Accounting for local needs

Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg welcomes hands-on support from area businesses

Sixty-person accounting firm Spoor Bunch Franz lends entire staff

How many accounting professionals does it take to pressure-wash exteriors, clear and paint offices, build shelves, organize files, garden, sort donations, and pack over 750 backpacks? In this case more than 60, as Tampa Bay accounting firm Spoor Bunch Franz (SBF) lent its entire staff to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg for a day to help the nonprofit with time-sensitive facility enhancements and much more.

“This is a huge step to beautify and get ready for back-to-school,” said Heather Robb, Operations Director with PAL. The 750+ backpacks were loaded with school supplies collected from various local organizations and donation efforts, as well as clothing and other items for those in need.

Previously, SBF cleared-out PAL’s entire second floor, creating new space for new education programs. The accounting firm also extends their involvement with the organization to tutoring and site visits providing the opportunity for kids to learn more about the basics of finance.

“The opportunity to work with an organization that has such a strong impact on the next generation in our community initially drove me to get involved with PAL,” said SBF partner W.G. Spoor, who serves as a board member for PAL. “What really sets PAL apart is the youth interaction with the St. Petersburg Police Department – it’s cool to see how positive that dynamic can be.”

Spoor Bunch Franz uses practices of the emerging “Next Generation Accounting Firm” movement, is a family-oriented business, and encourages healthy work-life balance. Team members are deeply involved with many community and industry endeavors, not limited to: Police Athletic League, John Gorrie Foundation, First United Methodist Church, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA). More information at: https://www.sbfcpa.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/SpoorBunchFranz/.

“PAL St. Pete” is a 501c3 nonprofit specializing in providing affordable after-school programs, summer camps, and athletic programs for children and teens. PAL works to prevent crime among youth, empower youth, and “grow great grown-ups” through recreation, education, and athletics.

If your business might be interested in helping PAL, please contact operations director Heather Robb at hrobb@stpetepal.org. Information at: StPetePal.org, and facebook.com/PAL.St.Petersburg.

More at: Accounting Today, FL CPA Today, Tampa Bay Newswire, Patch, StPeteForGood, ScoopNest, WhoIsTampaBay.