In its never-ending attempt to convince the world that CPAs aren't dull, faceless professionals buried under endless spreadsheets, and, hopefully, win $10,000 to support high school and college accounting students, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accounts (NJSCPA) has entered a rather spicy photo in the "Great Event Photo Contest" on Facebook.

 

According to Don Meyer, director of communication and marketing for NJSCPA, the society got involved with the photo contest this summer when Cvent, a meetings management technology company, asked participants to upload a photo to their Facebook page showcasing the best event, meeting, or conference they have ever attended.

 

The NJSCPA's "Certified Sexy Salsa" photo features society member Gail Rosen salsa dancing in the Dancing with the CPAs competition at the organization's 2011 Convention and Expo in Atlantic City.

 

Rosen was one of eight society members to train with professional dancers, then strut her stuff before a 600 member audience at the organization's annual convention.

 

"The typical CPA is usually perceived as boring or stuffy, but this dancing contest proved we were the antithesis of that," Meyer said. "We thought this photo, Gail's pose, and the smile on her face, captured the spirit of the event."

 

The photo submission was the brainchild of Marlene Genaud, NJSCPA graphic designer.

 

According to the Cvent Facebook page, visitors will have until August 22 to vote for their favorite photo. Visitors may only vote once a day. On August 22, the 25 photos with the greatest number of fan votes will be named semi-finalists.

 

Then, a panel of Cvent judges will select a grand prize winner and 10 runners up from among the 25 semi-finalist entries.

 

According to Meyer, a cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the grand prize winner.

 

If the "Certified Sexy Salsa" photo receives enough votes to win the grand prize, Meyer said, the society will devote the money to its NJSCPA Scholarship Fund, a program that helps high school and college students with a demonstrated interest in accounting pay for their college education.

 

"We are encouraging, or perhaps 'nagging,' our members, and members from other CPA societies, to vote for this photo and help a good cause," Meyer said.

 

So why does Meyer think the photo of a sultry-stepping CPA might have a chance to win the big prize?

 

"The event and the photo presents a real juxtaposition between the mundane image the public has of CPAs and the fun spirit that's really simmering underneath," Meyer said.

 

You can cast your vote for the NJSCPA's "Certified Sexy Salsa" photo,