"While I may take the occasional corporate consulting assignment, my aim is to find a global nonprofit organization where I can devote my time and energy toward a cause that helps change the world and inspires me personally," Walker wrote in an email message. He is retiring as of July 31.

Since August 2011, Walker has been director of global accountant strategy and programs and spending much of his time developing programs outside the United States. From July 2007 through August 2011, he served as director of accountant communications, media relations and social media.

But it was during his eight years as director of accountant relations, from April 1998 through November 2006, that he was the most visible to accountants in this country.

He was also technology director at the American Institute of CPAs from 1991 through 1998.

The list of accomplishments cited by Walker include growing the QuickBooks ProAdvisor program in the United States and then launching it globally, along with the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Program. He also developed the first Intuit Academy training for accountants and bookkeepers and founded the Intuit Accountant Advisory Council, made up of practicing accountants and bookkeepers.