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Kansas Board of Accountancy accepts stipulations, fines two licensees and sets conditions
Summary
The Board accepted multiple disciplinary stipulations on Jan. 19, imposing a $2,000 fine and extensive CPE and ethics-exam requirements on Arthetta F. Long, and a $500 fine and costs on John W. Meara; the Thies hearing was recessed to Jan. 31, 2018.
TOPEKA, Kan. — At its Jan. 19 meeting the Kansas Board of Accountancy accepted several disciplinary resolutions and imposed monetary fines and continuing-education conditions in response to audit findings and investigative determinations.
Arthetta F. Long, CPA appeared with counsel and the Board considered a Stipulation and Consent Order arising from an audit of continuing education credits for her 2017 and 2015 permit renewals. The investigation determined Long committed fraud, failed to maintain renewal requirements, and engaged in conduct reflecting adversely on fitness to practice under K.S.A. 1-311(a)(1), (3) and (14). Ms. Mitchell, the investigator in the matter, recused herself. After deliberation in closed session, the Board accepted the stipulation, requiring Long to appear before the Board; pay a $2,000 fine; pay costs under K.S.A. 1-206 (including attorney and court reporter fees); provide proof of completion of 134.5 hours of acceptable CPE (including 2 hours of professional ethics); and complete the AICPA Comprehensive Ethics exam with a score of 90% or higher by Jan. 31, 2018.
In a separate matter, the Board approved a Stipulation and Consent Order for John W. Meara, CPA, following a determination that he engaged in the practice of certified public accountancy without holding a valid permit. Mr. Marsh recused as investigator. The order requires Meara to appear before the Board, pay a $500 fine and costs under K.S.A. 1-206; the minutes state his application for permit renewal was approved without condition.
The Board also accepted a stipulation regarding the amount of costs to be assessed against Le Compte, P.C., and, after testimony in the petition for disciplinary action involving Bradley R. Thies, recessed that hearing to reconvene on Jan. 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (the minutes record the reconvening date). For the Long and Meara matters the minutes indicate investigators recused where appropriate and that counsel appeared with the respondents.
Why it matters: The Board’s disciplinary actions enforce continuing-education and licensure rules and demonstrate the administrative remedies the state uses to address false or deficient renewal submissions.
What’s next: The Board set a reconvening date for the Thies hearing (Jan. 31, 2018) to continue the disciplinary process; the Board will monitor compliance with stipulation conditions and costs assessments as required by statute and agency rule.
