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A note from OSCPA President & CEO Scott Wiley

Written on Jan 9, 2025

As I write my last CEO letter as President and CEO of The Ohio Society of CPAs, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. It has been an incredible journey, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and talented group of professionals.  

During my tenure, The Ohio Society of CPAs has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues impacting our profession. We have worked tirelessly to navigate the increasing scope creep of the regulatory environment. Our advocacy efforts have been instrumental in promoting a balanced regulatory framework that fosters growth and innovation while protecting the public interest. Some of the highlights include: 

  • Our work with Governor DeWine's Small Business Advisory Council and the CommonSense Initiative led by Lt. Governor Jon Husted to provide valuable insights and recommendations that support small businesses and drive sensible regulatory reforms.  

  • Our efforts to reform Ohio's system of taxation to make our state more competitive and successfully prevent the expansion of the sales tax base to include professional services, safeguarding the interests of our profession and our clients. 

  • Playing a crucial role in passing and protecting the Business Income Deduction (BID), which has been vital for many small businesses in Ohio. More recently, our historic efforts to reform the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) rate have saved 90% of businesses from these taxes, providing much-needed relief and fostering a more business-friendly environment. We have studied, convened, and championed the cause, reducing the number of tax brackets in Ohio from nine nearly a decade ago to just two today.  

Into the new year, OSCPA is leading a national coalition of 27 states (and growing by the day) that represent nearly 90% of all CPA license holders. We achieved our goal to aid in future-proofing the profession by easing the regulatory burdens to become a CPA while maintaining the rigor and value of the CPA credential when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 238 into law on Jan. 8, which includes OSCPA-backed legislation that will position Ohio as a national leader to address the dire CPA shortage.   

Effective in 90 days, qualified CPAs from out of state can work in Ohio. This improves existing interstate mobility laws by evaluating candidates on their individual professional status rather than what state they are licensed in. Many states are also working to adopt similar language to Ohio. 

Effective January 1, 2026, two pathways to CPA licensure will be available:  

  • A master’s degree, completing the required accounting concentration of coursework, one year of experience and passing the CPA Exam
  • A bachelor’s degree, completing the required accounting concentration of coursework, two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam 

Our work is not done. We must now lead the charge to further reform our broken property tax and municipal income tax systems, which remain perennial burdens on Ohio's job creators and small businesses. These reforms are essential to ensuring that Ohio remains a competitive and attractive place for businesses to thrive. 

I want to emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and proactive. In our roles as trusted advisors, we have a unique vantage point. We see firsthand the impact of regulations on businesses and individuals. It is our responsibility to ensure that our voices are heard, both in advising our clients and in shaping public policy. Now is the time to engage, not become complacent.  

As I step down from my role and prepare for my next chapter, I am confident that The Ohio Society of CPAs will continue to be a powerful advocate for our profession and for the broader business community. I urge you all to use your expertise to influence positive change. Be good to one another.  

Show a little more grace. Have a little more patience and yes, a lot more fun. With Laura Hay, CPA, set to lead this organization beginning Jan. 13, our best days are yet to come.  

Thank you for your support, your friendship, and your dedication. It has been a privilege to serve as your President and CEO, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of this remarkable organization. I am so grateful to have gotten to know you, work with you, and serve alongside you these last 12 years.  

 

All the best, 

Scott Wiley, CAE 

OSCPA President & CEO  

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