Skip to main content

VSCPA Political Action Committee (PAC)

The PAC financially assists candidates and legislators who actively support CPA business issues — people we need in office to support the CPA profession. Every contribution is vital to create maximum impact and give a clear, pro-business message to legislators.

What is the VSCPA PAC?

Formed in 1981, the VSCPA Political Action Committee  (formerly the CPA PAC of Virginia) is a bipartisan committee that contributes funds to candidates who support CPA interests. The PAC is overseen by its Board of Trustees.

The VSCPA PAC aims to secure CPAs' scope of practice and enhance CPAs' business opportunities by helping elect candidates who support CPAs. VSCPA PAC funds are used for contributions to state and local legislators and candidates who support the interests of the CPA profession in Virginia. 

How is the PAC related to the VSCPA?

VSCPA PAC contributions help CPAs gain access to key legislators to keep them informed of important issues affecting the CPA profession. PAC contributions, in concert with strong advocacy efforts from the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA), help ensure our voice is heard at the Virginia Capitol.

How to make a contribution

The VSCPA takes standalone contributions from both individuals and firms/companies, as well as contributions during the member dues renewal process.

Our successes

Together, the VSCPA and VSCPA PAC have...

  • Advocated for the successful passage of rolling income tax conformity legislation in Virginia.
  • Prevented legislation that would have created a Sarbanes-Oxley cascade effect in Virginia.
  • Successfully advocated for an independent Virginia Board of Accoun­tancy.
  • Supported legislation which simplified the accountancy code to allow for ongoing changes to accounting standards.
  • Helped prevent a sales tax on professional services.
  • Helped advance tort reform in Virginia, making it a business-oriented economy.
  • Helped modify Department of Housing and Communi­ty Development requirements to protect CPAs from instructions that would have violated the Code of Conduct.

We are currently:

  • Advocating for the importance of high standards of CPA licensure to ensure the profession remains prestigious and respected.
  • Supporting state legislation and similar efforts to require increased financial literacy education in Virginia.
  • Monitoring all legislation that could possibly affect the CPA profession.

How the PAC supports candidates

The PAC uses the below criteria to determine who to support.

  • Virginia candidates only — local candidates if he or she is a CPA. Since 2004, the PAC will give a contribution to any fellow VSCPA member who runs on a state or local ballot. Running for office? Contact Emily Walker.
  • Members of key committees in the Virginia General Assembly.
  • Legislators who receive high business-interest ratings from the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Educational (VA FREE).
  • VSCPA member recommendations.
  • Legislative counsel recommendations.
  • Legislators who support CPA issues and attend VSCPA functions.

Contact the VSCPA PAC

Want more information on the VSCPA PAC, including how to contribute or how to request funds? Contact VSCPA Vice President, Advocacy & Pipeline Emily Walker.