N.Y. Conference Focuses on Broker/Dealer Accounting

New York area CPAs who want to get a leg up on the hedge fund or broker-dealer arena should consider attending the Foundation for Accounting Education's 2007 Broker/Dealer Conference in May.

The event, which will be held May 16 in New York City, provides information, direct access to the regulators and credits for continuing education.

Jobs related to the capital markets are hot, and a number of CPAs in public practice are focusing their attention on the sector. But dealing with the legal, tax and compliance issues impacting hedge funds, broker/dealers and the other sundry corners of the securities industry can be a challenge. The idea of the broker-dealer conference is to shed light on some of the intricacies involved in securities-industry work.

The conference, which is sponsored by New York State Society of CPAs, "brings together the top regulators and professionals in the industry into one room and in one day," says Conference Chair Mark Goodman, partner of the New York area firm Janover Rubinroit. The event is "specifically designed for CPAs in public practice, financial principals in the securities industry, as well as representatives of regulatory agencies."

Goodman expects regulators to provide a first-hand perspective on changes afoot in the sector, all from the context of accounting. Featured speakers include former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission Harvey L. Pitt, who plans to discuss the evolution and future of hedge funds. Douglas Shulman, vice chairman of the NASD, will discuss how the merger of regulatory authorities at the NASD and New York Stock Exchange will impact the industry.

The conference will also examine how the government pursues securities fraud cases by targeting accountants for cooperation and/or prosecution

The Broker/Dealer Conference will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel and Towers. Additional details are in this pdf.