The more than 150 CPA members of the Georgia Society of CPAs recently converged at the Georgia State Capital to celebrate the 2013 CPA Day at the Gold Dome.

The GSCPA members heard from legislators, including House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal; Senator Jack Murphy, Chairman, Regulated Industries Committee; Senator Judson Hill, Chairman of the Finance Committee; and Charles Beaudrot, Administrative Law Judge, Tax Tribunal; as well as three CPA legislators: David Knight, David Wilkerson and John Carson.

“The Georgia Society of CPAs launched CPA Day at the Gold Dome because CPAs offer a unique and intelligent perspective, and events like this make a very real connection between the profession and Georgia's legislators,” said GSCPA CEO Boyd Search in a statement. “GSCPA members take seriously the issues that impact the CPA profession, the clients and employers they serve and the State of Georgia at large.”

CPA Sam Johnson, current chairman of the Georgia State Board of Accountancy, also spoke that morning.

“In spite of the fact that CPAs and CPA firms paid in excess of $1.2 million in fees to obtain and renew individual and firm licenses in the 2010 and 2011 biennial period, I stand before you as the chairman of what is likely the weakest and most underfunded state board in the country,” Johnson stated. “It is my opinion that a more autonomous board having a high level of input in its budgetary and financial matters would more effectively and efficiently meet its stated purpose to protect the public welfare and license qualified individuals.”

The event also included a networking breakfast and one-on-one meetings between GSCPA members and legislators.

“It means a lot to the Georgia General Assembly to hear from CPAs on their knowledge and experience of the respective industries they serve as well as on tax matters,” stated Representative David Knight. “I appreciate the help and support I have received from the GSCPA and its members as it pertains to the House Ways and Means Committee. CPAs are a valuable resource and offer an objective view on what affects Georgia and our citizens.”

“The services that CPAs provide are most critical to the financial markets with regard to investors requiring accurate and dependable information for decision making,” stated Representative John Carson. “These services have a tremendous impact on a state’s commerce, economic health, and citizens in terms of a state’s GDP and a state’s tax collections. GSCPA members offer guidance and objectivity for lawmakers in making sound decisions for the state of Georgia.”