First-ever CPA Inauguration Honors 80 Newly Licensed CPAs

October 10, 2007

The VSCPA partnered with the Virginia Board of Accountancy (BOA) to hold the first-ever inauguration for Virginia’s newly licensed certified public accountants (CPA). The CPA Inauguration ceremony was held September 29 at the Richmond Marriott Hotel in downtown Richmond.

Approximately 160 people attended the special event, including 80 CPAs issued licenses in the Commonwealth from January to September 2007. The biannual program, to be held in the fall and spring each year, is designed to congratulate new CPAs on their recent accomplishment, welcome them into the profession and provide them with a network of peers to assist in their continued growth and development. The VSCPA and BOA hosted this hallmark event to commend the new licensees’ dedication to their chosen career and completion of the demanding process of becoming a CPA. The next CPA Inauguration will be held April 26, 2008.

To become licensed in Virginia, all CPAs must pass a national exam and undergo rigorous higher education and certification requirements, including completing 150 hours of academic courses. To maintain the certification, CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education every three years, including Virginia’s two-hour annual course in professional ethics.

“The VSCPA is excited about the success of this event and the positive feedback from new licensees, CPA firms and VSCPA members,” said Monique T. Valentine, CPA, chair of the VSCPA Board of Directors. “We appreciate working with the Virginia Board of Accountancy in holding this event. This partnership will continue to ensure that Virginia CPAs become the future leaders of the CPA profession.”

While the VSCPA spearheaded this event, the BOA was also instrumental in ensuring its success.

“The Virginia Board of Accountancy is proud to be a part of this historic inaugural event that recognizes new licensees for their major achievements,” said Larry D. Samuel, CPA, chair of the BOA Board of Directors. “Congratulations to all of our new Virginia CPAs.”

The VSCPA would like to thank and recognize the following sponsors of the CPA Inauguration for their support of accounting and business education: Beers & Cutler, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, Clifton Gunderson LLP and Goodman & Company LLP.

Click here for a full list of Virginia CPA licensees. For more information about the VSCPA or the CPA Inauguration, please call (800) 733-8272.

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association dedicated to enhancing the success of CPAs. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has approximately 8,300 members who work in public accounting, industry, government and education. For more information, please visit the Press Room on the VSCPA Web site at www.vscpa.com, e-mail vscpa@vscpa.com or call (800) 733-8272. To search for a CPA in your geographic region, visit www.FinancialFitness.org and click on “Find a CPA.”

The Virginia Board of Accountancy (BOA) regulates businesses and individuals who practice public accountancy or who provide assurances about financial statements, which can only be provided by certified public accountants. Established in 1910, the Board comprises five certified public accountants, one educator in the field of accountancy and one citizen member. Each member is appointed by the Governor to serve a four-year term and may not serve for more than two consecutive terms. For more information, please visit the BOA Web site at www.boa.state.va.us.