Wright and James Honored for Longstanding Commitment
August 24, 2024
The Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA) recognized members Candy Wright and Dennis James for their longstanding committment to LCPA and the profession. Candy and Dennis received their awards at the Louisiana Accounting & Auditing Conference on August 22 at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.
LCPA’s Special Recognition Award acknowledges CPAs who have demonstrated exceptional, selfless service in a particular area within the CPA profession. Candace Wright, CPA, CFF, boasts nearly 40 years of distinguished experience in the CPA profession. She is a Partner in EisnerAmper’s Audit & Assurance Services Group in Baton Rouge, LA. She previously led Postlethwaite & Netterville’s Accounting and Assurance Services Group as a Director.
On the national level, Ms. Wright chaired the Private Company Council of the Financial Accounting Foundation for eight years. In this role, she regularly engaged with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to discuss standards and their implications for private companies. Her influence also extends to her service on the Governmental Audit Quality Center’s Executive Committee and as a former chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Technical Issues Committee. Ms. Wright has been recognized multiple times on Accounting Today’s prestigious list of “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting,” underscoring her enduring impact and leadership in the field. A frequent author and speaker on accounting and auditing, she received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from McNeese State University.
LCPA’s Life Member Award recognizes an extensive record of achievement that will benefit the future of CPAs throughout Louisiana.
Dennis E. James, CPA, serves as a Director of James Lambert Riggs and Associates, Inc., in Hammond. He began his career in accounting in 1981 after graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University. Dennis became licensed in 1983 and became a partner in his firm within 10 short years. He remained managing partner until 2022 and stays active with the firm, assisting his clients with various tax planning and compliance, accounting, and consulting services.
Dennis is a past president of the LCPA’s Northshore Chapter and served on several LCPA committees. Over Dennis’s 40-year career, he has assisted local government in Tangipahoa parish as a trusted advisor for multiple governmental agencies. He also has been at the side of many of the most successful area businesses from the start, guiding them through various financial challenges. He is also generous with his time as a dedicated community volunteer, having served on the boards of organizations such as Regina Coeli Head Start, Southeastern Foundation, Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, and Tangipahoa Area United Way.
LCPA is a non-profit professional association serving more than 5,800 current and future CPAs statewide. It is the premier organization of accountants in the state.