Susan has over 27 years of accounting, auditing and consulting experience for many types of organizations including not-for-profit and health care organizations. Susan, along with her husband, Dennis Megaard, own a CPA firm in Bothell, Washington which specializes in accounting and auditing for health care entities. Susan has a BA in Business Administration and an MS from California State University in Sacramento.

Lisa Mino

"Sarbanes-Oxley Year 2"

Lisa Mino from Protiviti, a division of Robert Half International spoke to ASWA Bellevue in August on the Sarbanes-Oxley Year 2 issues. She explained what issue were addressed in Year 1 and what issues to expect in Year 2. Issues such as how much internal audit is necessary, how to keep employees in compliance and those companies meeting deadlines for SEC reporting. Lisa was able to show the us statistics and graphs that explained the real costs of Year 1 and the anticipated costs for Year 2.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dinner On US

Have you made a habit of reading our Newsletter?

It keeps you informed of what's new in our chapter.

We've got new members, listing of local, regional and national events.

What's for dinner, guest speakers and member achievements.

Now's your chance to be rewarded for being informed.

The first person who locates ☺ in this newsletter and emails me with the correct paragraph/section will receive a free dinner when attending the Bellevue Chapter dinner meeting.

(Preceding smiley face in the above phrase is for illustration purposes only. The 'real' smiley face exist somewhere else in this newsletter)

Yes, there are rules though....

1) The free dinner must be redeemed within 2 dinner meetings from the month of the newsletter. For example: you saw it in this June Newsletter...you must redeem it during the June or July dinner meeting.

2) One winner per year, please.

3) Not redeemable for cash and not to exceed the monthly cost of our dinner.

4) Cannot be transferred.

5) Alcohol not included.

6) Have fun !!!

AUGUST 2005 Dinner Meeting Discussion

At our August meeting, I enjoyed the company of Jeanie McCombs, Senior Accountant with the Helly Hansen Company here in Redmond. Jeanie shared an amazing story of a Swedish woman who is kayaking her way around America. I asked Jeanie to provide me with her website so I could track her progress and the other ladies at my table asked that it be put on our website so they could do the same. The website is as follows: www.renatachlumska.com/

Mellany Winters

Emerging Issues for Next Generation Accountants

(Part 1 of 2)

Recent changes in the accounting and finance industry have created new challenges for today's practitioners, but they have also created new opportunities. This is one of the key findings of Robert Half International's Next Generation Accountant: A New Outlook on a Timeless Profession, a comprehensive research initiative that examines the trends shaping the future of accounting.

The Next Generation Accountant project identified several emerging issues impacting the field, including:

- Continuing demand for skilled professionals - Because regulatory compliance requirements are ongoing and workloads keep increasing, demand for top accounting practitioners is unlikely to diminish. And the need for experienced personnel will only accelerate as companies begin preparing for the departure of baby-boom-age workers. In fact, a Robert Half International survey found that 78 percent of firms are taking steps to compensate for the loss of these employees, including enhancing their recruitment and retention programs.

- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - The U.S. may face growing pressure to conform to international standards as more companies around the world adopt IFRS. Already, foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges and U.S.-based businesses with multinational operations are seeking accountants who understand international laws and regulations and can help their organizations adapt to new legislation.

- Pervasive technology - Many of those now entering the workforce have enjoyed nonstop connectivity most of their lives, from campuses with wireless networks to personal digital assistants and web-based cellular phones. The challenge for them now will be learning to balance the productivity advantages information technology (IT) offers with the potential pitfalls, such as relying on IT instead of face-to-face communication to build relationships.

- Enterprise risk management - As the business landscape continues to evolve, accounting professionals will devote increasing attention to helping firms identify and manage risks. The Enterprise Risk Management - Integrated Framework from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) - which details the components, principles and concepts of enterprise risk management - will be a valuable tool in this effort.

This is Part one of a two-part series. Next month's article will examine additional trends detailed in Next Generation Accountant: A New Outlook on a Timeless Profession, a research guide published by Robert Half International. To request a free copy of the guide, call 866-328-0577 or visit nextgenaccountant.com.

Accountemps is the world's first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com. For more information, please contact Elise Rech at 206-749-9161 or elise.rech@accountemps.com

News From National Headquarters

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS

REPORT OF THE 2005-2006 NATIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE

President Elected in the spring of 2004 for a term starting July 1, 2005

Debbie L. Michael, CPA Billings, Chapter

President-Elect To serve as National President in 2006-20007

Joy N. Barron Birmingham Chapter

Vice Presidents Karen J. Gunther Boston Chapter

Sarah R. Wheatley Denver Chapter

Secretary Tracy L. Johnson, CPA San Antonio Chapter

Treasurer Barbara W. Covington Fort Walton Beach Chapter

Directors To serve two years, July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007

Stacey L. Craig, CPA Phoenix Chapter

Susan R. Tripepi Akron/Canton Chapter

Catherine A. Mulder, CPA Ames Chapter

Cheryl Willers Flagstaff Chapter

Director To serve one year July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006

Barbara A. Sheetz, CPA West Palm Beach Chapter

Immediate Past President Christi L. Olsen, CPA Omaha Chapter

Directors Serving the second year of a two-year term. Elected in the spring of 2004 to serve until June 30, 2006

Monika P. Miles, CPA Silicon Valley Chapter

Jeanette Ding San Diego Chapter

Vivian L. Moller, CPA Milwaukee Chapter

ASWA Introduces

"Recruiting Counts"

Club

ASWA has a fabulous new recruiting club and we would like you to be a part of our unique recruiting experience through our "Recruiting Counts" club. Participate in ASWA's national membership recruitment campaign and help the organization reach new heights in membership. Not only will you receive special recognition, awards and exciting "Recruiting Counts" club gifts, but you will also have a chance to win a spectacular trip for two to Cancun, Mexico, $200 spending money, and special recognition of your achievement at the national level.

Why Recruit New Members?

-You support your profession and the industry

-You support the mission of ASWA and provide an opportunity for others to reach their full personal, professional and economic potential

-You support your local chapter and help it to become successful and prosperous

-You help your chapter work towards retaining "90% Membership" and a "Net 10 Membership" increase (chapters that reach these goals will receive a banner and/or patch and special recognition at the national conference)

-You share the benefits of a great organization with other professionals

-You expand your base of knowledgeable resources and provide for new networking opportunities

-You provide for the future of the organization

-You receive peer recognition and win exciting prizes and awards

How to become a Member of ASWA's "Recruiting Counts" Club

"Recruiting Counts" is open to all members who seek out other Accounting professionals who wish to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential or other professionals who have a substantial interest in the Accounting industry. When you recruit 2 new members, you will become a Rhinestone Recruiter and you will receive a "Recruiting Counts" club lapel pin. Recruit more members and you will advance to other, more precious gem levels.

How the "Recruiting Counts" Club Works

Each time you recruit a new ASWA member, you will receive credit toward winning exciting prizes, awards and recognition. Plus, with each new recruit, your name will be entered into the drawing for the Cancun trip. The more you recruit, the more your "Recruiting Counts!"

How to Confirm That You've Recruited a New Member

Results of the campaign will be published bimonthly in The Communique and on the Web site. Results will include the most recent campaign information, acknowledge the top performing recruiters and more.

How to Receive Credit for Recruiting

To receive credit for recruiting, be sure to sign all new recruit membership applications as the "sponsor." If you feel that you have not received due credit for a member that you've sponsored, you can email National Headquarters at aswa@aswa.org.

Where to Find Prospective Members

Prospective members are everywhere and just need to be sought. All you have to do is continue to tell everyone you know about ASWA. Those individuals should include:

-Clients

-Colleagues

-Referrals

-Friends and Family

-Community Affiliates

Please refer to ASWA's Membership Tool Kit for a wealth of information and suggestions on making your recruitment efforts successful.

Timeframe of the Campaign and Grand Prize Drawing!

The campaign kicks off October 1, 2004 and ends June 30, 2005. We'll retroactively include all members that you have recruited during July 1^st through September 30^th to ensure that you receive credit for all the new members you've recruited in the 2004-2005 year. For each new recruit that you sponsor, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win this exciting trip to Cancun! So, remember, the more your recruit, the more "Recruiting Counts!"

"Recruiting Counts" Club Levels and Awards

Your effort in recruiting new members does make a difference! Membership recruitment is crucial in sustaining the future of our organization. In an effort to recognize those individuals who participate in the success and future of our organization through recruitment, ASWA will reward all recruiters with special thank you gifts. The more new members you recruit, the more "precious" you become to ASWA. Reach various milestones and become one of ASWA's precious gems!

Rhinestone Recruiter

Recruit 2-5 members and receive a special "Recruiting Counts" lapel pin

Sapphire Recruiter

Recruit 6-9 members and receive an ASWA embossed portfolio and a $25 gift check ($50 value)

Ruby Recruiter

Recruit 10-14 members and receive an ASWA embossed attaché and a $50 gift check ($100 value)

Diamond Recruiter

Recruit 15-20 members and receive an ASWA engraved anniversary clock and a $75 gift check ($200 value)

Emerald Recruiter

Recruit 21-25 members and receive special recognition, an Emerald Recruiter "Recruiting Counts" plaque and a free registration to the National Conference ($500 value)

All awards above the Rhinestone level will be presented at the National Conference during which you will be inducted into your new club level.

Remember, "Recruiting Counts" in many ways!