The accounting industry, which is protesting tougher rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding auditor independence, has gained the support of the New York State Society of CPAs concerning the issue. The Society is concerned about the potential changes because under the federal government's new rule, CPAs would not be allowed to offer their audit clients non-audit services, which would hurt small accountants the most. Conversely, businesses, particularly in small communities, may not be able to find professionals to handle non-audit services other than their auditor. The Society believes that it would be impossible for practitioners to effectively operate under the government's plan.