Washington State Board of Accountancy Complaints and Violations

Results of Investigations - 2000

In carrying out its mission "to promote dependable, accessible financial information" the Board is responsible for investigating complaints against CPAs. Complaints can originate from clients, other CPAs, federal or state regulators, or identified through agency oversight and review programs. Complaints result from allegations of technical errors, or ethical or legal violations. The Board closed 40 cases during 2000. Complaints or inquiries originated from the following sources:

Source Percent

Clients 30%

Agency oversight programs 50%

Federal & State regulators 12%

Other CPAs 3%

Miscellaneous 3%

Anonymous 2%

The 40 cases closed during 2000 resulted from the following allegations:

Use of title or holding out in public practice with a lapsed license/certificate 7 18%

Noncompliance with technical standards 6 15%

Noncompliance with code of conduct including conflict of interest 5 12%

Records retention 5 12%

Embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, or negligence 4 10%

IRS or SEC denial of practice privileges 4 10%

Good character determination for initial licensure 3 8%

Fiduciary malfeasance or breach of fiduciary duties 2 5%

Failure to respond to Board oversight 2 5%

Use of title or holding out in public practice by a nonCPA 2 5%

Total: 40 100%

The Board resolved the 40 cases during 2000 as follows:

Lack of evidence of violation 25%

Closed via Board Order 70%

Closed via an informal agreement (other than a Board Order) 5%

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