Should CPAs Lead the Way?

Should CPAs
Lead the Way?

A call to objectivity.

bjectivity: It is the century-old hallmark of the certified public accountant. It has been re-affirmed as a core value in the grassroots vision process. It is essential for CPAs as they assess the viability of the proposed global business credential for themselves, their colleagues and professional heirs.

In her letter to members on the global business credential, AICPA Chairman Kathy Eddy urged her fellow CPAs to “separate fact from fiction, and consider this matter with all the competence and objectivity our profession has come to stand for.” Other CPAs have encouraged their colleagues to “keep an open mind,” “assess it realistically,” “take the blinders off,” “keep your eyes wide open,” “avoid half facts,” and “continue the dialogue.”

Greg Pashke, a Pennsylvania CPA, offers the following advice to fellow CPAs as they move towards their decision: “Evaluate with both your brain and your heart. Take the time to diligently review the logical pros and cons and then seek the guidance of your gut feelings. Consider your natural predisposition and be prepared to challenge it.”

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

At its May meeting, the AICPA Council approved moving forward with the global business credential by resolving “to inform the AICPA membership on the potential for a new global credential, how it will benefit CPAs, its implications for the CPA profession and to obtain member and state society comment in anticipation of a membership referendum authorized by Council on the proposal.”

That referendum, to be mailed in late fall, would ask members to vote on whether or not “to amend the bylaws of the AICPA so as to specifically recognize the AICPA’s authority to enable the granting of an interdisciplinary global credential in an affiliated entity.” Approval by two-thirds of the members voting is required for moving forward with the establishment of an affiliated entity for the global business credential.