Being an accountant isn't normally seen as a stressful job, but CPAs know better. Accountancy can be a demanding profession that places a great deal of pressure on you. Becoming a qualified accountant who can handle the burdens of the job takes a great deal of time and training.
Despite the many qualified CPAs throughout Alaska who provide indispensable services for individuals and organizations, many accountants find themselves facing sanctions due to misunderstandings, unfounded accusations of unprofessional conduct, or genuine errors. Without a strong defense, you risk facing suspension, revocation, or other adverse actions against your CPA license.
The Lento Law Firm understands what you're up against as a CPA. We are committed to defending accountants like you, and we are aware that licensing boards may not always fully grasp the nuances of your situation. Our Professional License Defense Team is ready to take on your case to secure the best outcome possible. Reach out to us at 888-535-3686 or provide your information via our online form, and we will get in touch with you.
The Alaska Board of Public Accountancy
In Alaska, CPAs must get licensed through the Board of Public Accountancy. The CPA license is one of many professional licenses in the state managed by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing, which is part of the state Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. The Board of Public Accountancy must ensure that only qualified individuals are licensed as CPAs and that proper standards are maintained. The Board is in charge of laws that pertain to the practice of accountancy in Alaska and is responsible for making final decisions and implementing disciplinary actions in cases of violations.
All licenses are public records, meaning any member of the public can view a copy of your license (but they can't see confidential information like your Social Security number). The CPA Board website also has a list of investigative reports and disciplinary actions taken against CPAs found guilty of violations. Finally, anyone can submit a formal complaint about you as a licensed CPA to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Actions the Board of Public Accountancy Can Take Against You
If the Board of Public Accountancy puts you under investigation for violating Alaska CPA licensing laws, you may have disciplinary action against your license. The actions the board can take include:
- Permanent revocation
- License suspension
- Censure or reprimand of a license
- Limitations or conditions on practice
- Submitting to peer review
- Requirements for remedial professional education
- Probation requiring regular reporting to the board
- Civil fine of up to $5,000
Many CPAs accused of wrongdoing in Alaska do a consent agreement with the CPA Board. The goal of these agreements is to reach a solution that is balanced and favorable to both sides. If you take a consent agreement, you don't have to go to a hearing. Every consent agreement is different, and the recommendations are based on the CPA's situation, but some of the most common consent agreement resolutions are:
- Reprimand
- Revocation
- Assessment of civil penalty (fine)
- Suspension
- Probation
- Additional continuing education requirements
- Practice restrictions
The Truth May Not Be Enough to Protect You
In defense cases we've worked on for accountants, many get falsely accused. Often, these CPAs believed that simply telling the honest truth—that they were innocent—would be enough to avoid disciplinary action. Thankfully, they made the wise decision to enlist our services instead of expecting a just and reasonable decision from the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy.
The reality is that outcomes in disciplinary cases do not always align with the facts. Accountancy boards can and do make errors, resulting in unjust or incorrect decisions due to various factors:
- They might not perform thorough investigations, missing crucial facts, testimonies, and evidence that could alter the case's result.
- There could be a bias towards the complainant or against the CPA being accused.
- Certain pieces of evidence or testimonies, especially those that could exonerate the accused, might be disregarded.
- They might not draw the right conclusions even when all the information is available.
A significant number of disciplined CPAs in Alaska could have been innocent or warranted milder sanctions than those imposed. When facing a disciplinary case, it's critical not to take anything for granted. An attorney from our team can ensure that every piece of evidence and fact is thoroughly presented and that we explore every avenue to secure a favorable outcome for you.
Grounds for Sanctions Against CPAs in Alaska
The CPA Board can take disciplinary actions against a CPA license if the licensee is found responsible for:
- Fraud or deceit in obtaining a license
- Dishonesty or gross negligence in the profession
- Posing as a certified accountant or CPA without a proper license
- Unprofessional conduct
- Felony conviction under the laws of any state in the U.S.
- Conviction of any crime pertaining to dishonesty or fraud
- Cancellation, revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew of a CPA license in another state
- Suspension or revocation of the right to practice before any state or federal agency
- Failure to fulfill continuing education requirements
- Failure to comply with any peer review requirements
- Dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or gross negligence when filing income tax returns
- Any fraudulent act while a CPA license is valid
- False or misleading statement in support of another person who's applying for a CPA license
In addition, you may also be required to pay for the costs of the disciplinary proceedings related to the complaint against your license.
The Adjudication Process for CPA Licensing Issues in Alaska
The CPA Board in Alaska follows a set process for dealing with complaints about CPA license holders. This multi-step process starts with an investigation, moves to a hearing, and then ends with the opportunity for an appeal.
Investigation
The investigative process starts when the CPA Board or Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing receives a complaint. The person filing the complaint then receives an information packet, which they must fill out and return in order to finalize their complaint. Then, a member of the board reviews the complaint to see if the CPA Board has jurisdiction. If it does, it collects information such as:
- Background reports
- Witness interviews
- Statements
- Police reports
- Medical reports
- Subpoenas
- Financial records
- Court records
- Licensing records
Once the board has gathered all this information, a board member reviews it to determine if there was indeed a violation. At this point, the accused person is given 14 days to offer any additional evidence. Then, the board takes action against the license. If the action is a summary suspension, license denial, accusation, or a violation of a consent agreement, there's a hearing.
Hearing
If your license has been summarily suspended, no final order can be issued until you've had a hearing. The Office of Administrative Hearings is responsible for conducting all hearings. If you have a hearing to defend your CPA license, you may have counsel with you at the hearing. Once the hearing is over, the CPA Board issues a final decision.
Appeal
If you do not agree with the decision that comes out of the hearing, you can appeal it in your county circuit court. Our Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can assist you with your appeal and at every step throughout the disciplinary process.
Why You Should Hire a CPA License Defense Attorney in Alaska
When confronted with the possibility of professional sanctions, you might wonder if you really need an attorney. Considering how significant the consequences are if you lose your license, you should seek assistance from the Lento Law Firm. An attorney can make all the difference in your CPA license defense case for the following reasons:
- Overcoming allegations: Accountants accused of wrongdoing often must actively refute accusations against them. The CPA Board presumes guilt, meaning you have the burden of proving your innocence, rather than the board having the burden of proving your guilt. Our team is equipped to devise and implement a robust CPA license defense strategy on your behalf.
- Strength of the opposition: Contesting a complaint through the Alaksa Board of Public Accountancy means you are essentially challenging the state of Alaska itself. The board will have access to resources and skilled legal experts. To have a chance of your case succeeding, you need an attorney who can even the playing field.
- Navigating unfamiliar territory: Many CPAs we assist have never been through the disciplinary process. Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring you're well-prepared for what lies ahead.
- Proven track record of defense: Our team's history of successfully defending CPAs and other professionals against license sanctions speaks for itself. We are committed to working diligently until your case reaches a resolution.
As you deal with the pressures of potential license sanctions, our team will handle every facet of your defense, allowing you to maintain focus on your personal and professional life.
How the Lento Law Firm Can Assist You
The main goal of the Lento Law Firm Team is to clear your name and prevent sanctions. Should sanctions prove unavoidable, we are committed to minimizing them as much as possible. To achieve these ends, our firm will undertake the following strategies:
- Determine the optimal outcome for your situation: Every case is unique—some accountants may be falsely accused, while others might acknowledge a momentary lapse in judgment or a misstep under stress. Understanding the specifics of your situation is crucial to shaping our approach and defining our goals for your case.
- Gather comprehensive evidence and testimony: Our approach includes conducting a detailed investigation into your case, and independently verifying information rather than relying on third-party accounts. Getting a hold of pertinent evidence and credible witness testimonies is key to a favorable resolution of your licensure issue.
- Seek settlements beyond traditional proceedings: We aim to negotiate settlements with the Board of Public Accountancy to resolve your case outside of standard legal proceedings. Direct negotiations often lead to more favorable and swift outcomes.
- Support you through adjudication: Should your case escalate to formal adjudication, we are fully equipped to guide you through the process. This assistance includes representing you in hearings, attending meetings alongside you, and handling appeals without delay.
- Pursue all available legal avenues: We leave no stone unturned in defending your CPA license. Should the need arise to extend our legal efforts beyond appeals, we are ready to do so, keeping you informed of your options as they emerge.
As a legal team with national reach, we tailor our strategy to the unique aspects of each client's case, always striving for the most favorable outcome.
We Assist CPAs Throughout Alaska
Our Professional License Defense Team helps CPAs working all over the state of Alaska, including in the following cities:
- Anchorage
- Juneau
- Fairbanks
- Knik-Fairview
- Wasilla
- Sitka
- Ketchikan
- Kenai
- Bethel
- Kodiak
Even if you don't see your city listed above, our team can assist you with your license defense issue in Alaska.
Call the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team to Protect Your License
Defending your license is crucial, and our team is prepared to begin working on your case immediately. We will assist you at every step of the process. Our team can build you a strong defense and provide guidance before any interviews, hearings, appeals, or legal proceedings.
To discuss how we can advocate for your CPA license in Alaska, contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today for a consultation. You can also fill out our online form with the specifics of your case, and a team member will get in touch with you.
