U.S. business activity. Core results of the quarterly survey are captured in the CPA Outlook Index, a robust measure that captures not only the current sentiment of CPA executives about the outlook for the economy, but also the prospects and plans for their own organizations and the challenges they face in leading their organizations.
You are invited to join our first quarter webcast, 2012 Economy: Real Recovery or Roller Coaster Ride?, scheduled from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET on March 22 and earn free CPE (for the first 2,000 who register). CPE is also available for a fee.
The webcast will address:
- The quarterly CPA Outlook Index and what CPA executives from around the country are saying about their plans for revenues, profits, spending and hiring
- CPA views on inflation, financing, and other pressing challenges
- The latest economic and political developments and the implications for recovery
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Driving Inclusivity in the Workplace Webcast – Feb. 29 – Free Session!
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Brought to you by the Young CPA Network – Webcast is streamable via iPad and iPhone.
Supervisors and team leaders play a large role in influencing harmonious team collaboration and motivating the best out of their team members. However, team dynamics and performance are impacted when personal attitudes and reflections about others with differences surface.
In this webcast, presenter Heidi Brundage, CPA, SPHR and AICPA’s Senior Manager for the A&A Product Line in the newly relocated Professional Development team, will define and provide examples of inclusivity in the work environment, the factors and advantages that support the need for diversity and inclusivity, the issues behind a lack of diversity in the accounting profession and where to locate resources to enhance leadership skills.
The webcast is scheduled from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 29 and does not offer CPE. Click here to register for the free webcast.
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Now Accepting Nominees for AICPA Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award
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The AICPA is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award. The award recognizes full-time college accounting educators distinguished for excellence in teaching and for national prominence in the accounting profession. The award serves a dual function: to extend profession-wide recognition to the recipient and promote role models in academia. State CPA societies and individuals may submit nominations for the annual award until the nomination deadline on Thursday, March 1. Self-nominations are not accepted.
For more information, click here.
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