In the episode #62 & #63 of CPA Career Paths, I had the incredible honor of speaking with Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA — the longest-serving CEO in AICPA history. We explored Barry’s inspiring journey from a small-town CPA to leading the largest global accounting body. He shared his career-defining moments, leadership philosophy, thoughts on the future of the profession, and his advice for anyone serious about making a lasting impact in accounting.
🔹 Started as a partner at 25 in a small CPA firm
🔹 Led the AICPA through Enron, tech evolution, and globalization
🔹 Stresses the importance of trust, adaptability, and written goals
🔹 Encourages CPAs to embrace AI and shift to big-picture thinking
🔹 Shares how environment and support shape career trajectories
Whether you’re just starting out or pivoting mid-career, Barry’s story is packed with powerful lessons that will keep you motivated and focused.
A Humble Start with Big Goals
When I asked Barry to share more about himself, he began with his roots in South Louisiana. “I went to a very nondescript university… worked in a very, very small CPA firm… and became partner at a young age.” What struck me most was how early he started thinking big.
He skipped a year in both high school and college, graduated at 20, and made partner at 25 — a goal he had written down early in his career.
“One of the partners taught me to write goals. I just felt like I was capable of doing that, and I wanted to achieve at that level.”
He emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who see your potential — and staying laser-focused.
Saying “Yes” to Opportunities & Trust
Barry’s rise wasn’t about luck — it was about preparation and people who believed in him. The day he passed the CPA exam, a partner removed himself from a committee to put Barry in his place.
“Literally, I was on a state CPA committee the first day I was a CPA.”
That early exposure gave him experience and confidence that later translated into leadership roles with the Louisiana Society of CPAs and eventually the AICPA.
Another key takeaway? Sometimes the best opportunities don’t come with a raise — they come with a vision.
“They said, ‘We’re not going to adjust your pay, but your future is very bright in this firm.’ And I stayed — and made partner by 25.”
Lessons in Leadership (Early & Often)
Leading even a small firm requires interpersonal skills, vision, and confidence. Barry credits his childhood environment — where he was constantly surrounded by adults — for giving him those skills early.
“You are a factor of the people around you… I was always in adult situations, even as a kid.”
He believes great leaders are shaped not just by titles, but by how they show up, how they listen, and how they grow others.
He shared how stepping into leadership roles meant sacrifices — retraining himself from audit to tax, taking on big clients early, and managing staff dynamics — but those experiences built the foundation for bigger impact roles ahead.
Creating Change in the Profession
Under Barry’s leadership, the AICPA went through transformational change — from digitizing the CPA exam to navigating post-Enron regulations, to leading through the age of AI and global disruption.
“You couldn’t call yourself a global, high-tech profession and still have a pencil-and-paper exam.”
Some of his most impactful initiatives included:
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Launching CPA.com to drive tech innovation in smaller firms
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Computerizing the CPA exam to match real-world expectations
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Merging AICPA and CIMA to establish a global professional body
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Championing ethics, trust, and competency as core values
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Driving the shift toward a broader CPA skillset, including technology and strategic thinking
The CPA of the Future
Barry sees AI as a huge disruptor — but also an opportunity. He encourages professionals to embrace the fast pace of change and stay adaptable.
“The pace of change is never going to be as slow as it is today.”
He outlined what the future of the profession looks like:
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Less data entry, more data analysis
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Deeper specialization and broader strategic roles
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Upskilling in AI, communication, and business acumen
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Becoming trusted advisors rather than just technicians
He visualizes the profession as a “hot air balloon flipped upside down” — with a fat middle filled with professionals who are nimble, competent, and trusted.
Actionable Advice from Barry
Here are Barry’s top tips that you can apply today:
✔️ Write your goals down — and revisit them regularly
✔️ Find mentors who believe in you and push you
✔️ Be vocal about your ambitions — don’t hide your goals
✔️ Always be learning — especially in technology and communication
✔️ Take pride in the profession — because it matters deeply
✔️ Work in environments that align with your values and pace
He also left us with this powerful reminder:
“You won’t lose your job because of technology… you’ll lose it to someone who knows how to use the technology better than you.”
Final Words of Wisdom
When I asked Barry what separates a good CPA from a great one, he didn’t name a specific skill. Instead, he emphasized mindset.
“It’s someone who takes the notion of being a professional seriously — someone who sees change not as a threat but as a constant.”
This resonated deeply with me. Our profession is evolving faster than ever, and it’s up to us to evolve with it — while staying grounded in the principles of trust and competence that have always defined what it means to be a CPA.
Join the Movement — Master Your CPA Journey
I’m incredibly proud to be a CPA — and conversations like this remind me why. If Barry’s journey inspired you, imagine what’s possible for your own.
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