Assembly Resolution No. 485

BY: M. of A. Pretlow

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2025 as Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
celebrate the outstanding contributions of professional groups who
promote economic stability, public trust, and fiscal integrity across
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, are widely regarded
as the most trusted professional in the financial industry, upholding
the highest standards of competence, objectivity, and ethical
responsibility; and

WHEREAS, The CPA profession in New York has a storied and
distinguished history, beginning with the issuance of the very first CPA
license in the United States to New Yorker Elijah Watt Sells in 1896,
setting a national precedent for professional excellence in public
accountancy; and

WHEREAS, CPAs today are indispensable across dozens of complex
specializations, serving the public interest in diverse and critical
areas such as budgeting, taxation, legislation, cannabis industry
compliance, auditing, banking, cryptocurrency and digital assets,
insurance, healthcare, private equity and venture capital, real estate,
stock brokerage, professional ethics, education, cybersecurity, business
valuation and litigation services, financial restructuring and
performance improvement, anti-money laundering, and both small and large
business advisory services; and

WHEREAS, Becoming a CPA represents a highly valuable and rewarding
career path, marked by rigorous education, examination, and experience
requirements that prepare individuals to navigate the ever-evolving
financial landscape with integrity and precision; and

WHEREAS, Hiring a CPA has consistently proven to be a smart
financial decision for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and public institutions, yielding sound advice, risk
mitigation, regulatory compliance, and improved financial outcomes; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
(NYCPA), founded in 1897, stands as the first and oldest state
accounting organization in the United States, and remains a national
leader in the advancement and advocacy of the CPA profession; and

WHEREAS, The NYCPA represents more than 20,000 CPAs and financial
professionals across New York State, and has demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to education, public service, and professional development
for well over a century; and

WHEREAS, The NYCPA and its members have long been the stewards of
financial literacy education in the State of New York, providing

critical resources, guidance, and volunteer service in classrooms,
libraries, community centers, and virtual platforms; and

WHEREAS, In collaboration with the Office of the State Comptroller,
the NYCPA has played an instrumental role in advancing financial
literacy statewide, offering essential programs on budgeting, retirement
planning, public pensions, and fiscal responsibility for New Yorkers of
all ages and backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The contributions of CPAs are central to the financial
health and resilience of communities, businesses, and governments across
the Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Certified
Public Accountants (CPA) Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the Honorable Thomas P. DiNapoli, Comptroller of the State of New
York; and the New York State Society of CPAs.