Note: Our winter CPA IN Perspective magazine is digital—keep an eye out for new articles in our upcoming communications.
Why is “Protect the CPA license in Indiana” an INCPAS strategic plan objective?
Erland Porter, CPA
INCPAS Chair
Thrivent Financial
"Protecting the license is the bedrock of the work we do. This comes in many forms and serves as the litmus test for all the programs and efforts put forth by INCPAS. We understand the impact CPAs have on the community, and proactively protecting the license is in the best interest of not only CPAs but everyone impacted by business."
Barry K. Hall, CPA, CGMA
INCPAS Chair-Elect
Kruggel Lawton CPAs
"The primary role of INCPAS has always been to advocate for the CPA profession. Advocacy for the profession covers many topics, including education on issues, providing relevant continuing education, ensuring members comply with ethical code of conduct, assisting firms and members with various issues and concerns, and more.
One of the most important things INCPAS does is monitor any challenges to the CPA license. CPAs have been recognized for many years as the most trusted advisor to our clients. The public assumes a level of expertise and integrity associated with our license. Attest services on financial information can only be provided by CPAs. Since so much trust is placed in CPAs, our licensing process is more rigorous and—when a CPA license is obtained—it is well earned. I don’t think the general CPA populace is aware of the challenges and attempts to de-value our license that occur every year. INCPAS makes protecting the CPA license a strategic objective to ensure becoming a CPA is a challenging but worthwhile undertaking that protects our role in the marketplace as the most trusted advisor."
Jeremy E. Gallion, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
EY
"All CPAs work extremely hard to earn the CPA license. It is a license that shows people you are an expert in the accounting profession. A CPA is trusted to prepare tax returns, audit financial statements, provide business advice, and provide many other services. People trust CPAs to provide these services because of the education and training we have received. It is critically important to protect the license so the public continues to view CPAs as trusted business advisors."
Carrie B. Minnich, CPA, Macct
INCPAS Vice Chair
Dulin, Ward & DeWald, Inc.
"The CPA designation is one of the most widely recognized and highly trusted professional licenses in the business world. Stringent qualifications and licensing requirements set us apart from other business professionals. In order to receive the CPA license, individuals have to meet rigorous academic, professional and ethical standards. In addition, after we receive the license, we are required to receive continuing professional education to stay up-to-date on current standards and requirements. There is legislation being discussed that would remove professional licensing, including the CPA license. This means anyone could perform the services we do, without obtaining the education, passing the Exam, and meeting the experience standards CPAs currently must meet. It is important to protect the CPA license so not only our clients but also the public can continue to trust these services are provided by qualified individuals."
Diane L. Sturek, CPA-inactive, MAcc
INCPAS Vice Chair
Indiana University Kelley School of Business
"In determining the strategic directives for the Society, an overarching theme has been to focus on the needs of our members and what the Society can do that members cannot, individually, do for themselves. Protecting the CPA license in Indiana is something the Society can do for the collective benefit of all our members. Only CPAs are uniquely licensed to provide the attest services that are essential in the capital markets. By protecting the CPA license, our members can assure their clients of the integrity, expertise and professionalism that are hallmarks of the designation.
By monitoring Indiana’s legislative agenda and analyzing the impact of proposed legislation on the CPA designation, INCPAS VP – Advocacy Sherrill Rude, CAE, and the INCPAS Advocacy Council provide an essential service to all CPAs in Indiana.”