Achievements and aspirations

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” — Edith Lovejoy Pierce

As one year ends and a new one begins, it’s a good time to highlight some of the many things we have accomplished together at IAPP, and to consider what the new year holds. But first let me express my deep gratitude to our members and partners for your continued dedication to our mission. Your commitment, guidance, and unwavering support are the foundation of our association!

2009 Highlights:
1) The first chapter meeting for IAPP-UK was held in Central London and the planning committee was formed for the 2010 IAPP-UK Forum. The new UK chapter is vibrant, committed to the profession, and looking to grow the perceived value of AP professionals throughout the United Kingdom.
2) To further expand our member benefits and recognize the evolving world of financial shared services, we launched International Accounts Receivable Professionals (IARP), and the AR Matters publication. Both are free to existing IAPP members.
3) AP Matters was recognized in three different categories by the Florida Magazine Association’s Charlie Awards for feature articles, cover design, and in-depth reporting. In addition, the content of AP Matters has been greatly expanded and is now available online to better serve your needs.
4) The IAPP now has one of the largest online resource centers with more than 1,200 documents, white papers, templates, surveys, and more, thanks to the generosity of our members’ submissions.
5) Several new custom research reports have been prepared and delivered by IAPP, including this issue’s technology benchmarking survey and others in document management and overall AP metrics.
6) IAPP increased its focus on advocacy, delivering the profession’s only set of professional standards and code of ethics; enhancing professionalism with the launch of the AP alliance program, which offers partners the opportunity to turn up the heat on advocacy within their industry segments; and providing advanced volunteer opportunities through IAPP’s Call for Volunteers program.
7) Educational offerings have been broadened to include additional e-learning platform opportunities in light of economic conditions and organizational travel budget constraints. IAPP has added a fee-based webinar program, e-seminars, and an on-site training program that delivers customized training to your door.

2010 Wish List:
1) The 2010 IAPP Annual Forum will be the largest conference in North America for AP, AR, and automation professionals. Titled Fusion 2010, this year’s conference will feature more than 150 workshops, outstanding keynote speakers, live entertainment by Jack Ingram and The B-Street
Band, and much, much more!
2) AP Matters will be expanding to include sections from AR Matters and TAWPI’s Today publication on all things automation for AP and AR.
3) Our education department will be launching a whole new series of online self-study courses for tax and regulation, best practices, CAPP and CAPA prep and more.
4) IARP is developing the only professional designation dedicated to accounts receivable. Look for additional information on the launch of the new AR certification program in 2010.
5) A brand-new Operational Review Program evaluates your AP practices against IAPP standards and recognized best practices to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the AP function.
6) New research studies are planned on topics such as p-cards, e-invoicing, travel and entertainment, and more!

I wish you all a safe and happy new year, and encourage you to drop me a line and let us know how we are doing. Your input is valuable and appreciated.


Best regards,

Thomas M. Bohn, CAE