History of the Georgia Society of CPAs

In 1905 a group of seven men met to form the Georgia State Association of Public Accountants for the purpose of advancement and the protection of the interests of public accountants. In 1913 the name of the group was changed to the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and by 1915 there were eleven fellow members and three associates

In 1925 the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted. There is little doubt that the purposes set forth in 1925, and the standards set by this group of dedicated men, are responsible for our being where we are today.

The Society existed a long time as a unit. The first chapters organized were the Atlanta in 1927, Savannah in 1928, Macon in 1932, and Columbus and Augusta in 1935.

In May 1957, the Educational Foundation received its charter. This was a most significant event in the annals of the Georgia Society and served as a challenge to the other state societies to match our progress.

The Society commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Georgia Accounting Law in 1958. Thomas Crittenden (president 1957-58) said, “We do more than observe merely the passing of 50 years since the enactment of the Georgia Accountancy Law. In reality we pay homage to those living and dead who have by their constant devotion to duty brought our profession to the eminence which it now enjoys.”

Prior to 1958 all work of the Society was handled by the members on a volunteer basis. Under the direction of Percy Bardin (president 1958-59), the State office was established in Atlanta and our first paid employee was hired.

Leo Leonard (president 1959-60) turned his attention to our public image. He was concerned that many business executives felt that CPAs were important only because of their tax services and that CPAs couldn't be professional because accounting was simply mechanical.

E.A. Markwalter (president 1962-63) felt the rapid growth of the accounting profession had created an amazing change in the outlook and functions of State Societies. He felt the change had caused a tremendous increase in the work load imposed on the officers of the Society. In order to alleviate the situation and provide a strong central point for future development, the State Office was upgraded and an executive secretary employed.

By 1965 the membership of the Society had grown to 1,050. Waldo Sowell (president 1964-65) said, “The profession in Georgia is entering a period of growth never experienced in the past. But the opportunity presented carries with it a challenge, a challenge which may he successfully met if we subscribe to a single standard – Excellence.”

A. Martin Sterling (president 1967-68) said, “After many years of effort one goal was brought to fruition. We now have a new law permitting all CPAs to practice as Certified Public Accountants.”

What is the Georgia Society of CPAs? It is members tied together by a bond that has been donated through the efforts and inspiration of past presidents. These men and women who diligently chose their committees, helped plan numerous meetings, and during their “spare” time looked to the future of the profession and Society and saw the events that we are undergoing today.