Kansas and Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger Explains—Licensing Issues for CPA’s

Certified Public Accountants are highly-trained and highly-respected members of the community. The key to practicing as a CPA is your license. For a variety of reasons, accountants are sometimes accused of engaging in unethical practices or misconduct. Sometimes these complaints are false or are retaliation by a disgruntled client. Other times, unfortunately, they are the result of an ethical lapse by the CPA. Either way, aggressive, experienced licensing counsel is critical to defending your license and livelihood from a suspension or revocation. I wrote the following post to outline why discipline could occur and what you should do if an allegation arises.

If you are a CPA in Kansas or Missouri facing an investigation, call attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free consultation. Your career, reputation, and livelihood are at risk, and you cannot work your way through this alone.

Can the State of Missouri or Kansas Just Take My CPA License?

No. Legally, your CPA license is your “property,” just like a piece of land. The United States Constitution’s Fifth Amendment guarantees that the government cannot deprive you of life, liberty, or property without due process. But what does “due process” mean? While in a criminal trial you have a right to a jury and other elaborate process, a license action only requires a hearing before an administrative hearing officer or board. In this context, due process means that the state must afford you notice of all the allegations against you, an opportunity to prevent your defense to a hearing officer or board, and consideration of your position. But make no mistake, an administrative hearing is just as contentious as a criminal trial, and your career hangs in the balance.

What Should You Do if You are Accused of Misconduct or Unethical Behavior? 

Panicking Will Not Help

While a claim of misconduct or unethical behavior is serious, there is no reason to panic. Given the numerous regulations that CPA’s must follow and the number of clients they see, an allegation is inevitable.  That said, with the help of experienced licensing counsel, you will likely be able to navigate this process and position yourself for many more years of practice.  While this is a dark time, it will not remain so forever.

Attain Counsel Before Speaking with Any Investigators

As you have likely seen on television crime shows, “you have the right to remain silent” and “everything you say may be held against you.”  The problem is that you will likely not be given that sort of “Miranda” warning, as this is not a criminal matter. Instead, many CPA’s try to go it alone or talk their way out of the problem. Investigators love it when you do that, as you are providing them with exactly the information they need to find a violation. The investigator may seem helpful and sympathetic, but that is often just a ruse to get you talking. Do not speak with any official without counsel present.

Preserve All Records

Do not delete records related to any inquiry into your conduct. Such destruction, even if done innocently, will suggest guilt later. Instead, preserve all documents and turn off any automatic archiving software.  Next, compile all records pertinent to the matter so that you and your

Contact an Experienced Kansas and Missouri Licensing Attorney Now

Any CPA in Kansas or Missouri contacted by an investigator or licensing board should contact experienced counsel immediately. Your business and license to practice are in jeopardy, and these initial moments are crucial. Contacting an experienced licensing attorney to help you through this process and can mean the difference between getting back to helping your patients and a license suspension or revocation.

Kansas and Missouri professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger is prepared to advocate for your best interests and defend you. Call Attorney Sanger at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney experienced dealing with CPA licensing issues.

 

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