Outstanding CPA in government named--an FBI executive.

Grant Ashley, FBI Executive Assistant Director and CPA, is the 2005 recipient of the AICPA's Outstanding CPA in Government Award. The award recognizes CPAs working in government who have made significant contributions to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations and to the growth and enhancement of the profession.

During his 25-year FBI career, Ashley has served as a Financial Analyst, Special Agent and as a member of the FBI's senior management; he is the highest-ranking CPA in the FBI. In his capacity as a senior executive, Ashley has implemented significant changes in how the FBI conducts field financial transactions, many of which have been adopted throughout the FBI, resulting in enhanced Bureau operations. In 2003, Ashley was awarded a Presidential Rank Award by the U.S. government for his contribution of re-allocating resources for the counterterrorism effort. Ashley's dramatic restructuring of the Criminal Investigative Division freed over 1,000 employees for work on counterterrorism initiatives.

In addition, Ashley has worked diligently to forge a collaborative relationship with the AICPA, especially in the financial fraud detection and prevention areas. He orchestrated a highly successful Webcast for CPAs on financial fraud, in conjunction with the AICPA. He has facilitated outreach from other areas of the FBI to the AICPA, particularly in publicizing and promoting career opportunities for CPAs in the federal government.