Forvis Mazars alum Mark Soticheck spent the first 13 years of his career serving both clients and industry. Today, as recently appointed CEO of the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), Mark is an influential voice advocating for and advancing the critical role CPAs play—from the boardroom to the local nonprofit—in bettering our businesses, organizations, and communities.
You’re originally from Massachusetts and went to school in Florida. How did you end up in North Carolina?
After graduating from Florida State University, I began my career at a large international public accounting firm and then moved to North Carolina to begin working at legacy firm DHG in Sanford, NC in 2004 and transferred to the firm’s Raleigh office eventually. I had been ready to escape Florida’s heat and humidity.
So what led you to the NCACPA?
When I arrived in North Carolina, I hardly knew anyone and was eager to meet other CPAs. So I joined the NCACPA and started volunteering. I found I really enjoyed being around accounting students and future CPAs. As a result, I was asked to serve on the association’s Young CPA Cabinet, chair the Financial Literacy Council, and ultimately serve on the Board of Directors. After public accounting, I was the chief operating officer at a community bank and continued to stay involved, selected to serve as a member of AICPA Council and ultimately as treasurer. In 2016, I was asked to come on full time as COO and this past July was named CEO.
You’ve transitioned from serving clients to now supporting client servers. What was that like?
The accounting profession has given me so much more than I ever thought possible. I wanted to give back. I saw joining the NCACPA staff as an opportunity to truly make an impact, especially in transforming the lives of younger and future CPAs. I knew it was taking a chance, but I just couldn’t say no. In this role, I am able to leverage the lessons learned on the frontline of both public practice and private industry to help our professional community.
What are you focused on as CEO?
Our mission is to enhance the profession and the community it serves through advocacy, connections, education, and resources. We represent North Carolina’s CPAs, and the accounting profession, in all matters of legislation, statutes, and regulations. And we’re an essential resource for a profession that’s tremendously broad and deep. We assess the plusses and minuses of proposed regulatory changes. We talk to thought leaders. We provide learning and create awareness around developing issues. Everyone is so busy serving clients and not every firm has the resources to keep up. That’s where NCACPA comes in, where we are able to help parse through the information and provide relevant and timely information. We’re that additional arm of your firm/organization.
What impact did Hurricane Helene have on what you do?
It was devastating. Beyond the heartbreaking impact to the communities, hundreds of North Carolina CPAs were severely impacted. At a time of such distress, it was wonderful to witness CPAs from across the state reaching out to ask how they could help their fellow professionals.
We were very focused on advocating for and getting clarity around filing extensions and other disaster relief measures. You might live in Raleigh, but your CPA is located in Asheville or your CPA firm’s server is located in that area. We needed taxing authorities and other government agencies to understand that it’s not just an isolated group of 27 counties affected, but a much larger scenario. We wanted to ensure decisions were made thoughtfully and in the best interest of our profession, clients, and communities.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in the profession. What’s the NCACPA’s take?
Personally, I don’t think we need to be afraid. The profession has encountered new technology and advancements countless times before. At each juncture, upon arrival it was new, different, scary. But as a profession we innovated and by leveraging advancement, it enabled us to get out of the weeds to provide greater value, deeper insights, and build more meaningful relationships, which is at the core of what we do. However, we do need to carefully weigh the impact of AI as a replacement for staff, especially in terms of sustaining a pipeline of managers who’ll become tomorrow’s partners, CFOs, and COOs. But as long as we consider the downstream implications and think long term, I think AI will be a plus.
What does it mean to be a Forvis Mazars alum?
I wouldn’t be in my current position if not for the education and experience—technical and non-technical—I received at the firm. I love the Alumni Network and have so many friendships still to this day. The best thing Forvis Mazars (legacy firm DHG) gave me is a sense of responsibility. I remember Eddie Sams constantly preaching integrity and character, and Ken Hughes saying, “There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.” Now, 20 years later, these values still ring true, as my wife and I teach them to our children. I don’t take it for granted when I say I’m a Forvis Mazars alum.
More about Mark Soticheck
- Born in Agawam, Massachusetts
- Received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University
- Met his wife, Lisa, also a CPA, at legacy firm DHG, now Forvis Mazars
- Served as COO of Fidelity Bank from 2013–2016
- Has two children, ages 8 and 6
- Loves to cook, especially Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine
- Enjoys reading and is a self-described “Disney addict” (admitting it is the first step)
Did you know?
The North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants was founded more than 100 years ago and has over 12,000 members, making it one of the largest associations in the nation.
