Barry Carl Melancon

Barry Carl Melancon is a transformative leader in the accounting profession, recognized for his strategic vision and global impact. Prior to December 31, 2024, he was President and CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Under his leadership, the Association has grown into the largest and most influential professional accounting organization in the world, representing nearly 597,000 members, candidates, and registrants across 188 countries.

Prior to joining the AICPA, Melancon served for eight years as the Executive Director of the Society of Louisiana CPAs. Since becoming CEO of the AICPA in 1995, Melancon’s leadership and team-building skills have led to numerous advancements in technology, regulation, diversity, and global collaboration. He has played a critical role in modernizing and expanding the accounting profession by fostering innovations in digital solutions that increased the efficiency and profitability of thousands of small CPA firms. Examples include the creation of CPA.com, development of the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), registration of the .cpa domain name, and coordination of a consortium of firms to fund the development of the Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS), a groundbreaking initiative designed to modernize audits.

Beyond technology, Melancon has influenced significant educational, regulatory and policy reforms. He oversaw the computerization of the CPA exam and the CPA Evolution Initiative that transformed the CPA licensure model. He was instrumental in establishing mobility laws that allow CPAs to practice across state lines and creating the Private Company Council to improve financial reporting standards for private businesses. He was a founding member of the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) and testified to Congress on behalf of the profession numerous times.

Committed to fostering a more inclusive profession, Melancon oversaw the establishment of the AICPA’s National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and played a key role in launching the AICPA Leadership Academy to develop future leaders.

On the global stage, Melancon co-founded and chaired the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), strengthening international collaboration among accounting bodies and was involved in the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). He was an advocate for the creation of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation to enhance the recognition of management accounting worldwide. His leadership in sustainability and financial reporting led to his involvement in shaping global reporting standards, influencing regulatory policies across multiple countries.

Melancon graduated from Nicholls State University in Louisiana, majoring in accounting with a minor in government. He later earned his MBA from Nicholls State and was awarded the university’s first and only Honorary Doctor of Commerce. Melancon began his accounting career in 1979 at a small CPA firm in Louisiana and was elected a partner in 1984.

Melancon’s contributions throughout his career have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Association Executive of the Year in 2011 and Forbes’ first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. His legacy as one of the most influential and forward-thinking figures in the history of accounting is unquestionably established.

Barry Carl Melancon is the 122nd inductee to The Accounting Hall of Fame.