The Omaha guide., 1947-03-01
CHAUNCEY L. CHbJSTIAN-CPA

One in every al persons IN the United States is an Ac-
countant-aImost one million men and women. But only
1900 of these are registered Certified Public Accountants:
the examination, in every state of the nation is one of the
stiffest. Chauncey L. Chdistian is among the very few Ne
sroes who have qualified. He was the first Negro in Ken
lucky, % years ago.
One of the highest categories in the Accounting field is
management controI.' AT thepresent moment, Mr.. Chris
tan has the respoibiity for handling the finances of Gale
Agencies a New York City managing and booking firm do
ing a yearly business totaling several million dollars, and for
the management of its 80 staff members.
Before coming to New York, Mr.. Christian was chief figu-
ring erpert behindthe-scenes of million-dollar construction
company-owned and operated by Negroes-"here swift
ness and accuracy in accounting was a main pivot around
which the company's success turned. Efficient cost figuring
wisely figured bids, and close ~budgeting swept the company
through job after job. lit was the only Negro company re-
ceiving contracts from the federal government for building
post offices which it erected in cities in Kentucky, Indiana,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey and New
York. 1t received federal contracts for defense housing in
Louisville. Kentucky; for a 81, 10000 housing job in Balti
more; and a S2,OOO,OOO defense project WASH, u. T.
With the war slump in construction work, Mr.. Christian
came to New York. At about the same time Gale Agencies
decided to bring Negro executives into the firm and had
turned to the Urban League OF Greater New York tor gui-
dance in the selection of an Accountant. MIR. Christian was
recommended and in the three years of association with the
organization has ben encouraged, III his position as control
Ter, to exploit his capabilities fully.
He takes away the doubt and mystery of competing and
winning in the American business world.
"Color may be a handicap" he says, but it is not a barrl-
r 1t is obvious that a Negro must do a better job-but
then ANYBODY should do a better job if he wants to get a.
head"
Although born in New York, Mr.. Christian went south at
an early age to live with his grandmother in Richmond, Vr-
einia. where he finished high school, and attended Virginia
Business School and Union University. His first real job
a that of clerk for the Southern Aid Society OF Virginia,
Inc, a successful Negro company, he received his first real
commercial aspirations. Finding he was a long way from
knowing all he should in Accounting, he began to study at
night. His next job was at Tuskegee Institute where taught
bookkeeping and other business subjects, and later MADE
Assistant to the Director of Industries-but he kept study
ing. spending most of his spare moments i'm the library.
sHe kent studying' was like a refrain in young Christians
life. Even after leaving Tuskegee to take a job as an Ac-l
countin (moving subsequently to Louisville, Kentucky ne
continued to "bun midnight OIL" In addition to his work
he became Figuring MASTER for many of the new enter
prises in Louisville, most often Negro businesses Not only
did he design and install accounting and business systems,
but he trained personnel as well. In 1925 he took his exa-
mination for CPA.
Mr.. Christian, who has been described as one of the most Ia
Tented accountants and tax consultants in the country is a
secure, confident American citizen. MANY OF the problems
facing Negro boys and girls are solved by proper technical
training and determined effort, che explains. There is
nothing difficult about it"
This man who is reaching the top IN his fleid, wouid De
very pleased with
John A. Cooper, Accountant, United Nations
"a young veteran, on his first real accountin job.
Early in 1916, shortly after his army discharge, John
Cooper packed away his khaki, put on his civilian suit and
visited the USES offices in New York City. He wanted a job
as an accountant. He had no "pull'', no contacts"
He was a trained Accountant, asking for a job on his ability
to do it. When he was told by the interviewer that an ac-
countant was needed at the United Nations headquarters, he
went right away. He didn't stop to ask himself, "Wil they
want a Negro Accountant. Can / do the job. How will they
treat me. Suppose. Maybe. Perhaps"
He remembered his four good years at MorehOuse College
where he maiored in business Administration and Account
ing; the practice work he'd had during the Last two years
there with a CPA firm in Atlanta; his parttime job al a stu
dent with the firm; the special auditing job he'd done; and
the extra study in Cost Accounting he'd had through the
Armed Forces Institute, while he was in the army.
Chauncey Christian would have laughed With contentment
said: "There are a million Accountants in America-and
to look at him, u~nruffled, confident, you'd think there was
just one"
At the United Nations, John CoOpers job is Accountant
IN the Budget Control Section of the Administrative and Fl
nance Division. He is one Negro among Is other persons
French, Norwegian, Dutch, Canadian Filipino Australian.
Sponsored by one of his Accountant colleagues, he is a MEM
Der of the National Association of Cost Accountants, a profess
ssonal organization which allows him to keep up with the
new developments in his field.
For John Cooper this is just beginning. He's got a lot of
plans, and he is losing no time. Along with his job, his as
a New York CPA School for evening classes. He is continu
ing to do something about his future.
1.-THE FUTURE is YOURS-PLANA AND PREPARED.
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