Government CPAs Noted for Improvement Programs

Kurt K. Kawafuchi of Honolulu and Robert B. Scott of Carrollton, Texas, received the AICPA’s 2008 Outstanding CPA in Government Award.

The award, presented by AICPA Chairman Randy Fletchall at the Institute’s spring Council meeting in Florida, recognizes full-time college accounting educators for excellence in teaching and for national prominence in the profession.

Kawafuchi received the state government award. Scott received the local government award.

The awards were presented at the AICPA’s 25th Annual National Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference in Washington, D.C.

Kawafuchi, director of the Hawaii Department of Taxation, streamlined the department’s operations by implementing one–stop taxpayer support, faster refunds, “plain English” correspondence, automated 24/7 phone support, improved implementation of legislative changes, and audit selection tools. These programs and others have helped generate a record $304 million in collections over a previous record of $113 million.

Scott is Carrollton’s CFO and assistant city manager. He is credited as a champion of change for the Texas Municipal Retirement system, which covers state employees in more than 800 cities. He has assisted Texas governments in implementing GASB’s new standards on other post-employment benefits by coordinating a share actuarial services contract through the local Council of Governments, allowing governments of all sizes to access high-quality actuarial services for reasonable price.