5 ways to advocate for the profession

By Rob Sellers, CPA

Why should you, as a CPA, want to advocate at the Capitol and with our lawmakers? It is our stature and responsibility as CPAs to articulate the needs of our clients. This puts us in a position to take a stand on issues that will impact our work and the lives around us.

Here are some ways that you can be active in the process and make a difference in your community:

Attend the OSCPA’s virtual CPA Day at the Capitol

The OSCPA is hosting a virtual CPA Day at the Capitol on March 30. This event will allow you to learn more about the legislature, the laws that are going through the chambers and the future of the profession in Oklahoma. Sign up today to hear from key speakers about the needs of the profession that we are advocating for. This is a free, members-only event. Attendees can receive up to two hours of recommended CPE.

Contribute to the CPA-PAC

It is imperative that we provide a fund that helps to elect officials that are pro-business and support our profession to ensure that we are able to compete across state lines and within the state with little government intrusion. Supporting campaigns that want to understand and help our profession and our clients is the best way to advocate our positions, so that we can bring improvements to our community. Contribute to the OSCPA CPA-PAC to strengthen the profession's combined voice on legislative issues.

Build a relationship with your legislators and sign up to be a legislative contact

Just like knowing your clients and employer, knowing your lawmaker will help you to influence their decisions and become a “subject matter expert” for that legislator to call on. Your lawmaker will listen to their constituents to ensure they are meeting the needs of the citizens in their district. Sign up for the OSCPA's Legislative Contact Program to forge a connection with your lawmaker to help pass legislation that serves the profession and your clients' businesses. 

Stay informed about the bills the OSCPA is tracking

The OSCPA has an easy way for you to follow legislation that is affecting the profession.  Use the OSCPA's Bill Tracker to see what is “in-play” and what has been defeated in the legislature. As always, contact the OSCPA if you feel that you can assist or participate in an active bill that is going through the legislature.

Read the latest legislative update

Read the latest legislative update from OSCPA President and CEO Blaine Peterson, CPA, to stay up to date on the Society's advocacy efforts. These updates can be found in the weekly Wire e-newsletter, bi-monthly CPAFOCUS magazine and posts in the Evolve community. Blaine provides us with great insight and helps guide how we can best engage in the process and promote the needs of the profession. 

Rob Sellers, CPA, is a consultant from Jenks, Okla. He chairs the OSCPA's CPA/PAC Committee and serves as a member of the Society's Board of Directors and Advocacy Council. 

Advocacy for the profession begins with our members. Learn more about the OSCPA's advocacy efforts and the ways you can get involved today.