I am writing in response to a recent letter from a local tax preparer who called out the certified public accounting profession in Maine for not providing outreach to the smaller nonprofit groups throughout the state (“Targeted for embezzlement, small nonprofits deserve pro bono aid from CPAs,” Nov. 11).

Citing the many incidents of theft of funds by unscrupulous volunteers at these small organizations, the writer insinuated that the large CPA firms throughout our state don’t do anything to “give back” to their communities.

That statement could not be further from the truth.

The large and midsize firms in Maine donate thousands of hours at no cost to a wide variety of groups and social efforts, while smaller firms and sole practitioners spread themselves thin serving – again, pro bono – as treasurers or financial advisors for any number of churches, leagues, booster groups and clubs.

In addition, the state’s professional CPA organization, the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, along with other in-state and national accounting groups, provides assistance to charitable organizations and to the general public.

I would urge the writer to scroll through any not-for-profit website to get a better grasp of the hundreds of CPAs and other accounting professionals in Maine and all over the country who are deeply committed to and involved in their communities as volunteers.

Wendy Whiting

executive director, Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants

Portland

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