Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP (www.hpg.com), one of the largest CPA firms headquartered and staffed in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, announces today that partners Tim Gupton and Tim Naylor have received their Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. With an unpredictable market in recent years, Gupton and Naylor chose to pursue licensing to better evaluate client assets and aid them in maintaining proper cash flow.

The designations demonstrate a proven knowledge of securities rules and regulations; product education; conduct and business ethics; state laws; retirement planning; and investment advisor rules. The Series 7 license is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and entitles Gupton and Naylor to sell all types of securities products except commodities and futures. The Series 66 license is required in addition to the Series 7 to qualify for registration as a securities agent and investment adviser representative.

“Our ability to serve clients depends on understanding what resources they need and what are available,” says Gupton. “Receiving the Series 7 and 66 licenses allows us to present additional opportunities to our clients.”

HPG remains committed to continuing education and accreditation. Gupton and Naylor join nine other partners in holding the Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Gupton has more than 35 years of public accounting experience. He joined HPG in 1992 and centers his practice on entrepreneurial businesses, owner-managed businesses and investor-financed technology companies in the Triangle. Gupton also leads the firm’s life science practice and has served as the start-up CEO for seven biopharmaceutical companies in the Research Triangle area.

Naylor has been with HPG since 2003 and has more than 18 years of experience in public accounting. He manages the firm’s Sarbanes-Oxley practice, focusing on compliance services, financial reporting, transaction support, consulting, tax planning. Naylor has also been instrumental in the development of HPG’s Cleantech practice.