California Board of Accountancy hears petition to reinstate CPA Michael Deutchman

The California Board of Accountancy on Sept. 18 heard testimony and evidence in a petition hearing seeking reinstatement of the CPA certificate of Michael Deutchman, whose license was revoked in 2019 after findings by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and related proceedings.

The hearing, held during the CBA’s regular meeting and accessible via Webex, included opening remarks by CBA President Yen Tu, testimony from a character witness and the petitioner, the admission of multiple exhibit packets from both sides, and extended questioning by board members and counsel. James Kosnett, attorney for Deutchman, urged the board to hear the petitioner directly, saying, "Please don't leave this room without articulating your doubt or your concern to him," and to allow Deutchman to address any remaining concerns. Assistant counsel representing the People of the State of California (CBA enforcement) summarized the agency’s record and argued that the petitioner bore the burden of proving entitlement to reinstatement under the cited statutory provisions.

Why it matters: The board is being asked to reverse a 2019 revocation rooted in a PCAOB decision that found audit work papers had been altered ahead of inspection and assessed a $35,000 fine against Deutchman. If…