Discover how Lisa Berger, co-founder of Ohio’s first majority womenowned bank, is shattering barriers and redefining finance to empower women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated industry.
Discover how CPA
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EDITOR
Amber Epling-Skinner –AEpling-Skinner@ohiocpa.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kyle Anderson – kanderson@ohiocpa.com
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We welcome submissions of analytical articles on issues relevant to Ohio CPAs. Desired length is 800-1200 words. Send an electronic copy with a cover letter to the editor at the email address above. Please note that CPA Voice is not a peer-reviewed journal.
REPRINTS
For reprint permission, contact the editor at the address above. CPA Voice is the official magazine of The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. CPA Voice’s purpose is to serve as the primary news and information vehicle for more than 19,000 Ohio CPA members and related professionals. Articles are reviewed for technical accuracy. However, the materials and information contained within CPA Voice are offered as information only and not as practice, financial, accounting, legal or other professional advice. While we strive to present accurate and reliable information, The Ohio Society of CPAs makes no warranties regarding the accuracy of the information provided herein. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct appropriate research to determine the accuracy of the information provided and to consult with an appropriate, competent professional adviser before acting on the information contained in this publication. The statements of fact, thoughts, advice and opinions expressed in CPA Voice are those of the authors alone and do not represent or imply the positions, opinions, nor endorsement of The Ohio Society of CPAs or of its publisher, editors, Board of Directors, or members. It is our policy not to knowingly accept advertising that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, gender, age or origin. The Ohio Society of CPAs reserves the right to reject paid advertising in its sole discretion. We do not necessarily endorse the resources, services or products unrelated to The Ohio Society of CPAs that may appear or be referenced within CPA Voice, and make no representation or warranties about those products or services or the accuracy and claims regarding those products and services. Advertisers and their agencies assume liability for all advertisement content and responsibility for all claims resulting from such advertisements made against The Ohio Society of CPAs.
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CPA Voice (ISSN 0749-8284) is published six times per year by The Ohio Society of CPAs, 4249 Easton Way, Suite 150, Columbus OH 43219, 614.764.2727.
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A WORD from our CEO
The Enduring Importance of Ethics in the CPA Profession
Ethics is the bedrock of the accounting profession and central to our identity. At its core, accounting is about trust—trust in financial reporting, trust in business decisions, and trust in the professionals who uphold the integrity of financial systems. Without strong ethical foundations, the profession loses credibility, and public confidence in businesses, markets, and institutions erodes. As the profession evolves in response to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global challenges, maintaining and reinforcing ethical principles remains more crucial than ever.
The primary role of accountants is to provide trusted financial information, ensuring that stakeholders—from investors and regulators to business leaders, employees and the general public—can make informed decisions. Ethical accounting practices safeguard against fraud, financial misstatements, and corporate misconduct, helping to foster transparency and accountability in the business world. In an era where financial scandals and corporate corruption can have widespread economic repercussions, ethical lapses in the profession can result in devastating consequences. History has demonstrated that when ethics are compromised—whether in cases like Enron, WorldCom, or more recent financial misdeeds—the ripple effects can be catastrophic, leading to regulatory overhauls, public distrust, and long-term economic harm.
The CPA profession operates within a strict framework of ethical standards, codified by organizations such as the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). These standards provide an ethical framework for practitioners, emphasizing integrity, objectivity, and professional competence. However, as the business environment continues to shift, implementation rules and guidelines must evolve to address new and complex challenges.
One of the most pressing ethical challenges today is the role of technology in accounting. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has introduced efficiencies but also ethical dilemmas regarding data privacy, bias in algorithmic decision-making, and the need to insert decision points requiring professional judgment. CPAs have the critical skills required to lead in shaping these systems, ensuring that technology is used responsibly and that our ethical principles remain at the forefront of decision-making.
Cybersecurity is another area in which the unique strengths of CPAs are critical. With financial data increasingly stored and transmitted digitally, the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access has grown significantly. Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial information, implementing robust security measures, and staying informed about evolving cybersecurity threats add to the value provided by the profession.
Similarly, the increasing emphasis on reporting on nonfinancial measures has placed CPAs in a pivotal position to ensure assertions are not misleading. As concerns about representations regarding climate, labor practices, and corporate social responsibility grow, CPAs play a crucial role in providing consistency and reliability to reporting.
Self-Assessment Exam
Log in to ohiocpa.com/myoscpa, look up the exam using the product ID number above and answer the 12 required questions based on content in CPA Voice
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Ultimately, ethics is not just a set of rules; it is a commitment to the public interest and the long-term sustainability of the profession. Ethical dilemmas will continue to evolve, but the profession's ability to uphold its values in the face of change will define its future.
Laura Hay, CPA, CAE President & CEO
The Ohio Society of CPAs
MARCH | APRIL 2025
Product ID: #65734
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Dear Colleagues:
Protecting and promoting the accounting profession, the CPA credential, and the Ohio business environment have always underpinned the work of The Ohio Society of CPAs and Ohio CPA/PAC. Throughout the 135th Ohio General Assembly (2023 – 2024), our efforts on this front took on a greater sense of urgency in the face of the growing accounting talent shortage.
Ohio has taken a leadership role in advancing the national conversation on what is needed to open wide the doors to our opportunity profession. While some may view our efforts as bold, OSCPA sees considerable value in spurring open and honest dialogue on an issue that impacts businesses of every size and sector. The Ohio Society believes it is essential to explore all possible options to address the talent supply gap, including legislative and regulatory ones.
The talent shortage isn’t the only threat facing Ohio’s accounting profession. Perennial risks lurk everywhere, from attempts to expand the sales tax on professional services to efforts to negatively alter the Business Income Deduction. A robust war chest—the Ohio CPA/PAC—is the insurance policy we need to protect our professional interests and ensure success in our efforts to position Ohio as a pro-business state. Your voluntary donation to Ohio CPA/PAC enables us to support business-friendly state legislators, statewide elected officeholders, and candidates for those state-level races who know what’s at stake and are willing to stand up for us.
Ohio CPA/PAC plays a vital role in advancing an agenda that aims to open the profession to more people, protect the public interest, preserve pro-business policies, and ensure a more competitive economic environment in our state. Your contributions to the PAC fuel our advocacy engine, amplifying our voice and fortifying our influence in championing policies that safeguard our profession's interests and the interests of those you serve.
Thank you for your support, dedication, and belief in the power of advocacy.
Laura Hay, CPA, CAE President & CEO
The Ohio Society of CPAs
Gregory M. Saul, Esq., CAE Vice President of Government Relations
The
Ohio Society of CPAs
Advocating for a Predictable Ohio Tax Climate
A fair and stable tax climate in Ohio creates an environment that is conducive to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of life for its residents. In 2023-2024, OSCPA’s government relations team chalked up numerous of solid victories on behalf of Ohio’s citizens and businesses:
• Pushed for a reduction in Ohio’s income tax brackets from four to two.
• Lobbied to exempt from CAT all taxable gross receipts of $3 million or less (for tax periods beginning in 2024), and then exempt taxable gross receipts of $6 million or less (for tax periods beginning in 2025), exempting nearly 90% of all Ohio-based businesses from the CAT.
• Championed limits on late filing penalties for municipal tax, collectively saving Ohio taxpayers hundreds of thousands annually.
• Drove efforts to allow businesses with remote/hybrid employees or owners to use a modified apportionment formula for municipal net profits tax, relieving many Ohio businesses of substantial compliance costs.
• Advocated for the resident tax credit for SALT cap deduction taxes paid to other states, authorizing passthrough entity (PTE) owners to claim a refundable credit against the owner’s Ohio income tax liability equal to the owner’s proportionate share of the tax paid by the PTE.
• Pressed for state tax conformity, incorporating into Ohio law recent federal Internal Revenue Code tax changes.
The Pillars of Eff ective Issue Advocacy
EFFECTIVE ISSUE ADVOCACY
Professional Lobbyists
(funded by your OSCPA membership investment)
Ohio CPA/PAC Contributions Your informed voice on issues at stake
Your membership investment enables us to retain professional lobbyists who are highly skilled at assisting OSCPA in successfully navigating the legislative process. Your contributions to Ohio CPA/PAC help fund the important work OSCPA does to protect your credential, advance the profession, and advocate for a competitive business climate in Ohio. And the educated guidance you provide on the issues that matter allows OSCPA to push for the best outcome. All three elements are needed to achieve the right impact with those who can make a difference for us.
Lifecycle of a Contribution
Members voluntarily invest in Ohio CPA/PAC
Ohio CPA/PAC Board strategically allocates funds to legislator campaigns
Ohio CPA/PAC builds allies at the Statehouse who support OSCPA’s interests
Ohio CPA/PAC strengthens your voice and influence
OSCPA’s government relations team keeps its finger on the pulse of what’s happening on the legislative and regulatory front to protect and advocate for your interests, and advise you on issues impacting your license, your business, or those you serve. There are several significant initiatives we’re driving and others that we’re monitoring during the new 2025-2026 legislative session:
• Championing accounting pipeline legislative and regulatory initiatives to attract and retain Ohio CPAs. OSCPA is collaborating.
• Promoting a healthy tort reform climate in Ohio by retaining a common-sense civil justice system, seeking improvements and deterring harmful changes.
• Advocate for a more competitive Ohio tax structure in the biennial budget bill (H.B. 96), conform bonus depreciation and enhanced expensing allowances (eliminate the 5/6 addback, H.B. 69), protect the Business Income Deduction (BID) as Ohio moves to a 2.75% flat tax on nonbusiness income (S.B. 3 & H.B. 30), defend our CAT policy positions ($3M/$6M exemptions), and prevent sales tax expanding to professional services.
Advancing the State of Business
• Pursue municipal income tax reforms to ease the withholding burden on employers while ensuring taxpayers can secure refunds, stop double taxation by requiring reciprocity credits, and continue to simplify filings for the net profits tax.
• Seek potential solutions to property taxes by increasing transparency in assessments and TIFs, capping annual property tax increases, creating relief programs for senior citizens on fixed incomes, and standardizing the property reassessment cycle.
• Drive Ohio’s workforce development efforts by ensuring that tomorrow’s employees are prepared for the demands that lie ahead. Potential areas are increasing the supply and affordability of Ohio’s childcare and housing, and balancing the benefits of artificial intelligence with the need to mitigate its risks and ensure it is used responsibly.
OSCPA and Ohio CPA/PAC work in tandem to drive a better legal, legislative, and regulatory climate for CPAs and businesses in our state. Every dollar of your contribution helps us support the election of lawmakers and regulators who understand the value CPAs contribute to the public and the economy.
$91,000
Ohio CPA/PAC raised in 2024
$105,318
who contributed in 2024
who contributed in 2023 Amount Ohio CPA/PAC raised in 2023
$125,449
Amount disbursed to support campaigns of legislative candidates who support issues of importance to OSCPA and its members.
Number of legislators Ohio CPA/PAC supported in 2024.
Thank you to Our Contributors – 2024
Ohio CPA/PAC is key to The Ohio Society’s successful track record in driving meaningful legislative and regulatory change. Your contributions are essential in helping lawmakers see what you already know—that our profession is changing business, for good. OSCPA educates and builds relationships with legislators and regulators to ensure the CPA profession always has a voice in the legislative process.
$15,000 or above
$4,000–9,999
2024 Ohio CPA/PAC Firm Contributors*
$1,000–2,000
Contributions of $500 or more
Robert Fay, Canton
E Gabriel, Upper Arlington
Jeffrey Brooks, Hudson
Jacob Nix, Cleveland
Christopher Bellamy, Avon
Lake
Kerry Roe, Maineville
Lawrence Morrison, Bucyrus
Paul Breen, Worthington
Laura Hay, Galloway
Mark LaPlace, Plain City
Jay Moeller, Troy
Barbara Benton, Delaware
Constance Woods, Vandalia Kari Palmer, New Albany
Contributions of $300 – $499
Nicole Hilbert, Broadview Heights
Ronald Marcin, Todd Babione, Dublin
Patricia Basti, Mason
Travis Mattson, Hamel
Leo DalleMolle, Cincinnati
William Miller, Galena
Lyle Mohler, Whitehall
Michael Comer, Terrace Park
Will Dokko, Masahiro Inomata, Westerville
Matthew Kramer, Westerville
Yusuke Imai, Powell
Brian Campbell, Columbus
Edward Metzger, Eden Prairie
Brian Foster, Chris Marston, Powell
Emily Frolick, Mason
Chris McGee, James Mylen, Cleveland Heights
Ann Zavarella, Columbus
Edward Chanda, Granville
Christopher Schneider, Dublin
Elizabeth L'Hommedieu, Blacklick
Ashraf Shehata, Cincinnati
Eric Sutphin, Westerville
Alex Cadet, Atlanta
James DeSantis, Westerville
Adam Wieder, Beachwood
Jason Recard, Columbus
Dipan Karumsi, Powell
Benjamin Danhauer, Hudson
Jillian Brown, Blue Ash
John Lewis,
Diane Powers, Blue Ash
John Snoble, Dublin
Kimberly Zavislak, Westerville
Mark Welp, Blacklick
Darrin Spitzer, Springfield
Fred Miller, Columbus
Brian Todd, Union
Contributions of $100 – $299
Matthew O'Hearn, South Russell
William Kasch, Dayton
Randal Verhoff, Ottawa
R. Ferraro, Brockway
Richard Dailey, Dayton
Anthony Schweier, Cincinnati
Jane Pfeifer, Dublin
George Bethea, Uniontown
Adam Hill, North Ridgeville
Donald Sinko, North Olmsted
Courtney Clark, Columbus
G Dickey, Lewis Center
Darlene Finzer, Stone Creek
Gregory Saul, Gahanna
Barry Edelstein, Avon Lake
Janice Culver, Dayton
Joseph Burnett, Cincinnati
John Marino, Avon
Mark Walla, Perrysburg
Jennifer Koder, Swanton
Michael Pratt, Hudson
Adam Zelwin, Solon
Tiffany White, Westerville
Scott Deters, North Bend
Matthew Gutzwiller, Cold Spring
Robert Beresford, Loveland
Jesse Young, Springfield
Jacqueline Neumann, Cincinnati
Charles Schillig, Wakeman
Brandon Gabel, Timothy Gerspacher,
Sean Kelly, Ryan Swincicki, New Albany
Kevin Thomas, Chagrin Falls
Susmitha Kakumani,
Murali Nallapaty, Verne Klunzinger, Hinckley
William Strasser, Michael Faillo, Newport
Nicholas Doland, Cincinnati
Stephen Bybee, Kenneth Couls, Hinckley
Terrence Kane, Pamela Schlosser, Bay Village
Lori Hallmark, Xenia
Kristen Basa, Lowell Huth, Hinsdale
Joshua DeMarco,
Sarah Daubenspeck, Paul Freeland, Batesville
Scott McMillen,
Marvin Thomas, Solon
Shawn Serba, Mason
Joseph Waller, Mason
Steven Treppo,
Raul Pina, Columbus
Tami Van Tassell, Upper Arlington
Mark Bellantoni, Avon Lake
Michael Niland, Highland Heights
Richard Wildermuth, Lesa Shoemaker, New Albany
Michael Dunn, Cleveland
Vaughn Kauffman, Katherine Hurley, Columbus
Vincent DiMascio, Robert Guido, Terrace Park
Michael Olecki, Olmsted Falls
Karie Kuns-Nguyen, West
Chester
Kevin Daly, Joseph Voyles, Myles Abbott, Twinsburg
Okeva Hervey, Westerville
Chad Gerhardstein, Cleveland
Brock Knisely, Dan McGill, Jarrod Trigg, Cincinnati
Cora Mooney, Gregg Stark, Arthur Scherbel, New Albany
John McKay, Erin Sleeth, Happy Valley
Chris Van Pelt, Erica Zoellner, Lebanon
David Linich,
David Oriani, Novelty
David Zentkovich, Columbia Station
Michael Schmidt, Cold Spring
Paula Bedford, Columbus
Michael Borowitz, Westerville
Zachary Dotzauer, Cincinnati
Robert Lehman, Independence
Scott McRill, Solon
Kent Pummel, Springfield
William Edwards, Mason
Gregg Feltrup, Cincinnati
John Parks, Springboro
John Lind, Cincinnati
David Brink, Sandusky
John Waybright, Orlando
David Coomer, Dayton
Brittany Lawrence, Lakeside Park
Devesh Kamal, Springfield
Brian Kennedy, Whitehouse
Brian Mosier, Columbus
Thomas Mowry, Blue Ash
Paul McEwan, New Philadelphia
Dennis Sklenicka, Westerville
Michaela McGinn, Columbus
Leeann Carnes, West Lafayette
Stanley Kline, Aurora
Mitchel Huffman, Lima
Linda Sheridan, Lancaster
Joshua Agin, Zanesville
Ryan Dumermuth, Concord
Kenneth Stefanski, Cleveland
Thomas Zaino, Blacklick
Kenneth Thomas, Burgoon
Walter Tornstrom, Kirtland
Paul Gregory, Grafton
Robert Deimling, Mentor On The Lake
Robert Sielschott, Lima
Robert Wood, Cincinnati
Russell Meyer, Dublin
Paul Weisinger, Lakewood
Kyle Stemple, Dover
Louis Homan, Dayton
Melvin Miller, Olmsted Township
Thomas DeLuca, Dayton
Peter Hackett, Springfield
Timothy Copeland, Steubenville
Philip Hurak, Troy Gaerke, Plain City
Joseph Sbrocco, Cleveland
William Davies, Pittsburgh
Lindsay Stemple, Dover
Jeremy Long, Wadsworth
Betty Stargel, London
John Keller, Dayton
John McEwan, Columbus
James Sheppard, Ashland
Cassandra Pierce, Vincent
Derek Mohr,
Jewell Shane, Cincinnati
Alan Buckenmeyer, Sylvania
John Malloy, Parma Heights
Dustin Deck, Dayton
James Park, Amherst
Edward Zippay, Monclova
Janice Shannon, Beavercreek
Dale Welsh, Cincinnati
Chad Bice, Dresden
Adam Schultz, Bay Village
Jerome Stricker, Dayton
Benjamin Antonelli, Dublin
Charles East, Cincinnati
Annie Yoder, Canton
David Justice, Cincinnati
Constance Zouhary, Holland
John Marcum, Springfield
Gregory Speece, Powell
David Lauer, Dublin
J. Yuskewich, Columbus
Grant Hay, Big Prairie
Jon Stangel, Troy
• Committed to maintaining financial integrity through meticulous record-keeping, tax compliance, and process optimization.
It could also tell a more general theme:
• They say money talks—I make sure it speaks clearly and follows the rules.
• If accounting is the language of business, consider me fluent.
• Numbers don’t lie—but they do need a good translator. That’s where I come in.
• Every number has a story. I make sure it’s accurate, ethical, and audit-proof.
Understand Appropriate Language
Authenticity is important, but it’s essential to first understand the language and culture of the companies that you are applying to. Ask yourself how you can speak their language. This is not to say change yourself to fit the company, but rather, how can you translate your key message and values to complement theirs?
Look at the company’s website. Do they use colloquial or formal language? Are they a new company or do they have roots in the industry?
A ‘Hello, My name is’ resume with a ‘money talks’ key message may resonate with the expectations of a newage, casual workplace, but could fall flat when read by a traditional, buttoned-up firm.
Similarly, a black-and-white resume of bullet points and metrics may not be memorable to a vibrant workplace, but could be seen as helpful and respectful to an established company.
Ultimately, context is key– understanding what’s appropriate within a company’s culture ensures that your skills are framed in a way that resonates with the right audience.
Strive for brevity
It’s tough to remember one thing when there are several aspects of your resume competing for a hiring manager’s eye. For this reason, it’s important to use concise language and ensure that you are only adding elements that matter. Less is more. Don’t overuse jargon because your true message could get lost in translation.
Instead, focus on what’s memorable, valuable and relevant to the position.
Jessica Barboza, Marketing and Communications Intern, The Ohio Society of CPAs
Land the perfect professional connection
Whether you’re still basking in the glow of passing your CPA exam, a mid-level manager who needs a change, or a seasoned CFO who wants top talent, the OSCPA Career Center is your one-stop-shop to uncover rewarding careers and discover untapped talent.
Employers:
• Post jobs
• Review resumes
• Screen candidates
• Expand your reach with enhanced posting options
• Explore our recruitment and retention resources
Job Seekers:
• Search for jobs
• Customize your job alerts
• Post resumes anonymously
• Save resumes and cover letters on your dashboard
• Access videos and articles on interviewing, resume writing and more
• Get free interview coaching via email or more personalized coaching for a fee
For more info, visit ohiocpa.com/career-center
As the business landscape rapidly evolves, so too must the CPA profession’s ethical rules to address emerging challenges.
Developing issues and services—ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity risks to sustainability reporting and the changing nature of work—are testing the limits of existing ethics rules. To maintain public trust and integrity, the profession’s ethics rules are adapting to address these new realities, ensuring that guidance remains relevant and practical in an era of unprecedented change, safeguarding the profession’s core principles while embracing innovation.
At the February 2025 meeting of the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC), reports were provided on the project plans of multiple task forces addressing emerging issues being addressed in accounting. Some highlights include:
Alternative practice structures
As CPA firms seek broadening sources of capital, a PEEC task force was appointed in November 2022 to determine whether private equity (PE) investment in a nonattest entity of an alternative practice structure (APS) created a need to revise any aspects of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct or provide interpretive guidance. At its February 2025 meeting, PEEC reviewed a draft discussion memorandum to be released for public comment.
Some potential differences in a PE-owned APS include a possible lack of common control, potentially not “cooperating for the purpose of enhancing the firm’s capabilities to provide professional services,” and departures in the definitions of influence and control. Several new threats to independence and factors to
consider when evaluating the significance of threats are proposed, with potential safeguards.
The discussion memorandum is due to be released for a public comment period likely to conclude in June 2025.
Attest engagements that do not include financial statements
A PEEC task force is considering revisions to SSAEs to better address attest engagements that do not include financial statements, such as cybersecurity and sustainability reporting, including:
• Revising to a definition of the “period covered by the attest report” rather than the “period covered by the financial statements”
• Broadening to terminology such as “subject matter of the attest engagement” and “attest engagement plan”.
• Adding examples of services that are SSAE engagements
Digital assets
PEEC reviewed three draft Q&A documents, addressing:
1. Determining if bitcoin provides a financial interest in an entity
2. Independence when a member’s bitcoin is held by an attest client
3. Independence for entities only performing the recordkeeping of a covered member’s bitcoin account
The Q&A documents are to be released with proposed revisions.
Section 529 plans
With the increased use of Section 529 savings plans for higher education, it can be difficult to monitor the underlying investments for independence purposes. Original ethics guidance on 529 plans specified that the 529 account owner holds a direct financial interest in underlying investments, because the account owner can select from available portfolios, has information on the underlying investments in portfolio options at the time of selection, and is notified of changes in the underlying investments of portfolio options.
In an exposure draft issued in August 2024, PEEC identified many Section 529 plan characteristics that more closely align with the definition of an indirect financial interest. Since a material indirect financial interest in an attest client impairs independence, the draft provides specific safeguards a covered member can apply when such holdings become material, such as changing portfolio options to no longer include a material indirect financial interest. The covered member’s independence will be impaired if they audit the plan itself in which they are an account owner.
A final standard is expected with a May 31, 2025 effective date.
Simultaneous employment with an attest client
Changes in the nature of work, including an increased use of remote workers, independent contractors and holding multiple jobs, gives rise to new challenges addressed in a PEEC exposure draft issued in December 2024, Simultaneous Employment or Association With an Attest Client.
The exposure draft adopts a principles-based approach to defining “simultaneously employed or associated” and provides a specific exception for covered members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Rules continue to prohibit simultaneous employment and association by covered members and disallowing key positions, while allowing firms to evaluate threats and safeguards using the conceptual framework in other circumstances.
Comments on the exposure draft are requested by March 16, 2025.
Make an Investment in the Future of the Profession
Support the future of the accounting profession. Learn more about our programs at ohiocpa.com/Foundation Make a gift of any amount online at ohiocpa.com/Donate .
Your generous support:
• Welcomes the next generation to our profession
• Introduces students to the benefi ts and values of becoming a CPA
• Contributes to leadership development programs that enable students to enter the workforce prepared for success
• Develop talent
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• Position your team for the future of fi nance and accounting
• Identify key traits, skills and mindsets needed for fi nance and accounting leaders
• Enhance competence
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• Infl uence the future of your organization
Conditioned to compromise: The overriding power of moral disengagement
By Dr. Tiffany Crosby, PhD, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Senior Vice President, The Ohio Society of CPAs
the power of moral disengagement is why I anchored OSCPA’s Avoiding the Slippery Slope ethics course around the concept. In this article, I unpack the reframing process that underlies moral disengagement. The reframing process occurs at the individual, team, organization, industry, and societal levels and conditions individuals, with otherwise strong moral bearings, to compromise. As we begin our discussion, it’s important to note that this reframing process is psychological in nature, which means it often happens below our conscious radar. I teach this concept to raise awareness of it, hoping that we will become far more intentional with our words and challenge the pictures we’re creating within our organizations and with our stakeholders. So, let’s dig in.
I do not remember my first “little” white lie. Do you? I’m pretty sure the lie was said to be nice and spare someone’s feelings because that was the polite thing to do. I am also pretty sure my face gave me away as it still does today. I doubt that my parents thought much about the impression that approving my telling of a little white lie would leave. But, the notion that a slight fabrication, a stretching of the truth, or a play on words is socially okay when done to
benefit the other person stayed with me. I also could not pinpoint the first time I put a positive spin on my recount of events to lighten the environment and lessen my punishment. However, I can confidently state that my mother did not put me through a class on reframing or storytelling as a child. I just picked up that skill along the way by observing social interactions, such as the way that reframing works. At its heart, reframing is a dynamic phenomenon that develops through social learning (or observation). We learn how to influence our world through words by observing others do the same. Much of our reframing is well-intentioned, done to protect and preserve. However, reframing can have a significant negative impact when trying to build an ethical culture. Reframing allows us to justify unacceptable behaviors, diffuse responsibility, and distance ourselves from consequences. For example, corporate leaders could convince themselves that paying bribes was necessary to avoid outcomes detrimental to both the organizations and the communities that would lose out on economic development dollars and their multiplier effect. In poor economies, this economic justification argument can carry significant weight. Facilitation payments that help pull
families out of poverty, allow children to get an education, and uplift the communities – where’s the harm?
Our ability to justify unethical behavior by reframing it using euphemistic language allows us to maintain a positive selfimage. Consistent use of euphemistic language normalizes the unethical or questionable behaviors. Once normalized, rationalization is no longer needed as there is no longer a feeling of compromise. It becomes the way business is done. So, how do we tackle our tendency to reframe? First, let me mention what not to do. Do not announce to everyone that you are committed to telling the unvarnished truth to protect yourself from any possibility of ethical compromise, and that dress – not your best look. Instead, commit to noticing the language your organization uses to talk about code or policy violations. Where is softer language being used to make the message more palatable? Listen to the hero stories that are told or celebrated in your organization and think about the subtle message communicated regarding valued behaviors. Are non-compliant behaviors downplayed or ignored? Are ethical issues discussed using open and transparent language or cloaked in corporate speak? Evaluate how you train leaders. Do you teach your leaders ethical reasoning using scenario-based training to help them navigate
gray areas where moral disengagement is more likely? Are leaders encouraged to consult with others in critical strategic decisions where rationalization is more likely?
Ultimately, the words we choose shape not only our perceptions but also the ethical behaviors of our teams and the ethical culture of our organizations. When we allow reframing and euphemistic language to blur ethical boundaries, we create an environment where moral disengagement thrives—where once-questionable actions become routine and rationalization replaces responsibility. The challenge, then, is to become more intentional with our language, to recognize when softening reality erodes accountability, and to encourage a culture that values transparency over comfort. Ethical leadership requires us to acknowledge our tendency to reframe situations, confront difficult truths, and commit to fostering integrity in how we speak, think, and act.
THREE THINGS
By Dr. Tiffany Crosby, PhD, CPA, CGMA, MBA, Senior Vice President, The Ohio Society of CPAs
1. Euphemistic language softens the emotional impact of unethical actions, reducing personal responsibility and encouraging moral disengagement, where phrases like "creative accounting" or "facilitation payments" lose their negative weight over time.
2. Moral disengagement, driven by reframing, explains how individuals justify unethical behavior while maintaining a positive self-image, a process learned socially and operating subconsciously across individual, team, and organizational levels.
3. To counter reframing, leaders should avoid normalizing unethical behavior through soft language, promote transparent discussions of ethical issues, and train leaders in ethical reasoning to maintain accountability and promote an ethical culture.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Lisa Berger is carving out a new path for women and their entrepreneurial aspirations.
As co-founder and chairwoman of Fortuna Bank, Ohio’s first majority women-owned bank and one of only about 20 nationwide, Berger is on a mission to redefine what a bank can be—one that not only serves the financial needs of women, but also empowers them to succeed in business.
Berger’s vision for Fortuna Bank has been years in the making. Her journey to creating a bank focused on women’s financial empowerment was shaped by a combination of her own personal experiences working in banking and finance paired with her deep commitment to seeing women succeed.
“I have a very good friend who is a highly-trained lawyer,” Berger said. “She's a Stanford undergrad graduate and she called me one day and said, ‘I am getting a divorce. Can you sit down and explain to me what a mortgage is? And what does that include and what's an escrow?’ And I
thought, ‘Oh my gosh, these are just such basic concepts that every woman should know!’”
But she knew that her friend was not alone. During her time owning and running a title company, Berger found too many women lacked the access to capital, mentorship and financial education needed to succeed. And those barriers were holding too many back. “There wasn’t a clear path for women,” she said.
That path became clearer with the vision of opening Fortuna Bank on December 9, 2024. The institution’s creation was itself a significant achievement, with 350 shareholders coming together to invest a total of $20.7 million— surpassing the bank’s original $20 million target. These investors – many of them women - believe in the bank's vision, as well as its ability to create change in an industry historically hostile to women.
Learn more about Lisa Berger, Fortuna Bank and its mission at the Women, Wealth & Wellness virtual conference on July 17, 2025 .
Register Today! ohiocpa.com/WWW
Do you know a woman in your network who has made an impact in her profession and paved the way for future female leaders?
Now is the time to recognize her! OSCPA’s Power of Change award honors women who have shaped their profession through extraordinary leadership, community involvement, mentorship and innovation.
Submit your 2025 nomination by Thursday, May 15.
1. Lisa Berger’s Fortuna Bank, Ohio’s first majority womenowned bank, aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing financial services tailored to their needs, backed by $20.7 million from 350 shareholders. This innovative approach addresses the historical lack of access to capital and financial education that has hindered women in business.
THREE THINGS
2. Fortuna Bank prioritizes financial literacy, networking, and mentorship to equip women with the tools to succeed as business owners and confident investors. Berger’s vision stems from her experiences witnessing capable women struggle with basic financial concepts due to systemic barriers.
3. Opening on December 9, 2024, in Grandview Heights, Ohio, Fortuna Bank represents more than a financial institution—it’s a movement to redefine banking and inspire women to break barriers. By fostering an environment where women can comfortably engage with investments, Berger is paving the way for future generations to build their own legacies.
THE OHIO SOCIETY OF CPAs 2024–2025
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Rick Fedorovich, CPA
Bober Markey Fedorovich Cleveland
PAST CHAIR
Libby Cullins, CPA, MBA JP Morgan Chase Columbus
Brandi Carson, CPA La-Z-Boy Inc. Toledo
Angela Lewis, CPA Crowe, LLP Columbus
Mark McKinley, CPA Reas & Associates, Inc. Columbus
CHAIR-ELECT
Courtney Clark, CPA Deloitte Columbus
VICE CHAIR, FINANCE
Gregory J. Jonovich, CPA, MBA Materion Mayfield Heights
DIRECTORS
Jake Nix, CPA RISCPoint Cleveland
Kerry Roe, CPA Clark Schaeffer Hackett & Co. Cincinnati
Listen to the entire series wherever you get your podcasts!
The Ohio Society of CPAs podcast “The State of Business” covers the latest news impacting accounting professionals, most recently with a series focused on the accounting talent shortage.
Episode title: The impact of workforce development on the accounting profession
From the episode:
“We've always worked to attract talent to the pipeline. But there came a point where we realized that we also need to be equally focused on retention of that talent within the workforce, and also on the idea that the business environment is continually changing.”
