An Interview with Robert E. Sohr, Chair of the Society’s Accounting and Auditing Oversight Committee

Robert E. Sohr has always believed in seeking diverse insight on issues in accounting and auditing. A member of the Society’s board of directors, Sohr sees committees as the best forum to share developments that impact the profession and the clients the profession serves.

Since he became a member of the Society soon after receiving his certification in 1968, Sohr has served on numerous committees. His involvement with the Society started when his manager took him to a Westchester Chapter event. He continued attending meetings, became a chapter committee chair, and eventually served as a member of the chapter’s board.
A move to Long Island coincided with increased participation in many statewide committees. Sohr has chaired the Financial Accounting Standards Committee twice, from 1989 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001.

As chair of the Accounting and Auditing Oversight Committee, Sohr appreciates members for what they bring to committees’ discussions and objectives. Sohr feels he has learned more from other committee members than he’s taught them, an advantage to being involved with a diverse group. Other members’ perspectives have added to his ability to better service his clients, he said.

Sohr says he is proud of the Society’s active participation in the standard-setting process, commenting on proposed regulations and legislation. He is not aware of any other state society that comments on professional proposals with the same frequency and quality as that of the NYSS-CPA. He is also proud of the committees’ ability to attract highly regarded speakers, from institutions such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to their seminars and conferences.

Despite these accomplishments, Sohr notes that there is always room for change and improvement; for instance, launching programs to encourage more members to get involved in committees.

Even after three decades of moving from committee member to chair to member of the board of directors, Sohr doesn’t foresee ending his own participation in the Society.

“Leadership positions are not the end. There are many ways of giving back without being in that position,” Sohr said. “I am not ready to ride off into the sunset. I will start off once again as a committee member and perhaps become active again in the Westchester Chapter.”