HENRY BICKERSTAFF, CPA, a CPA since 1978, has been an enthusiastic mentor to accounting students and new CPAs throughout the course of his career, with much of his time spent presenting to classrooms and academic clubs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). “[Henry] is a lifelong learner and promoter of education,” said


Dana Roark, CPA, a professor at NWOSU. “He is a wealth of information and always willing to go the extra mile to help.” Bickerstaff has made a lasting impact on the accounting profession,


and his love for helping others succeed is evident through his recent named scholarship established with the OSCPA’s Educational Foundation. In giving advice to new CPAs, Bickerstaff recalled the many changes the profession has seen through the years but notes one important piece that has remained the same – the people. “Deep down, it is still about the people,” Bickerstaff said. “I have maintained that I am a better CPA because I study people, how they act, why they act and how to communicate with different personalities than I have.” Not only does the Alva CPA understand people, but he enjoys getting to know them, which is evident through the impressive resume he has built through his involvement with the OSCPA, in his local community, and even on the national level. “If you look around at the leaders in your firm, in the Society or in


any profession, the superstars stand out and shine more brightly than the rest,” Bickerstaff said. “Why? Tey have been able to meld great people skills with great technical skills.” Before becoming a sole practitioner, Bickerstaff worked with


HENRY BICKERSTAFF, CPA


HENRY M. BICKERSTAFF, CPA SOLE PRACTITIONER


Kennedy and Coe LLC in Alva, where he guided the firm’s technology path, developed a tax reconciliation process and streamlined other processes. In his work at Kennedy and Coe, he specialized in estate and trust planning, guiding and advising clients and families, helping families transition from one generation to the next. “To say he has been involved during his career is an understatement,” Roark said. “Henry has so much to offer members, students, his clients and the public.”


OSCPA CONTRIBUTIONS Chair (2019-2020) Board of Directors


Accounting Careers Committee Advocacy Council Bylaws Committee


Continuing Professional Education Committee CPA/PAC Committee Educational Foundation Trustee Executive Committee Financial Literacy Committee Human Resources Committee


Liaison with Educational Institutions Committee Nominating Committee


Small Firms Practitioners Committee (Chair) May/June 2022 CPAFOCUS 7


COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Zion Lutheran Church Mural Society 5K


Kiwanis Club: Past President and Little Olympics Volunteer


PROFESSIONAL DEDICATION AICPA Council Member


Chairman of the City of Alva Tourism Tax Committee Board Member of Northwest Family Services


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