AICPA Council Meetings

Having participated in Future Forums in October 1997, all members of the AICPA's governing body, known as Council, carefully considered the Core Purpose and Vision Statement during Regional Council meetings in Dallas, Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. During these meetings in March 1998, members of Council were asked to consider the impact of the Core Purpose and Vision Statement on all segments of the profession.

Members of Council expressed unanimous and enthusiastic support for the concept and direction of the Core Purpose and Vision Statement during the Regional Council meetings. Comments and suggestions from the Regional Council meetings were incorporated and presented at the AICPA Spring Council meeting held in San Francisco in May.

Comments from AICPA Council members, which are reflective viewpoints from across the country:

From Business and Industry
"I see CPAs in industry becoming integral members of the leadership business team which identifies business opportunities and participates in the decision-making process, as opposed to performing supporting staff roles by limiting the CPA's function to analyzing alternatives." (New York)

From Public Practice
"Many successful firms have always done this... other firms that have been successful in the past, however, are at greatest risk if the Vision Statement is unheeded. This will require firms to stretch... it's just beyond our fingertips." (Los Angeles)

From Education
"...More partnering with CPAs in industry and public practice, recruiting different types of people into the profession." (Dallas)

"...Need broader education for the future so this works... the vision gives educators a guide to the marketplace. Some firms are going to liberal arts students because of their broad base education." (Los Angeles)

From Government
"By realizing this Vision, CPAs could become more integral to the policy making process. CPAs could be more involved in activities related to reinventing government and making government serve its constituents in a more effective and efficient manner." (New York)