David M. Walker is a well-known American government official and accountant who has served in various capacities, including as the former Comptroller General of the United States from 1998 to 2008. He is a well-respected figure in the field of accounting and government finance, and his work has contributed significantly to the development of sound fiscal policy in the United States.
Early Life and Education
David Walker was born on October 2, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in a working-class family and attended public schools in Birmingham. He later attended Jacksonville State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1973. Walker went on to earn a master's degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974.
Career in Accounting
After earning his master's degree, Walker began his career in accounting at the international accounting firm Arthur Andersen. He worked there for several years before moving on to other accounting firms, including Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse.
Throughout his career, Walker has been involved in a number of high-profile accounting projects, including the audits of several major corporations and government agencies. He has also served as a consultant to a number of government agencies on accounting and financial management issues.
Appointment as Comptroller General
In 1998, Walker was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the Comptroller General of the United States. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the financial management of the federal government and providing guidance on budget and fiscal policy.
During his tenure as Comptroller General, Walker was a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government. He worked to raise awareness about the long-term financial challenges facing the United States, including the growing national debt and the unsustainable costs of entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Post-Government Career
After leaving government service in 2008, Walker founded the Comeback America Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on promoting fiscal responsibility and sustainability. He has also served as a senior strategic advisor to PwC, one of the world's largest accounting firms, and is a sought-after speaker and commentator on fiscal and economic issues.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Walker has been recognized for his contributions to the field of accounting and government finance. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers, and the Abraham Lincoln Award from the National Taxpayers Union.
Conclusion
David Walker is a highly respected figure in the field of accounting and government finance. His work as the former Comptroller General of the United States and his ongoing efforts to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability have contributed significantly to the development of sound fiscal policy in the United States.