AUSTIN, TX — Kenneth Omoruyi, a seasoned certified public accountant and entrepreneur, has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, where he will help regulate the profession and uphold ethical standards in the field.
Omoruyi, who ran for Texas’ 7th Congressional District seat last year, brings a wealth of experience in accounting, taxation, and public service to his new role.
He is the managing partner of CKO CPAs & Advisors, an adjunct professor of accounting at Lone Star College, and a nationally recognized leader in his profession.
Omoruyi’s career began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he worked in the oil and gas sector before immigrating to the United States. After earning a Master of Science in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California, he became a CPA and Enrolled Agent, working as a senior tax and financial analyst at Schlumberger, the world’s largest oil field service company.
In 2017, Omoruyi and his wife, a professor of pediatric medicine, welcomed triplets into their family. This milestone prompted a significant career shift. Facing the demands of parenthood and a rigorous corporate schedule, he decided to leave Schlumberger and launch CKO CPAs & Advisors.
“God has blessed our firm,” Omoruyi said. “We started in Sugar Land and have since expanded to La Grange, TX, where we operate the largest CPA firm in the city.”
His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Omoruyi has received several prestigious accolades, including CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 Under 40 Award, the AICPA 40 Under 40 Award, and the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award.
As a Texas State Board of Public Accountancy member, Omoruyi will play a key role in ensuring that accountants meet educational and ethical standards before obtaining their licenses.
“You are like the guardian of the profession,” he said. “The board’s goal is to regulate public accountancy in Texas, ensuring that CPAs are properly qualified and uphold the highest ethical standards.”
Beyond numbers and financial statements, Omoruyi believes accountants have a broader role in business and policymaking. “Accounting is the language of business,” he said. “Numbers tell a story, and good accountants help non-accountants understand what the numbers are saying in order to make informed decisions.”
Omoruyi credits his mother for instilling in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of gratitude. Raised by a single mother who raised her six children through college in a country without student loans, he saw firsthand the power of perseverance.
“My mother dedicated herself entirely to raising us,” he said. “Today, my siblings include two dental practitioners in the U.K., a plastic surgeon, a CPA, a government employee, and an agriculture entrepreneur.”
His faith and background have shaped his approach to leadership and service. “I grew up with nothing, assisting my mother in selling cooked food in the streets in Nigeria,” Omoruyi said. “Coming to the United States and experiencing the opportunities here has made me incredibly grateful. America is the greatest nation in the world.”
Outside of work, Kenneth enjoys playing Alto Saxophone at his local church and spending time with his wife and children.
Although his 2024 congressional run was his first political outing, Omoruyi remains open to returning to politics. His campaign introduced him to people from all walks of life. “When you put yourself out there, you expose yourself to everything,” he said. “Many of those relationships have become lifelong friendships.”
One of his enduring passions is promoting fiscal responsibility and financial transparency within government. He noted, “Fort Bend County is grappling with financial mismanagement. Relying on bond issuances to fund projects is not always a viable solution. Ultimately, we risk compromising the financial future of our children.”
Omoruyi is presently focused on his responsibilities with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and the growth of his firm. Throughout his various pursuits, including business, public service, and future political endeavors, his overarching goal remains consistent: serving others with unwavering integrity and gratitude.
