A CPA in charge at the Virginia Board of Accountancy

Nancy Glynn, CPA, is breaking the mold at the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA). She is the first executive director in the VBOA’s history to hold an active CPA license. She knows the entire CPA experience; she lived through it.

“I have experienced the profession from all perspectives,” Glynn says. “I sweated through the educational requirements and the exam when I was younger. I have lived and breathed CPE requirements — even a CPE audit or two — since I earned my CPA. I have been involved in some aspects of peer review and I have done hundreds of audits and compliance investigations.”

All that experience prepared her to lead the state government body tasked with protecting Virginia citizens by regulating CPAs and CPA firms.

A natural fit

Despite initially thinking she would specialize in tax after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Glynn spent most of her career as a CPA working in audit and compliance. “It was a great fit for me,” she says. “I am naturally curious, enjoy the challenge of changing priorities and love to untangle complicated situations. Audits, fraud investigations and compliance reviews often provided diverse challenges.”

After working in audit at the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, she became senior audit manager at MeadWestvaco (now WestRock), where she traveled internationally. She later became director of global assurance at ChildFund International, which enabled her to travel to developing countries and experience different parts of the world. “In each of these positions, I was responsible for fraud investigations and compliance matters,” Glynn says. “This has provided me with some very interesting experiences!”

When her grandchildren were born, Glynn decided it was time to stick closer to home. With her experience in nonprofits and assurance,  she thought the executive director position at the VBOA could be the right fit. She began her new job in October 2018, replacing former director Wade Jewell, who had left for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

Facing challenges head on

Now that she’s got a year under her belt as executive director, Glynn says the VBOA is watching national trends like CPA candidate numbers decreasing and deregulation. The board is constantly meeting to discuss state, national and global issues. “The VBOA, other state boards of accountancy and national organizations are focused on ensuring the CPA title continues to provide value in an evolving global business environment.”

Virginia is seeing fewer candidates sitting for the CPA Exam, which some experts attribute to low unemployment rates and ample job opportunities, Glynn says. Along with national organizations, the board always trying to attract candidates and promote the benefits of the CPA designation. “In my current position, I try to share my experiences and encourage those interested to pursue their CPA license. From my experience, and the experience of other CPAs I have spoken with, I can tell you it is worth it.”

Additionally, the national movement for deregulation creates a challenging environment for professional licenses and implementing any changes to regulations. At the same time, Glynn acknowledges, change is needed for the profession. “We can clearly see technology and the expanding global economy continue to challenge the diversity of skills needed for accountants. We are working to ensure the CPA profession remains relevant.”

All in all, Glynn says, “I believe having an experienced CPA at the helm, especially one with years of compliance experience, is beneficial for all licensees, exam candidates, applicants and the public.”

And besides, she has firsthand knowledge that many stereotypes are untrue. “There is a perception that CPAs have dry personalities and are good at math,” she says. “I know this is not true for me or most CPAs I know, though some are very good at math!”