Public Accounting in 1929

Abstract

Shortly before the beginning of the Great Depression, certified public accountants were struggling for both an acceptable definition of their role as well as professional recognition. This paper describes the environment in which CPAs worked as well as their concerns. Areas reviewed include training and entry into the field, ethical and legal standards, conduct of practice, financial rewards, professional concerns, and perceptions of the future. The purpose of the paper is to increase our appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing CPAs in 1929.