Arthur L. Litke: An Unlikely FASB Member, an Influencer of the Accounting Profession, and His Removal from the Board

ABSTRACT Arthur L. Litke was one of the seven original members of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) when the standard-setting body was initially formed in 1973. Although a CPA, Litke filled what was considered an investor position on the Board. He took his role of protecting investors seriously and had a track record of taking strong stances for what he believed in. His case highlights the pressures of the time on standard-setting and sheds light on the process and difficulties behind creating FASB statements. This paper examines why Arthur Litke was appointed to the FASB, what impact he made on the accounting profession, and why he was not reappointed to the FASB.