Royce Duncan did not initially have his sights set on accounting. When he entered college, he was a political science major and planned on entering law school upon graduation. His father, a controller with a meat packing company, urged him to take business and accounting courses to round out his education. Through those classes, Royce found that he enjoyed the analytical aspects of accounting.
     A native of Atlanta, Royce lived in Jacksonville, Florida for 15 years, but was drawn back to Atlanta by family ties. A graduate of Jacksonville University, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975, his CPA certification in Florida in 1977 and in Georgia in 1979.
     Royce began his accounting career in the audit department of PriceWaterhouse & Co. in the Jacksonville office. For 35 years, he has worked diligently in public accounting in a variety of firms from some of the largest in the country (PriceWaterhouse and Deloitte Haskins & Sells) to being a sole practitioner for five years. He also worked a six month CFO job for a local company. Ten years into his career, Royce joined the firm of Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan, CPAs, where he currently serves as a partner.
       His strong worth ethic was influenced by his parents. He grew up witnessing firsthand how they were both trusted and valuable employees and that they treated those who worked for them with respect and dignity. Professional mentors include Jim Degnan, an audit manager at PriceWaterhouse, who showed him the importance of client service. In addition, Don Rhodes, the founder of Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan, was an example of integrity and professionalism that Royce continually strives to emulate.
     Royce became a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) in 1979.
     “I have always believed in being involved and wanting to make a difference in the profession. I have benefitted much from the efforts of others, and I feel a responsibility to ensure that future generations of CPAs have the same career opportunities that have been afforded to me,” says Royce.
     Involvement with the GSCPA began with the DeKalb Chapter as Program Committee chair, then vice president and president of the chapter. His interest in politics steered him to the Legislative Committee and also the Key Person programs of the GSCPA and AICPA. Other Society involvements include chair of the Management of an Accounting Practice Committee and as a member of the Mobility Task Force. He has also served on the GSCPA Council and Board of Directors leading him to his current post as chairman.
     During his term, Royce and the Board of Directors will continue to focus on reaching out to GSCPA members to make sure the organization is meeting their needs in terms of programs and services, specifically continuing professional education (CPE). The Society will strive to ensure that it remains the pre-eminent provider of high-quality CPE at reasonable prices. The strategic plan will continue to assess the way in which the GSCPA meets members’ needs in light of finite resources. Another significant focus will be working with the CEO search committee to ensure a smooth transition for the candidate selected.
     As the GSCPA embarks on a new year, Royce offers this advice: “Stay flexible in your career goals and do not allow yourself to become too complacent or develop tunnel vision in your professional career. Keep your technical skills updated at all times and be prepared for the many changes in our profession that lie ahead. They will provide outstanding opportunities for those who are prepared to seize them!”