The world seems to be in chaos and is changing so rapidly. The current state of adapting to the coronavirus pandemic as I write this (early April) may not be reflective of where we are at the time you read this. Today, the WSCPA staff just finished week five of telecommuting. Our staff, maybe like yours, is adapting to change faster than ever.

We recognize that WSCPA members work in many different types of organizations, including public accounting firms, not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities, educational institutions, and all other types and sizes of businesses in our state. Every single one of you are experiencing new challenges. Very few are similar.

We realize that, in times like this, we may not be the first place you turn. However, if you do need to turn to us, we will be here for you.

To allow you still to access the education you need, we moved our CPE courses through May to online learning. We also are trying to bring you just-in-time education for new pronouncements and programs that have been implemented in response to the pandemic. We are rescheduling conferences to later dates whenever possible, so you can still connect in person with peers.

During the past few weeks, we advocated for changes and clarity with regard to tax deadlines and other issues on behalf of Washington CPAs.

We launched a new website and Connect, a private online community. Connect allows you to communicate online around key subject areas. Currently, our COVID-19 Business Challenges Resource Group is where we are sharing the latest updates and resources from the Department of Labor, the IRS, AICPA and more.

We also understand the feeling of isolation our new reality is causing some people and are rolling out virtual trivia and networking events on Thursdays. These events will allow you to connect to peers outside of your office and people outside of your home, while having a little bit of fun and giving back to the community. Each night our generous sponsors will give a contribution to a local charity of the trivia winner’s choice.

In hopes that we will be able to connect in person this summer, we have planned seven WSCPA members’ receptions in different cities across the state from the end of July through August. These events are simply for networking and reconnecting in person and will be free for members.

To ensure you continue to have access to the tools, learning opportunities, assistance from WSCPA staff, and personal connections, the WSCPA is extending everyone’s membership from May 31 until August 31.

Thank you for being a WSCPA member. We hope that you, your family, friends, clients, and co-workers are safe and healthy.

Kimberly Scott, CAE, is President & CEO of the Washington Society of CPAs. You can contact her at kscott@wscpa.org.

This article appears in the spring 2020 issue of the Washington CPA Magazine. Read more here.