If I had planned to write a promotional article about the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, I could not have penned a better one than your editorial, "Lunching with the enemy" in the January issue of Accounting Today (page 3).
Thirty-five years ago, NCCPAP established a process which encouraged and enabled CPAs to work together and talk about opportunities, problems and situations that occur daily in an accounting practice. If a practicing CPA comes upon a circumstance that he or she is somewhat uncertain about, or would like an opinion or help in a matter, a phone call to a colleague can settle the question. The exchange will be honest and forthright, without fear of losing a client to a "competitor."
Of course, this type of exchange is clearly visible at the NCCPAP MAP meetings. The open exchange of ideas and solutions to practical operational and professional questions is a vital part of every NCCPAP MAP meeting.
The idea of "Practitioners Helping Practitioners" has been one of the many accomplishments of NCCPAP.
Thank you for pointing out so clearly that CPAs can and should be colleagues.
Edwin J. Kliegman, CPA
Founding partner, Marcum & Kliegman (now Marcum LLP)
Past president, NCCPAP
