CPA’s License Suspended for Unlawful Use
When a person or company hires a certified public accountant (CPA), they want someone they can trust. After all, an accountant deals with finances, and money is a touchy and private subject for most people. The public doesn’t want someone who will be dishonest with their money or not take their privacy seriously.
CPAs, like other licensed professionals, must act in an ethical manner at all times. They are dealing with money and finances, which are areas in which fraud is likely to occur. They must use good judgment at all times. Otherwise, they can lose their license. They can also face legal issues and be sued in a civil case.
This was the case for a CPA in North Carolina. The man was taken to court by a company for which he served as an officer. The company prevailed, winning a $2 million judgment.
The CPA’s license was suspended by the North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners on March 17 following a civil case that ended in December. The case involved Steel Tube Inc. Steel Tube sued the CPA, who was an officer for the company, after failing to provide accounting services that the company and CPA had agreed upon. One thing was that the CPA failed to file the company’s taxes.
So far, the only punishment was that the CPA’s license was suspended. However, the CPA could face further discipline. The board will hold a public hearing on July 20. The CPA and others involved can make a determination about the discipline that the CPA should face for “violation of integrity” as well as the other state accounting regulations that man violated. The CPA could face a fine of $1,000 per infraction, as well as temporary or permanent revocation of his CPA license.
CPA License Violations
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates the professional conduct of licensed CPAs. A person who violates the standard accounting practices can face license suspension, revocation, fines and other penalties. License violations include the following:
- Gross negligence
- Acts of dishonesty and fraud
- Violating the rules of professional conduct
- Charging fees under fraudulent practices
- Conviction of a felony
- Violations of professional conduct and ethical behavior
If you are accused of any of the above, not all is lost. Formal representation and litigation may be required if any of the above violations occur. Don’t jeopardize your career. Seek legal representation right away to protect your future.
Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Certified Public Accountant Licensing Lawyer
CPAs and other licensed professionals must abide by ethical rules at all times. Failing to perform work or engaging in fraud and other crimes can lead to numerous penalties such as license loss.
Tampa certified public accountant licensing lawyer David P. Rankin can help you with any licensing issues you may face. He has many years of experience helping CPAs and other licensed professionals hold onto their licenses. To schedule a consultation, call his office at (813) 968-6633 or fill out the online form.
Resource:
statesville.com/news/local/north-carolina-accountant-gets-license-suspended-because-of-actions-against-iredell-company/article_0678f696-029f-55f1-96d2-6e8122106b47.html
https://www.davidrankinlaw.com/cpas-facing-ethical-challenges-due-to-ppp/
