The American Institute of CPAs announced John H. Fisher, Ph.D., CPA, and Roger A. Norman, CPA, J.D., as recipients of the 2012 Outstanding CPA in Government Award.
Fisher of Kansas City, Mo., posthumously received the federal government award while Little Rock, Ark., resident Norman was given the state award, presented by AICPA chairman Gregory J. Anton during the AICPA’s 29th Annual National Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference in Washington, D.C. The awards honor CPAs working in federal, state and local government who have contributed to increased efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations, as well as growth and enhancement of the accounting profession.
Fisher was the audit manager and single audit coordinator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under his leadership, the HHS established and resourced the National External Audit Review Center near Kansas City, which continues to serve as a tool for HHS program monitoring and integrity.
Fisher was also a member of the AICPA, the Missouri Society of CPAs, the Kansas Society of CPAs and served as a member of the State governmental committees for both the Kansas and Missouri Societies of CPAs.
As legislative auditor for the state of Arkansas, Norman manages 275 employees to provide nearly 1,000 audits, reports and specially projects annually. He directed his division to meet federal single-audit deadlines while auditing additional ARRA funds totally about $3 billion, and helped introduce a new paperless audit management program to increase efficiency and reduce expenses.
Norman is a member of the AICPA, the Arkansas Society of CPAs, the Arkansas Bar Association, and currently serves on the executive committee of the National State Auditors Association.
“John’s and Roger’s work have underscored the importance of having CPAs work in national and state government,” said Anton in a statement. “Through their vision, dedication and commitment they have raised the bar in our profession. They are the embodiment of what it means to work in governmental accounting.”
The AICPA did not bestow an Outstanding CPA in Government Award to a local level of government employee this year.
