It’s spring here at IAPP/IARP headquarters, a time often associated with growth and change. Of course, around here growth and change seem to happen all year round. Lucky for us, we like working hard to deliver ever-increasing return on your membership investment.

For example, hot on the heels of our first combined issue of AP Matters, today, and AR Matters, we are wrapping up our May-June issue, which will be on its way to your mailbox soon. This issue features a special report that’s all about YOU, the AP and AR professional, including some of the changes you have seen in your world in recent years.

We’re already beginning work on our next issue, which will include a report about the latest in p-cards, including trends and best practices. Later in the year, we plan to focus on the CFO and controller perspective.

This time of year, we are gearing up for our Annual Forum, Fusion 2010 on May 9-13 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine near Dallas. If you haven’t already, visit www.TheIAPP.org/Fusion to register now, before rates increase April 16. Be sure to reserve your hotel room as well, to receive the special conference rate.

Fusion 2010 promises the top-level keynote presentations and AP breakout sessions you’ve come to expect. This year, among the more than 200 workshops – presented in new and exciting formats – you’ll also find thought leader sessions, information on financial shared services and accounts receivable, and events that bring together your controllers and CFOs.

And, we are working on still more changes. In the coming weeks, we’ll launch several online self-study modules for AP tax and regulation, followed by a series in AP best practices. Both will include CPEs and a certificate of completion and can be followed at your own pace. We’re offering learning when you want it, how you want it.

Our books and other resources are growing, too. In addition to the 20-plus books available in our bookstore, our Resource Center now has in excess of 2,000 items available to our members at no additional charge, including up-to-date benchmarking reports and white papers.

Some people say no news is good news, but we don’t agree. We think no news is too darn quiet. Of course we like good news, but the truth is we want to hear from you, even if you don’t agree with us. Let us know how we’re doing by sending an e-mail to one of the following:

Annual Forum: forum@TheIAPP.org
Certification: cert@TheIAPP.org
Editorial: news@TheIAPP.org
Education: edu@TheIAPP.org
Local Chapters: chapter@TheIAPP.org
Membership: membership@TheIAPP.org
Web Master: web@TheIAPP.org
General Inquiries: inquire@TheIAPP.org
 

As a member of IAPP/IARP, you have no doubt noticed that we are using electronic communication more than ever. Our 2009 membership survey told us most of you (98.1 percent) prefer to be contacted via e-mail. Recently, we have received additional feedback about the volume of e-mail we send. We constantly strive to deliver value and increased benefits; to do this, we periodically evaluate what works, and better yet, what doesn’t. To improve our e-mail communication strategy, we need your input as our guide.

Please participate in this short survey. Click here for survey. Every person who completes the survey and shares his or her contact information will receive a $10 IAPP/IARP gift certificate, which can be used in our bookstore or toward membership dues. It's our way of saying thank you for participating.

 

In these tough economic times, we are all trying to find ways to work smarter, and one of the best ways to achieve this goal is through the IAPP local chapters. Never has there been a time when “who you know” has been so crucial to the success of your department. With companies downsizing and states auditing now more than ever, the current declining economy has forced financial leaders everywhere to think outside the box to find ways to cut costs and improve processing efficiency.

Attend your next local chapter meeting and you will find some of the best minds within the financial community right in your back yard. They are facing the same struggles and challenges you are. Through your chapter, you have the ability to quickly find out what ideas have been successfully implemented and what should never be tried again.

The landscape of the financial community is quickly changing, and the IAPP local chapters are leading the way. Members worldwide have used the collective knowledge of their local chapter members to give themselves the edge they need to stay ahead of the pack. Plan on attending your next local chapter meeting and capitalizing on the skills and knowledge of your fellow leaders to help you achieve your professional goals. www.TheIAPP.org/chapters

 

Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from a letter to certified accounts payable professionals from Lorraine Creek, CAPP, chairman of the IAPP Certification Council, and Jill Farina, CAPP, vice chairman of the IAPP Board of Directors – Certification.

It has been an interesting 12-18 months. The economic picture has caused us to take stock of where we are, what we are doing, and where we want to go. Many have been forced to make serious, career-altering decisions. Some have been forced to change career paths due to dictates of employers. But as we see glimmers of light through the dark clouds, it is time to evaluate what you are doing to develop and grow in your chosen career. How can you prove to management that you bring value to your organization?

As a CAPP, you have the ability to share your years of experience and expertise by serving your professional organization as a member of the IAPP Certification Council. Council members:

  • Help guide the reference tools available to members.
  • Review and augment the CAPP and CAPA manuals.
  • Evaluate and direct the development of certification exams.
  • Serve as mentors to IAPP members at all levels.
  • Provide liaison support between IAPP staff and local chapters.

In addition to these service opportunities, council members are also taking charge of their professional growth, adding to their resumes, and developing leadership, collaborative, and team-building skills not readily available in many environments. 

There is a commitment required to serve on any professional committee or council, and you will need at least some support from your employer—time to participate, but hopefully financial support as well. The council meets via phone conferences up to six times per year. Over the next couple of years, there will be at least one in-person meeting required per year, and attendance is preferred at the Annual Forum as the council tries to meet immediately preceding or following that event. On the council’s plate for the next 18-24 months:

  • Develop, review, and validate questions to provide an updated CAPP exam.
  • Provide input and recommendations relative to study manual materials.
  • Review all CAPA manuals and study materials, and recommend updates and revisions.
  • Develop, review, and validate all CAPA exam questions against revised materials.

This is a call for you to give more: for you to share the knowledge and expertise you have gained in your career and through your professional involvement with IAPP, with others making that same journey.  This is an opportunity for you to further develop as a professional. 

Please discuss this development opportunity with your management. Point out the value you have brought to your organization through IAPP. Underscore how this professional development opportunity helps you be a more satisfied and committed employee when the organization supports you in this endeavor. 

 
Emily Stepp is senior national account representative, accounts receivable, for Kele Inc., a company that supplies building automation and access control products. She was the first member to join IARP, sister organization to IAPP.

What made you decide to join IARP? My direct supervisor encouraged me to join. He was already a member of IAPP and told us about the new IARP starting up.

Were you already familiar with IAPP? If so, in what capacity? Did that influence your decision to join IARP? I personally had not been familiar with IAPP. Since becoming a member of IARP, I am learning more and hope to get more familiar with IAPP.

Has the IARP organization been about what you expected so far? In what way(s)? Yes. I am always looking for AR webinars and so far IARP has been informational. Going to the Web site www.TheIARP.org is helpful.

What are you looking forward to gaining from your membership? My supervisor would like me to work on certifications. I would like to enhance my knowledge and expertise in accounts receivable.
 
What do you see as the most valuable member benefit to you? Member discounts for education, webinars on demand, and self-study courses. I see the tools benefiting me to further my education in the AR profession.

What would you tell someone who is considering whether membership is worth the investment (or worth the continuing investment)? I would say give it a try. Being a member of IARP has only provided more knowledge of the AR profession especially with the webinars and education you have to offer.

What would you tell someone who is considering accounts receivable as a career? Well, I will have my 10-year anniversary with Kele Inc. in accounts receivable this year. I have enjoyed what I do, and accounts receivable is a great career.

Anything else you would like to add? I look forward to continuing my membership in IARP and utilizing the tools and service IARP has to offer. Thank you for inviting me to be featured in your Member Minute. I am also excited and honored that I became the first charter member of International Accounts Receivable Professionals.