Final Entry: Pamela Kelty—Valued Leader
Pamela Kelty, 2008–09 CalCPA Education Foundation Board of Trustees president, talks about the continuing effort to provide valuable CPE.
What has been a highlight for you as trustees’ president?
This entire year has been a highlight. Having a birds-eye view of the Foundation’s response to the needs of our changing workforce and its commitment to staying ahead of the curve with regard to topical and regulatory issues required to meet the changing needs of our profession has made this a very rewarding year.
One of the highlights is the instructor focus group, which was held in October. The group was one of my goals this year and the feedback from the instructors who participated was positive. They are such an integral part of our success. It was great to hear how pleased they are with our organization and how much they enjoy working for the Foundation. Their feedback made me extremely proud of the Foundation and our staff.
Also, the ability to attend Foundation events, and speaking to the participants and instructors about their perceptions of the Foundation and sharing this feedback with the staff has been a great experience. I have treasured working with a dedicated board of trustees who are talented and committed to the Foundation and its viability and future. Being president of the Foundation has been one of my career highlights.
What are the Foundation’s top priorities?
The Foundation is dedicated to providing high-quality education at exceptional value. One of the ways the Foundation differentiates itself as a CPE provider is our connection with, and dedication to, the profession. CalCPA formed the Foundation more than 40 years ago to provide members with reliable, authoritative continuing education, and to share CalCPA’s commitment to integrity and ethics. That drives the Foundation to this day.
How does the Foundation benefit CalCPA members?
In addition to access to California’s most comprehensive CPE offerings, CalCPA members benefit from preferred pricing on all Foundation CPE and discount programs. And first-time CalCPA members receive a free eight-hour course or conference, which more than pays for the price of membership for most new CalCPA members. Also, the Foundation designates some of its courses as scholarship fund-raisers to help promote efforts of CalCPA chapters to fund scholarships for accounting students.
What are hot new areas for courses and conferences this year?
Top of the list is the new series of forensic courses, which are being taught by some of the finest experts in this field. Courses include Forensic Auditing: The Audit of the Future, Today; Financial Fraud Investigation Methodology; Incorporating Forensic Professionals into the Audit; and Fighting Fraud Using Data Analysis. On the conferences side, we have new Bankruptcy and Health Care conferences, as well as a CPA Firm Best Practices Conference. Plus, don’t overlook returning conferences: Fraud, Entertainment Industry, Family Law, Advanced Estate Planning Institute and many others that simply are best-in-class.
How is on-site education changing the way we think about CPE?
CPA firms and businesses always have been concerned that their staff is fully trained. As standards proliferate, though, they want to know that everyone also is philosophically on the same page regarding how to apply the standards. On-site education offers a great solution: It’s economical, you train your team members at once, no travel is involved and the instructor can focus on examples that are pertinent to your business model. Learn more online.
How can distance learning provide value to CPAs in this economy?
In 2009, the Foundation will webcast more than 40 eight-hour courses and conferences, allowing CPAs to receive the benefit of some of California’s premier educational events, while saving the time and money associated with travel. I think it particularly benefits CPAs in outlying areas for whom travel means a far greater commitment.
And, webcasts are but the tip of the iceberg. Our online course format is evolving daily to make it convenient, economically priced and more interactive. And for those who like to hold a book in their hands, we offer traditional self-study.
What do you think is the Foundation’s best-kept secret?
Its continual evolution. Along with bringing in new instructors and courses every year, we constantly look at ratings and delivery formats to ensure the quality is what California CPAs expect and deserve, and that we are leveraging technology to ensure we can maximize convenienc
