When accounting goes unaccounted for
“I did not expect actual, economic losses on the portfolio. That said, I was truthful at all times about the unrealized accounting losses and did my very best to estimate them accurately, in consultation with others at AIG-FP, as well as with my supervisors, AIG’s senior accounting staff, and its internal and external auditors.”
~ Joe Cassano, in his prepared testimony before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission
“I know that some people might not have the same kind of memory that I have, but if you have enough passion about wanting to help people and you’re willing to work hard, you’ll go very far in the world of public accounting.”
~ Steven M. Braunstein, President of Snyder Cohn
“Taxpayers need to be able to distinguish between the professional capabilities and education of the different groups of tax preparers.”
~ Patricia Thompson, vice chair of the AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee
“The problem with dumping him at this stage is that it won’t really get to the heart of the matter, which is that he’s just one of a cast of characters who need to be ousted. The problem is the ensemble. I think it’s a bit like you’re not liking the cast of Seinfeld, and just getting rid of Elaine.”
~ Gary Weiss on Ben Bernanke, et al.