ASCPA History
The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) is an active professional organization of CPAs working together to enhance the profession and better serve the public. Since its establishment in 1933, the ASCPA has grown from a small group of 10 founding members to more than 5,500 CPAs Statewide today.
A variety of issues brought the founding members together to form the Society, which was the culmination of a drive to advance and organize accountants in Arizona as an advocacy group that would address issues important to individual members. The Society also was intended to serve as a vehicle for enhancing the status of accountants within the state, increasing their influence with public officials, and linking them directly to the work of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The business environment of the new millennium is quite different from 1933, but many of the Society’s goals have remained the same. The Society continues to work toward enhancing the image and status of accountants, as well as be an active voice and participant in the legislative process when issues affect the profession. With today’s diverse membership including CPAs in public accounting, education, industry, and government, the ASCPA strives to enhance members’ technical skills and professional knowledge by providing high quality continuing professional education, as well as fellowship with other members.
Story Behind the Kachina
For years, people have asked what is the significance of the Native American logo that is used with all Arizona Society of CPAs printed materials, such as its letterhead, envelopes, monthly magazine, and of course the Web site.
This character is called a Kachina. Kachina dolls and Kachina Indian dance costumes have been used for centuries by the Hopi Indians of Arizona and the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico as the symbol of the Indian gods that thwart evil spirits of one kind or another.
This Kachina was specially designed for the Arizona Society of CPAs and is known as the Accountant Kachina. This Kachina helps keep harm from coming to accountants and has the various specific accoutrements to get the job done. The original design was developed in 1976.
The head of the Kachina actually contains a fountain pen tip, which expresses the setting forth of numbers. In his left hand is a quill pen, which symbolizes the setting forth of ideas. The right hand contains an Indian tally rope, which symbolizes counting. The designs on the Kachina's clothing represent various crops and industries of the state.
In 2001, the Accountant Kachina experienced a new look for the 21st century.
