San Francisco Chapter
A blog for and by a community of professionals
President's Message
April 22, 2013
By S. Scott Seamands, CPA
This is my last President’s Message since I will pass the torch to Jed Greene at the end of the month. This past year was filled with great memories, including our chapter’s annual Past President’s lunch in February. I was fascinated by the stories I heard that day from past presidents dating back to the 1960s. There were about 25 past presidents attending, the oldest of whom just turned 90. Shortly after the lunch, I saw a billboard stating that the first human to live to age 150 is already alive today. If that is true, eventually we’ll need a bigger lunchroom.
CalCPA presidents each lead during different and challenging times. Combining this role with the demands of a full-time career make the year as president pass by at such a fast pace that it’s over all too soon. I’m inspired by the dedication to our profession that CalCPA members exhibit. I’m proud to join the ranks of past presidents of CalCPA, and I look forward to supporting Jed for the upcoming year.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Chapter News

Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
President: Jed K. Greene (Five Corners Group)
1st Vice President: Crickett N. Weaver (Autodesk, Inc.)
2nd Vice President: Charlotte D. Wall (Spott, Lucey & Wall, Inc. CPAs)
Secretary: Michael A. Ray (California Casualty Management Co.)
Treasurer: David A. Grisham (Hemming Morse, Inc. CPAs)
Past President: S. Scott Seamands (Lindquist Von Husen & Joyce LLP)
Directors 2012-14
Reynaldo E. Arellano (Arellano & Company)
Margaret M. Fong (WTAS LLC)
Cameron Kauffman (Eichstaedt & Lervold LLP)
Erin J. Hastings (Seiler LLP)
Amy Q. Zhang (Affinity Fund Services LLC)
Directors 2013-15
Danuta Fitzsimmons (Burr Pilger Mayer Inc.)
Lynn A. Henley (Armanino McKenna LLP)
Meredith Johnson (Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.)
Jennifer A. Lundberg (DZH Phillips LLP)
Natalie M. Quan (San Francisco Ballet)
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Nominations are open now for our 2013 award, which may be granted to a chapter member either on the basis of long and distinguished service or on a singular act resulting in an extraordinary contribution to the profession, CalCPA or the community. The purpose of the award is to inspire others to similar achievements, and to make the public aware of the CPA profession’s vital contribution to society.
Download the nomination form now. The deadline for nominations is May 24.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
On Tuesday, May 14th, the Financial Planning Association of San Francisco (FPA-SF) will have an Income Tax and Estate Planning Update luncheon program at The City Club. Panelists will address several practical aspects of the 2013 income tax regime and discuss best practices for estate planning and how to avoid mistakes in key areas. The speakers will be Kevin P. McAuliffe and Adam J. Gensler, both of Frank, Rimerman & Co., LLP and Meredith Bushnell of Arnold & Porter, LLP.
For program details and registration please go to the FPA-SF website
Early Bird pricing ends May 10th. CalCPA Members will receive member pricing.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Celebrate the installation of our 2013-14 chapter board of directors June 12 as we return to Boulevard with special guest Adam Van de Water, the assistant project director for the 34th America’s Cup at the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. The America’s Cup is one of the most difficult and oldest active trophies in international sport to win. It’s a test of sailing skill, stamina and boat and sail design, as well as of fund-raising and management skills.
Learn more and register. Note: Seating is limited; reservations taken in order of receipt.
Download the flier for more information.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
Designed for CPAs, attorneys and financial advisers whose practice involves estate planning. High-caliber national and California-based speakers, including an estate and gift attorney from the Internal Revenue Service, will highlight planning and compliance opportunities (and audit pitfalls) for both small and large estates under the new tax laws. Plus hear first-hand IRS practice tips and reminders when “adequate disclosure” is adequate enough. Lastly, hear the future prospects of tax reform from our Washington, DC insider.
Learn more and register
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
The San Francisco and East Bay chapters, in collaboration with Financial Executives International, invite you to an exciting Tuesday afternoon outing: golf at Blackhawk Country Club course followed by an awards dinner. The proceeds for this annual fund-raising event benefit the chapters’ scholarship funds.
Learn more and register.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share

By Wendy Mai
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” — George Bernard Shaw
One of my favorite dramatic monologues to use during auditions was from Shaw’s play, Saint Joan. She is such a well-known historical figure who exemplified courage and dedication to her cause by defying the norm. Unfortunately it was a different time during the 15th century and she was burned at the stake for heresy. Fortunately, we live in the 21st century in California in a time of technology, innovation and progress where possibilities are limitless.
Read the rest of this entry »
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share
CalCPA News
CalCPA’s Accounting Education Committee is accepting nominations for the 2012-13 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award.
The award recognizes contributions to accounting education from demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or endeavors in research over a sustained period of time through:
- Excellence in teaching and mentoring, as evidenced by receiving various awards or citations;
- Educational innovation, including developing curriculum, case studies and new programs;
- Published articles in professorial or academic journals and/or written textbooks for use in accounting classes;
- Significant involvement in professional and/or academic societies and related activities.
Nominations are due by May 6. You may submit nominations online.
Leave A Comment » | Link/Bookmark/Share