July 3, 2008

New CalCPA Chair Advocates For More Accounting Educators

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Because of the urgent need for accounting educators, Gregory M. Burke, CPA, newly elected 2008-09 chair of the California Society of CPAs, has directed that increasing their number will be a principal goal for the nation’s largest state accounting association.

Burke succeeds Teresa Mason, CPA, CalCPA chair for 2007-08.

Burke notes that accounting schools cannot fill all the teaching positions available, according to a study by the American Institute of CPAs. “There are 20 positions unfilled for every 100 posi

tions open,” he points out. “And with the number of accounting students reaching a record, the need for qualified instructors — particularly those with doctorates — is critical.”

During his term as CalCPA chair, Burke will encourage his fellow members to promote accounting education through scholarship programs that will enable more accounting students to pursue doctoral degrees.

Burke believes having more accounting educators ultimately benefits society as a whole, since it enables the proper training of a new generation of accountants who will provide valuable services to their communities. His passion for education is rooted in his own experiences.

“My parents emphasized the importance of education and gave me a tremendous opportunity to pursue my own education,” Burke says. “Because of my education, I have been able to help my clients achieve success and reduce their financial burdens.”

As a director in the firm of John Waddell & Co., Burke provides tax and litigation support services to a variety of clients and attorneys throughout California and has testified as an expert witness in civil and criminal cases.

Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University.
After graduation from UCD, Greg joined the Internal Revenue Service, where he held positions as a tax auditor and an internal revenue agent from 1978 through 1984. In these positions, he conducted income tax examinations of individuals and corporations. Burke also has conducted appeals hearings and taught taxation, accounting, and auditing at the IRS Western Regional Training Center in San Francisco.

An avid sports enthusiast, Burke regularly participates in a variety of sports including running, softball, skiing, backpacking, and motorcycling.

About CalCPA

The California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) (www.calcpa.org) is the nation’s largest state accounting organization. It serves more than 32,000 members in public practice, private industry, education and government.

Editor’s Note

A photo of Gregory M. Burke, CPA, suitable for publishing is available by contacting bill.spaniel@calcpa.org.