ABSTRACT
Andrew Barr, born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1901, was one of the earliest professional accounting executives to develop a career with the federal government. He began his securities and exchange commission (SEC) career as a research accountant investigating the McKesson & Carl B. Robbins case, and went on to deal with many of the most fractious issues facing the accounting profession in the United States. He played a major role in getting governmental accounting service accepted for certified public accountants (CPA) exam experience requirements. Because of Barr’s close working relationship with CPAs in public practice and with corporate accountants, he made an ideal ambassador from association of government accountants (AGA) to other organizations. In fact, Barr was active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), serving on its Council, and the national association of cost accountants, which he served as Washington Chapter president. He will be remembered for his contributions and his counsel to a growing profession.
