I'll admit it: The thought of nearly 100 new Maryland CPAs vowing to protect the public is enough to make me want to dance.
I'm apparently not alone.
The MACPA celebrated its fifth New CPA Swearing-In Ceremony on June 2 by delivering its annual oath to dozens of Maryland's newest CPAs. With state and national dignitaries looking on, the CPAs recited these words in a vow to protect the public at all cost:
"I solemnly swear that I will assume the responsibilities and obligations as a certified public accountant in the state of Maryland and in the United States of America. I will support the laws and regulations and perform my professional duties to the best of my ability in an ethical, professional and objective manner. As a CPA, I will uphold the honor and dignity of the accounting profession and abide by the rules of professional conduct."
Though strictly ceremonial, those aren't empty promises.
"This a huge accomplishment. You've passed one of the toughest professional licensing exams there is," MACPA Executive Director Tom Hood told the new CPAs. "By being here, you are committing to the state of Maryland that you will always represent the public above everything else."
The vow also represents some pretty serious opportunities for the new professionals.
"You're in the accounting profession at an extraordinary time," said Ken Bishop, current chief operating officer and incoming CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. "Your license in Maryland essentially means you have a license to practice in 47 states, thanks to mobility. This is a global economy as well, and your CPA license is recognized as the premier accounting credential in the world."
As I said last year, this is one of my favorite MACPA events of the year. Not only does the ceremony give new CPAs and their families an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, but it encourages those attending to actually verbalize their commitment to serving the public. Passing the exam and earning your license is one thing. Standing in front of state and federal regulators, raising your right hand and promising to do the right thing is a powerful step. I'd be willing to bet it's one the new CPAs will remember when faced with professionally and morally difficult decisions.
Sounds like a reason to celebrate to me, so I wasn't terribly surprised when, at a post-oath reception, the new CPAs were greeted by a flash mob of dancing MACPA employees and volunteers, all movin' to Flynt Flossy's "Did I Mention I Like To Dance."
Rest assured, new CPAs: The ability to dance and have fun isn't a requirement for most accounting jobs, but it does come in handy from time to time.
Check out the dancing CPAs here:
Congratulations once again, folks, and welcome to the profession. Make us proud ... and have fun doing it!
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