Two leaders in tax policy and practice received the tax profession’s highest honors, marking a moment of recognition for decades of service and international coordination. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) acknowledged Arthur Auerbach and Cory Perry for their impact on members, clients, and the public. The announcement highlights sustained volunteer work and leadership on cross-border tax issues at a time of ongoing global tax change.
“Arthur Auerbach, an AICPA volunteer for 23 years, and Cory Perry, the chair of the AICPA’s Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Task Force, received the tax profession’s highest honors.”
The recognition took place as governments and businesses continue to adjust to evolving rules and increased reporting expectations. The awards affirm steady guidance from professionals who translate complex policy into practical advice.
Background On The Honors
The AICPA is the national professional organization for Certified Public Accountants in the United States. It sets ethical standards and supports guidance for practice. Its awards program highlights individuals who advance the profession, strengthen public trust, and mentor peers. Honorees typically have long records of service, technical expertise, and a clear commitment to education.
Recent years have seen sweeping tax changes, including new reporting regimes and digital economy debates. Professional groups have played a key role in commenting on proposals, advising members, and working with standard setters. Against this backdrop, recognition of leaders signals what the profession values: accuracy, independence, and service.
Profiles Of The Honorees
Arthur Auerbach has volunteered with the AICPA for 23 years. Long-term volunteers often serve on committees, draft practice aids, teach courses, and respond to tax authority guidance. That work aims to help practitioners apply rules consistently. It also supports taxpayers who rely on clear and timely advice. Auerbach’s tenure suggests a steady presence through multiple tax cycles, legislative updates, and filing seasons.
Cory Perry chairs the AICPA’s Task Force focused on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD convenes countries on tax policy, including base erosion, profit allocation, and global coordination. For U.S. firms, these efforts influence reporting, transfer pricing, and withholding. A task force chair helps interpret proposals and channels practitioner feedback to policymakers and standard setters. The role requires technical skill and careful negotiation.
Why Recognition Matters Now
Tax rules are changing, and compliance demands are rising. Companies must follow domestic statutes and coordinate across borders. Practitioners balance risk management with business goals. In such conditions, steady leadership helps maintain consistency and reduce confusion.
- Guidance from experienced volunteers can reduce errors and disputes.
- International expertise supports firms with cross-border operations.
- Clear communication improves compliance for taxpayers and advisers.
The honors also reinforce the value of service. Time spent on comment letters, education, and member outreach can prevent costly missteps and improve trust in the system.
Implications For The Profession
The awards point to three trends. First, practice support is moving closer to real time. Members seek faster insights as rules shift. Second, global coordination is now routine for many firms, not just multinationals. Third, mentorship remains essential as new practitioners enter the field amid complex rules and tight deadlines.
Stakeholders outside public practice may also benefit. Investors prefer predictable outcomes. Tax authorities seek accurate filings. Nonprofits and small businesses need accessible guidance. Recognition of leaders who elevate quality can encourage more participation across committees and working groups.
What Comes Next
Professionals are watching ongoing OECD work and domestic updates that affect reporting and tax planning. Chairs of technical groups will likely brief members on timelines, safe harbors, and documentation standards. Volunteers with long experience can help turn policy into checklists, training, and templates that firms can use quickly.
The honors for Auerbach and Perry reflect that demand. Their roles suggest the AICPA will continue to lean on seasoned practitioners to interpret complex changes and support members with clear tools and guidance.
As new policies emerge, the profession will look for consistent voices who can bridge technical detail and practical steps. These awards affirm the importance of that work and set a standard for the next generation of leaders.
