James Dowdy applies for Alaska's Board of Public Accountancy to address CPA challenges

The Alaska State Legislature's House Labor and Commerce Committee convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss appointments to various boards, including the Board of Public Accountancy and the Board of Professional Counselors. The meeting began with a focus on the Board of Public Accountancy, where representatives engaged with candidates applying for positions.

The first candidate, who was not named in the transcript, outlined the board's responsibilities, which include overseeing applications for new accountancy licenses, reviewing regulation changes, and exploring alternative pathways for CPA licensure. The board meets four times a year to address these issues, including the potential reduction of barriers to entry for aspiring CPAs.

James Doughty, a principal at BDO USA and a CPA since 2009, presented his application to join the Board of Public Accountancy. He emphasized his experience in public accounting and expressed a desire to address challenges facing the CPA profession in Alaska, particularly the need to adjust credit requirements for licensure. Doughty noted a nationwide shortage of certified public accountants and highlighted the importance of adapting state regulations to meet these challenges.

Committee members posed questions to Doughty regarding his application process and the disclosure requirements, which he found manageable. Doughty confirmed that this was his initial application for the board.

Following Doughty's testimony, the committee moved on to the next candidate, Mary Elkins, who was invited to introduce herself to the committee. The meeting continued with further discussions on the Board of Professional Counselors.

Overall, the session focused on the importance of addressing regulatory challenges in the accounting profession and ensuring that Alaska's boards are equipped to meet the evolving needs of their respective fields. The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to adapt to workforce shortages and streamline the licensing process for professionals in the state.