CBA's top CPA.

• Position: Finalentry - California Board of Accountancy's Manuel J. Ramirez - Interview

CalCPA member Manuel J. Ramirez, CPA is no stranger to the concept of "giving back," whether it be in the community or in the profession. He was appointed a member of the California Board of Accountancy in 2007 and elected president in November. He has served on more than two dozen other philanthropic and business organizations, including co-founding Hispanic 100--an organization working to further the development of local, national and international Hispanic business and political leaders. California CPA caught up with Ramirez to find out what this year has in store for the profession.

Why did you decide to become a CPA?

I decided to become a CPA in sixth grade, when I overheard two teachers talking about how much money CPAs made for only four months of work. I went home and told my mother I was going to be a CPA. Then I asked her, "What's a CPA?"

Who in the CPA profession most influenced your career?

I've had many great mentors, starting with Robert George, CPA, a Harvard graduate who gave me my start in the profession when he hired me in 1982 when I was a high school junior. I've learned something valuable at each firm I have worked (Price Waterhouse, McGladrey & Pullen), but I believe my experiences since then at Miranda Strabala--a firm I eventually acquired--provided me the perspective necessary to succeed at this profession.

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Why did you want to serve on the CBA?

I was just completing terms on several local Orange County boards (Hispanic 100 PAC, GenNext PAC and Orange County Catholic Foundation), when some of the state's political leaders asked if I was interested in serving at a state level. The concept of giving back to our profession by serving on the board intrigued me.

Are there any issues that you want to see the board address?

Initially, I was concerned with the profession's perceived loss of ethical reputation, and I commenced with initiatives to improve our [ethical] standards specifically, revising the eight-hours every six years requirements to four hours every two years. I believe the board should continue to focus on ethics and education for the benefit of our profession and the consumers of California. I also would like to see progress on a reduction of the CPA license renewal fee. I have lobbied for two years on this subject and believe we may be able to accomplish this goal by June 2011.

What would you most like to accomplish during your term?

I'd really like to see our board pass mobility...