Benefits of Chapter Membership

• Network with peers in the industry
• Be part of an effective and common voice to develop and protect the interests of the profession
• Stay on top of trends that affect the industry in your market
• Take advantage of local professional development opportunities
• Socialize with industry insiders
• Take advantage of discounts to dynamic and educational local programs
• Access additional resources, such as job announcements and newsletters

In more specific terms, the following benefits are available through chapter membership:

1. Chapter Professional Educational Programs are a combination of educational, networking, and social activities for members. Through presentations by local speakers, members are kept abreast of the latest developments and applications in the management accounting field. Through informal discussions with their peers, members can share work experiences or problems and receive instant feedback or solutions they can use on their jobs. These educational exchanges are excellent tools for members’ self-development.

These meetings are organized at the local level and are attended by members within close geographic range. The smaller size of these meetings promotes a free flow of ideas and permits tailoring of the technical presentation to the needs of a particular group.

2. Networking Activities afford members the chance to make new friends and socialize with their peers in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. This setting can lead to mutual help - one member’s experience provides the answer to another’s problem - and promotes an easier exchange of ideas among members in different areas of the accounting field.

3. Leadership Training is an often overlooked benefit of chapter participation. Participation in chapter leadership activities - open to all members - has been called “the best management training.” Service on the chapter board of directors gives a member experience in all phases of management leadership from budgeting to sales to detailed execution and supervision.

4. Mentoring is an extremely important component of any professional association. A mentor is an individual always more experienced who helps and guides another individual’s development. This guidance is not done for personal gain. One of the most valuable assets your career can have is a good mentor. Then the responsibility to become a mentor to others is passed along. Young professionals and students are looking for this guidance from professionals who share the same career path.

5. Community Service programs are conducted by many chapters to guide proprietors of new and struggling small businesses and to participate in local civic service endeavors. These programs offer members a way to contribute to their own communities in an organized and effective manner while practicing and developing their own management skills.

6. Authorship of articles for publication in Strategic Finance and Management Accounting Quarterly is a valuable technique for self-development as well as a way of making members’ knowledge available to others.

Contact us to day to learn how you can participate in our activities.  E-mail us a neworleansima@gmail.com or call Nelson Hellwig at (504) 628-3467.