November 2012
Many enforcement achievements are occurring all over the country because of the additional layer of information that the ALD affords State Boards. This is thanks to the state boards’ commitment to the breadth and accuracy of the data within the ALD and the efforts of NASBA combined with ALD features such as the disciplinary email alerts and linked records across state lines. Some excellent case studies have been reported:
Washington Case Study
One great example of an enforcement achievement happened in Washington. An unlicensed person was holding himself out as a CPA. This individual was actually on the partner track at a big four firm. As part of the background checks as he moved through the interviews, the firm looked him up on CPAverify.org. Since he was not included in the database, they grew concerned. The firm’s management called the Washington Board to verify the individual’s license and the Board told him that the individual had never even taken the exam, let alone received a license. The individual was fired for his dishonesty and misuse of the CPA designation. The individual proceeded to take the exam and pass, but the fraud had already been committed. The Washington Board decided to freeze his scores so that other State Boards would be alerted to the history with this candidate should he attempt to transfer his grades and apply for a license in other states.
Virginia Case Study – WINNER for Best Success Story
In Virginia, the enforcement manager, Jean Grant, received an email alert containing information about a Virginia licensee who had been disciplined in another state. Upon further research, she discovered that the individual’s license had actually been revoked in three other states: New York, Texas, and Washington. This individual had not disclosed the discipline to Virginia and if not for the ALD email alerts, the Virginia Board might never have known. In Virginia, receiving disciplinary action in another state is grounds for being disciplined by the Virginia State Board, as so determined. Ms. Grant was thrilled to have the power of the ALD data and email alerts on her side in this situation and says, “The ALD is awesome!”