K 485: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Month in the State of New York

 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.