Stetson alumna Tommye E. Barie has been elected the 102^nd Chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA is the largest member association of the accounting profession in the world, boasting more than 400,000 members in 145 countries. Since 1887, the AICPA has served the public interest in many areas, such as business and industry, public practice, government, and education and consulting. Earning her B.B.A. in Accounting from Stetson University in 1983, Barie is only the fourth female to be elected chair in the history of AICPA.

“The faculty of the M.E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy are indeed very proud of Tommye,” said Michael E. Bitter, Ph.D., Rinker Distinguished Professor of Accounting and Department Chair. “Not only for her election as chair of the AICPA this year, but for all that she has done for the accounting profession in the State of Florida and in the U.S. over the years and for her professional successes as a CPA practicing on the west coast of Florida.”

Barie joins the ranks of other successful Stetson accounting alumni, including Jeff Barbacci ’91, M.Acc. ’92 (Master of Accountancy), who was elected to serve as the 87th board chair of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) for 2014-2015. “It is extraordinary for a small accounting program such as Stetson’s to boast not one, but two AICPA chairs among its alumni. I expect our curriculum to continue to change and evolve to ensure that our students continue to be well-prepared to enter the accounting profession,” added Bitter. “Tommye’s successes are excellent examples for our students, particularly our female students, of the kinds of opportunities available to them once they graduate from Stetson.”

Interviewer: For those who do not know, could you explain what you do as a CPA?

Barie: Think of a CPA as the most highly trusted business advisor with diverse qualifications that allow him/her the potential to be many things. They are chief financial officers for Fortune 500 companies and advisors to small neighborhood businesses. They work for public accounting firms, both small and large. CPAs provide a number of valuable and useful services to individuals, business owners, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Their services range from helping an individual develop a personal financial plan to assisting a business owner with things like tax planning, financial statement analysis and understanding complex financial transactions for business decision-making.

I have worked in public accounting my entire career with firms of all sizes. I started with a two partner firm upon graduation from Stetson and I am now a partner with a top 100 firm with six offices in four states. I have provided many different services throughout my career, but my focus the last several years has been in the assurance area overseeing audits of governmental, not-for-profit, and small business entities.

Interviewer: In what ways do you make a positive impact with this? 

Barie: CPAs are innovative and strategic thinkers who are well respected for their integrity and commitment to excellence. Our ability to use these characteristics in translating complex information into critical knowledge and communicating the broad picture with clarity and objectivity is invaluable in the decision-making process of a client. Also, as independent auditors issuing audit opinions, we provide reasonable assurance as to the truthfulness and reliability of financial information, thus protecting the public’s interest.

Interviewer: Could you give some specific examples of the types of clients you’ve helped?

Barie: Here are two examples: 1) We have a small client on the west coast of Florida who repairs generators. They’re not huge, but they decided to expand their operations into Chile, which required them to figure out myriad international issues—from planning the move, to operating the plant, to tax issues. They tapped into the skills of their CPA for assistance and advice. 2) Also, a small business contacted us with concern that the bookkeeper might be embezzling funds from the entity. Through the work of one of our auditors who is credentialed in the forensics area, we were able to help them quantify how much the bookkeeper had stolen.

Interviewer: You recently became the AICPA’s 102^nd chair, and historically you are the fourth female chair. Can you talk about this accomplishment and a bit of how you came to be there?  

Barie: Volunteering has been an important component in my career. I enjoyed contributing to our profession’s success at the chapter level of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), then at the FICPA state level, and then through committee, Council, and Board service with AICPA. At each stage I realized the impact one person’s hard work could have so I continued to strategically pursue opportunities of interest to me. I was dedicated to seeking high profile assignments that would allow me to further develop and exhibit leadership skills and make a difference in the profession. When I accepted my first volunteer officer’s position with a local FICPA chapter early in my career, I never dreamed I would become chair of the national organization. Serving as chair of AICPA is an unbelievable experience. My platform is based on three factors critical to the profession’s continued success:  Relevance, Rigor, and Reach.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about your experience at Stetson?

Barie: I absolutely loved everything about Stetson and if I had a chance to turn back time, I cannot think of anything I would change that could enhance the amazing four years I had on campus. I loved the small class size and interaction between faculty and students. I loved being part of the Greek system and playing every intramural sport offered.

By George Salis