The National Society of Accountants ... committed to your success.

Members of the National Society of Accountants are proud of their professional society, and rightly so, because they recognize and benefit from the multitudinous benefits, activities, and functions provided. One advantage that may be overlooked is the favorable image and pervasive scope of a vibrant national organization. To minimize the effects of a Society's image would be very shortsighted.

NSA has represented its members well for sixty years to governmental agencies, to legislatures, to the small business community, and to the profession--and it will energetically and vigorously continue to do so.

A special task force was appointed last year to study and recommend ways in which NSA could best achieve leadership in the small business financial profession. That charge was sustained as part of strategic planning and included development of a descriptive and comprehensive definition of the profession, as well as identification of the core competencies and requirements necessary to function successfully as a small business financial professional. This undertaking was, of course, consistent with the Horizon Plan (NSA's long-range plan).

It is commonly known that the trust and confidence historically enjoyed by accountants has eroded in recent years. Although this deterioration was the result of abuse by a few accountants in nationally recognized companies, the whole profession was impacted. Reacting to the need to restore faith in the profession, NASBA created the Center for the Public Trust. NSA, sharing that goal and supporting the effort, joined the Center for the Public Trust as a founding member and was well represented at the first Conference held in September in Washington, D.C.

In the area customarily referred to as "Right to Practice," several developments have required immediate attention and monitoring. Of concern to all members was proposed Senate Bill 832. Fortunately, NSA was positioned to react quickly and decisively. Led by its Federal Taxation Committee, NSA developed a position paper, presented testimony before the Senate Committee, and offered recommendations as to how the program could be administered effectively and efficiently through an independent administrative entity. With increasing clarity, NSA and its members recognized that they must be prepared for the eventual registration of tax preparers.

Efforts of NSA's State Regulation and Oversight Committee and volunteers representing affiliated state societies have played significant roles in achieving statutory recognition of credentials bestowed by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation and the right of accountants to truthfully state their earned credentials.

A new committee, National Regulation and Oversight, was formed and charged with monitoring events at the national level that have the potential of impacting practice rights, of establishing and maintaining liaison with various federal departments and agencies, Congress, and with associations representing the business and professional communities with which there is common interest. The anticipated result of these initiatives will be enhanced recognition of NSA and its objectives at the national level.

One of the stated primary goals of NSA is achieving recognition as a respected national leader in the profession. The success in achieving that objective was never in doubt, but must be determined in large part by direct participation and effort on the part of committees, State Directors, and other volunteers. There is much that members can do toward accomplishment of this goal, activities that promote NSA at the local area to achieve general name recognition--writing articles, manning exhibits, speaking at civic functions, and assisting with projects. Members are unquestionably the best advertisement NSA has--just by being informed about current issues, sharing that information, and talking about NSA.

Much of the respect and prestige enjoyed by the National Society of Accountants has been the result of strong, decisive leadership, wise strategic planning, and the direct participation and dedication of its members. When members are involved and informed, areas of strength can be safeguarded and weak areas can be converted into strengths. With member oversight, the Society will remain vibrant and progressive because needed change can be identified and implemented.

The National Society of Accountants has traditionally been and remains the professional society of choice for the small business accountant. It is past time for it to benefit from national recognition of that status.

--Wanda Samek, President