By: Jim Ahler
Council meets in the spring and fall of each year, and about 400 people typically attend. In addition to the delegates mentioned above, state CPA association staff; leadership from other international and domestic accounting bodies; reporters from many accounting publications; and other interested parties are also in attendance. The AICPA’s Board of Directors, in effect, functions as the Executive Committee to Council. Agendas typically include formal discussions and decisions on substantive policy matters and an array of thought-provoking speakers on emerging issues and trends.
The Council meeting, chaired by Richard Caturano, CPA, AICPA Chair of the Board of Directors and National Diversity Partner for McGladrey, LLP, opened with Kenneth Bouyer, CPA, American Director of Inclusion & Recruiting for Ernst & Young, LLP. Ken is Chair of National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion. The National Commission was formed to “move the needle” and is developing best practices to expand the level of diversity and inclusion in this profession, our organizations, and our businesses.
We were then treated to an extraordinary presentation from Dr. James Johnson, UNC Kenan-Flagler Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship, who is also the Director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center. Dr. Johnson reviewed his 2011 award-winning study on the “Six Disruptive Demographic Trends: What the 2010 US Census Will Reveal.” The report is especially important for North Carolina because we are in a high-growth and rapid-change state.
The program also included reports from David Morgan, CPA, Chair of the FRF for SMEs Committee on the AICPA’s new special purpose framework: Financial Reporting Framework for Small and Medium Entities. Billy Atkinson, CPA, Chair of the Private Company Council (PCC) reported on the Council’s efforts to modify US GAAP for small privately owned businesses. Barry Melancon, CPA, AICPA President & CEO, provided a comprehensive issues update, and I’ll incorporate many of his topics in my remaining Professional Issues Updates.
We also heard from members of the Future of Learning Task Force, which has been charged to examine the rapidly changing landscape of education, training, and customer expectations. Marketplace needs are changing so rapidly, and this profession must ensure members excel in performing their services, and serving clients and employers.
Sharon Bryson, COO, also attended Council and will post in a few days regarding her experience at Council, including thoughts on Sal Khan’s remarkable presentation. If you have questions about anything mentioned here, please reach out to me at [email protected].
Jim is the chief executive officer of NCACPA and works directly with the board of directors. A registered lobbyist, he works with the lobbying team at the NC General Assembly and represents the association with the State Board of CPA Examiners. Jim presents a “Professional Issues Update” annually around the state. He serves as liaison director for the Government Relations and Taxation committees as well as the Professional Ethics Advisory Group. A true blue Kentucky Wildcat fan, Jim knows his basketball. Just ask him.