MATTHEW F. HOWARD, CPA
INCPAS member since 2010
Howard is the president of Polycor West / Indiana Limestone Company in Bloomington. Prior, he was the finance and strategy director for Harlan Laboratories, Inc., finance director of global operations and integrated supply chain for Ingersoll Rand, finance director of global manufacturing and supply chain operations at Numonyx, and controller at Intel. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in business management and Spanish, and an MBA in finance and systems management.
How has the CPA’s role already changed, and how will it change in the future?
The CPA’s role in industry has changed a lot in the last 10 years. These changes are mainly driven by the introduction of new technologies and their effect on the business models of most companies. For example, cloud-based technologies have introduced the potential for expanded recurring revenue models, with data becoming the product—even within manufacturing.
Additionally, as CPAs have been dealing with the evolution of business models, the underlying accounting and tax guidance has also been changing (rev rec/leases). I would say we are still in the first half of the game as far as their impact, so as I look to the future I see more companies adopting their business models. I also see increased technology enabling accounting automation, which will provide great opportunities for CPAs to engage more in the planning of the business.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the board?
To highlight the professional knowledge a CPA can bring to planning and strategy development in their industries. With our access to great data and the right people, I believe we are in a unique position to be strong influencers in driving business success.
MELANIE DYAN KING, CPA
INCPAS member since 2000
King is the chief financial officer at The Hagerman Group in Indianapolis, where she has worked since 2015. Prior, she was the controller for DEEM and audit manager at EY. She graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
How has the CPA’s role already changed, and how will it change in the future?
I always thought of a CPA in terms of the one doing the detail work (i.e. reconciliations, tax returns etc.). As I have grown in my own career, the role has changed in that CPAs are building relationships to guide and educate clients and CEOs. We are community leaders. We manage and assess risk and we implement change, whether it be in process and procedures or with technology. The role is definitely leading to be more strategic in nature.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the board?
To help promote the profession and the membership, as well as retain the members we have.
LISA D. TRESSLER, CPA
INCPAS member since 1992
Tressler is a partner at RBSK Partners PC in Greensburg, where she has worked since 2003. Prior, she served as director of accounting for Greensburg Community Schools, director of finance for Margaret Mary Community Hospital, staff accountant and senior accountant for Millman Rettig & Company, and staff accountant for Arthur Andersen. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in business and commerce.
How has the CPA’s role already changed, and how will it change in the future?
Historically, CPAs were relied on to provide traditional accounting and compliance work. Clients now expect much more in the areas of business advisory and consulting services. With the advances in technology over the years—including the use of fax machines, computers, internet, smart phones, video conferencing, etc.—there is an expectation we must be available to our clients 24/7. We can now work with clients in other states and countries as easily as we do those in our own cities. I believe the continued shift in technology with the use of drones, artificial intelligence and cloud accounting will enable us to provide our clients with greater efficiencies and more real-time data they can use to make better business decisions.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the board?
To work with other like-minded professionals to continue to build the image of trust and credibility of the CPA. It is important for our profession to recognize the need for a major shift in the way we do our work. I hope to find ways to continually develop the skill sets necessary for us to be successful. Directing our profession towards more creative thinking and using the latest technology will help us respond more quickly to the ever-changing needs of our clients.