Staying active.

• Position: Final entry - Certified public accountants licencing

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, CPAs with inactive licenses will need to disclose their license status whenever they use the CPA designation, California CPA approached some CPAs in industry and asked why they have chosen to keep their license active.

After spending over eight years in public accounting, I have jumped the fence to internal audit. During my recruiting process I informed management of the value I saw in my CPA certification and my commitment to keeping it active. They agreed with me and notified me that they would commit their resources to keeping me certified. Since then I have continued to attend CPE courses and have kept my license active. My license exemplifies the hard work that I have endured to get to this point in my career. It keeps me connected to a wealth of networking organizations and individuals that are leaders in our industry. Most importantly, it keeps me informed of the demands and changes of our profession so I can always be a valuable resource to the management of my company."

Steve H. Vivian, CPA

Ruiz Food Products Inc.

"I keep my license active because:

1. The education requirements to maintain my license are something I need to do to meet a level of professionalism within my job.

2. My active license tells the people I work for that I am professionally competent as an accountant.

3. Even though I have worked in industry for most of my career, an active license keeps my career options open to the possibility of one day opening my own private practice."

--Rick Harron, CPA

Healthcare Contract Consultant and Accountant

"My active CPA license is a reminder to my clients, colleagues and the public that I maintain standards for continuing professional education and that I am active and up to date on issues affecting the profession."

--Gene Lash, CPA

Navigant Consulting, Inc.

"I keep my license active for several reasons:

Pride: I worked very hard to get it and to keep it: active, so why quit now?

Future: At some point I may work in public accounting on a part-time basis.

Skills: I take only courses that will benefit my employer, thereby making me a more valuable employee.

Ease: I believe strongly in life-long learning, so why not take enough to keep the license active.

Vanity: I think it distinguishes me from those who let their license go inactive or never had one.

Backup: In uncertain economic times, it never hurts to have a backup plan to make a living."

--Bill Wheeler, CPA

Ruiz Food Products Inc.

"I worked very hard...