National Past President 2001-2003, Groomed by NCCPAP
Alan’s first exposure to NCCPAP was in 1988 when he was starting work at a small CPA firm in Rockland County where his partners were members of NCCPAP. At the time, NCCPAP was an organization where CPAs received their continuing education credits, but nothing more. “Coming from a large firm to a smaller environment had a welcoming family feel, so I was happy to be a part of any professional organization with a personal touch. The people were friendly, and there was an atmosphere of comradery,” according to Alan. He became partner when he was just 29 years old and credits NCCPAP with grooming him for the position. Alan served as President of the Westchester/Rockland Chapter from 1995-1997 and also participated on some national committees.
“In 1991, I went to my first national meeting in Washington, D.C. and loved it. I was with like-minded people…the best of the best.”
NCCPAP was—and still is—an organization advocating for smaller CPA firms and practitioners. During Alan’s tenure as National President in the early 2000s, AICPA was a competitive organization catering to larger firms and issues. More importantly, AICPA was open to any CPA, even those in industry. In addition, they were advocating a new designation for members who were not CPAs. Between the AICPA membership issue, World Trade Center, and Enron, it was a difficult time for NCCPAP. However despite these challenges, NCCPAP spearheaded the effort to vote down AICPA membership for non-CPAs and was successful. Legislatively, NCCPAP was also responsible for the PTIN being created during those years.
Alan comments on NCCPAP’s relationship with AICPA, “Today, AICPA is the de facto voice of the profession and we have a tremendous relationship with them. They meet with us on a regular basis at the highest levels. They provide us with information, and we provide insight regarding our client base. It’s been a candid and valuable relationship. Furthermore, many of our members serve on the AICPA Council.”
Alan feels that today’s issues include keeping NCCPAP members current with technology, NCCPAP’s involvement with tax policy affecting small businesses, and respect for the small practitioner.
His advice for younger professionals, “Young people should work in a smaller firm where they can do different things and have direct client interactions, in addition to becoming an active member of a professional organization, like NCCPAP. It’s difficult to find that comradery elsewhere. I have made wonderful lifelong friends that I’ve met through this organization and couldn’t be prouder of our collective accomplishments.”
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