Walter Schuetze and the Numbers Game: Advocate for Reform, Champion of Independence, Promoter of Fair Value, and Proponent of Simplification

ABSTRACT This paper examines the life of Walter Schuetze (1932–2017) and his contributions to the accounting profession. He was a public accountant, a founding member of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Chief Accountant for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a corporate board member, and an advocate for accounting reform. In 2008, he was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame. This paper shows how Walter Schuetze has left a quiet but impactful legacy with lessons learned that still have applicability to the accounting profession today.