James M. Donovan, CPA, Realtor/Broker

Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA (808) 883-3331

A message to Governor-elect Abercrombie:

As an applicant for a position with the Abercrombie administration, here is an overview of the contributions I believe I can make in the following areas:

Department of Accounting and General Services

Having spent over two years as an auditor for a large CPA firm, I am keenly aware of accounting procedures. In addition, I devoted a number of years to the computer income tax compliance and services industry. Those experiences directly involved data processing and paperwork reduction. Accordingly, I believe I can make a valuable contribution to this department.

Department of Budget and Finance

In addition to a major in Accounting, I also qualified for my Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Finance. During my years in public accounting, I audited a number of non-profit organizations and school districts in which budgetary accounting was as important as the presentation of the hisotrical financial data. Within the private sector, I experienced highly-sophisticted budget systems that dealt with the peculiarities of processing high volumes of tax returns in a short window of time.

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

I feel that I am particularly well suited to serve in this capacity. I believe that I have an acute understanding of motivational factors to businesses,both large and small. In addition, I have direct experience in connection with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, having applied for grant funds in connection with a proposed baseball tournament.

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

A holder of professional licenses both as a Real Estate Broker and as a Certified Public Accountant, I have interacted with the D.C.C.A. for many years. I hold a reverence for high standards in business, and I would be an excellent choice as the individual to oversee this department.

Department of Taxation

Tax compliance has been my specialty. I have written programs that included every individual income tax form, schedule and worksheet in Federal Package X, as well as corresponding state forms for every state in the country. As Vice President of the National Association of the Computerized Tax Processors, I was involved in the development of the original specifications for electronic filing with the IRS and other state authorities.

Other Entities Appointed by the Governor

With my multifaceted skills and broad background, I bring assets to the table unlike anyone else applying. I am well-educated, articulate, and able to think on my feet. I welcome challenges in a variety of specialty areas and am willing to serve the people of Hawaii at the pleasure of the governor.