Section membership takes the sting out of busy season.

With "busy season" fast approaching, are you taking advantage of all the resources The Ohio Society offers? The Ohio Society's 13 special interest sections provide members the opportunity to ask questions and get advice from colleagues throughout Ohio on a variety of topics and specializations. Steven J. Howell, CPA, Society member and senior trust tax accountant at Huntington Bank is a member of the tax, financial planning, and financial institution sections. He sat down to give us his take on how section membership works for him.

You've been a tax section member for two years. What are the benefits of being a member?

There are a number of benefits of belonging to the tax section. First, because tax is constantly evolving, the tax section listserv helps me keep abreast of the latest developments in tax practice. In addition, having access to the collective knowledge of over 1000 colleagues allows me to tap into different tax practice areas I may otherwise be exposed to.

How do you use the section listserv?

The listserv format provides multiple options. I have both asked and answered questions pertaining to my practice area. For example, as a trust tax accountant for a large bank, I was keenly interested in the recent legislation imposing tax on trusts in Ohio. Because I work in the financial services sector, I had access to and could share detailed information on the facets of that tax. Conversely, I take advantage of the listserv to ask about various personal tax issues as well. Because the listserv posts are digested and distributed daily, members receive answers in a timely manner.

Do you communicate off the listserv (via personal e-mail) with other section members regarding a post to the section?

Occasionally, if a discussion about a topic becomes rather lengthy or technical I will personally e-mail other members to discuss the issue. This has set up opportunities to tap into networking opportunities with colleagues from across the state in both industry and public accounting.

Aside from the opportunities on the listserv, what are the other benefits of being a section member?

There are a number of additional resources I utilize. Articles and links to information generated by Society staff keeps me up-to-date on tax-related changes on the legislative and regulatory front. I can also follow topic-specific legislation currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly on the Society's section homepage. The $10 CPE discount to section-related programming sponsored by The Ohio Society is also a great perk.

Are all sections as active as the tax section?

It is true that some section listservs see more member activity than others. In some respects, I think that has to do with the nature of each section. For example, tax section members frequently ask questions and respond to comments posted by other members. In large part that is due to the complexity and rate of change relative to the practice of tax. Other sections are beginning to see more frequent member posts because of the value of the expertise available. Where else are you going to be able to discuss a bank related issue with over 300 other CPAs involved in the financial institutions industry?

As a CPA working in industry, how has the tax section benefited you?

It's great to be able to ask questions and get answers. Because I do not work in a CPA firm, there are not many in my office who are familiar with the type of issues that arise in the scope of my job. I get valuable input delivered right to my desktop from people who have experience dealing with the same type of issues I do.

Interview by Amy Mignogna, manager, governmental affairs. She can be reached at [e-mail] or 800.686.2727, ext. 362.