Awards
The Society confers several professional awards including the Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award, Outstanding CPA in Government Award, and the Public Service Award for Individuals and the Public Service Award for Firms. In addition, the Society presents awards for Outstanding Discussion Leader, Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry, and Outstanding Emerging CPA.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
The Society's Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program offers approximately 100 accredited courses, seminars and conferences annually. Top-rated discussion leaders conduct seminars in every area of accounting. ARCPA members may attend CPE at discounted fees. CPE is available through self-study materials, in-house programs, conferences, and chapter meetings. Programs are scheduled year-round to meet the professional needs of all members. ARCPA also live-streams a number of courses and conferences so that members do not have to travel to Little Rock for their educational needs.
The CPE section in the ARCPA E-Newsletter and the website keep members up-to-date on schedules and opportunities. ARCPA offers members four FREE live-streamed one-hour quarterly “Lunch-n-Learn” opportunities on topics such as the required AR State Board state specific ethics, tax, and legislative updates, and others. The ARCPA website keeps track of all credits earned by members.
Insurance Plans
Perhaps one of the most important benefits available to members are the various insurance plans. Following is a list of the current plans available. Specific questions about any of these plans should be addressed to the appropriate contact.
Automobile and Homeowners Insurance
Underwritten by Travelers Insurance. Personal auto and homeowners policies with a variety of convenient billing options. 24-hour toll-free hotline are available, should you ever have a claim to report. No obligation quotes and premium proposals are offered.
Contact: Ed Bennett (501) 661-4803
McGriff Insurance Services
1500 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
ed.bennett@griff.com
CPA EmployerGard
Underwritten by CNA. EmployerGard was created exclusively for CPA Firms. CPA EmployerGard provides employment practices liability coverage including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment (both 1st party and 3rd party claims) and failure to make partner as well as other types of protection. Limits of Liability range from $100,000 to $2,000,000. Virginia Surety, an A-rated company, is the insurance carrier.
Contact: Tiffaney Davids
McGriff Insurance Services
1500 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 661-4957 / (800) 542-0226 (Toll-Free)
tiffaney.davids@mcgriff.com
CPA Plan for Term Life
Provides up to $1,000,000 of term life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Contact: (800) 223-7473
Group Insurance Plan
Provides term life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits
on an employee benefits program basis for public accounting firms.
Contact: (800) 223-7473
Long Term Disability Income Plan
Provides long term disability income benefits for AICPA and/or ARCPA members.
Administrator: Aon Insurance Services.
Contact: (800) 221-4722
AICPA Plan Agent
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Professional Liability Insurance
Underwritten by the CNA Insurance Companies. Limits from $100,000 to $5,000,000 are available.
Apply online
Contact: Tiffaney Davids
McGriff Insurance Services
1500 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 661-4850 / (888) 272-6656 (Toll-Free)
tiffaney.davids@mcgriff.com
Senior Care Plans
Seniors Medicare Solutions can assist with a variety of senior care plans for those who are approaching retirement age or are currently over age 65 and still working. Seniors Medicare Solutions offers a complete line of senior care plans such as Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plan.
Seniors Medicare Solutions represents major companies such as Aetna, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana QualChoice, United Healthcare, and more. Heady Nezhadpour, also represents major long-term care insurance companies as a General Agent. He has the exclusive endorsement of Chamber Alliance Program (CAP) and several cities and counties for Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans. Heady is certified by CMS and the State of Arkansas to market Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. He is appointed by AARP, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a preferred broker, as well as Humana, Qualchoice, United Health Care and more. He has received the Golden Harvest Award as one of the top long-term care producers in the country. Contact Heady Nezhadpour for a customized plan to suit your needs, or for Medicare educational classes for any sized group.
Contact:
Heady Nezhadpour
headyn@gmail.com
Cell: (501) 920-8408
www.uandmedicare.com
Legislative Efforts
It is important for the Society to build relationships at the Capitol and to obtain favorable legislation. The ARCPA maintains a close working relationship with elected officials and appointed government officials and has a full-time lobbyist on retainer to assist with the legislative process. ARCPA Chapters periodically host appreciation events for legislators in their area, and the Society hosts a biennial Appreciation Breakfast for legislators during the general legislative session. All members are asked to assist with the ARCPA legislative efforts by serving as contact persons for members of the Arkansas Legislature and the United States Congress.
Member Discounts
Member discounts are available from a variety of companies including CCH Publications, GE Appliances, Paychex, Inc., Quickfinder, Thomson Reuters Tax Books, Standard Business Systems, CPACharge (credit card processing), UPS Shipping, and others. For additional information on these special services, email Robin at rharris@arcpa.org or visit our Member Discounts page.
Professional Liaison Program
ARCPA serves as a liaison with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and Arkansas Bar Association. The Society is also an active member of the Tax Advisory Council, which meets annually to review and improve state laws. Other members of the Tax Advisory Council include the Arkansas Society of Accountants, Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration, Arkansas Bar Association, and other taxpayer-oriented groups.
Public Relations Program
The Society works to enhance the image of the CPA in Arkansas among both the general public and special groups such as bankers, lawyers, and government officials. Society members take an active role in promoting the CPA profession among students in Arkansas' high schools and colleges. ARCPA maintains presentation materials for members' use, such as speeches and brochures.
ARCPA eNewsletter
ARCPA emails professional news monthly to help members stay on top of current events and happenings in the industry and in the society itself.