After graduating, Bowsher first worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. starting in 1956.[3] While at the firm, he played a crucial role in its efforts to encourage public discussion on the need for sound financial reporting within the public sector.[1] From 1967 to 1971, Bowsher served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller).[2] He oversaw a budget of over $20 billion a year, 4,500 staff in the accounting department, and 500 individuals in internal audit.[3] He went back to Arthur Andersen after four years in the role and assumed an executive position.[2] He was also responsible for looking after the firm's work for various federal agencies, such as the Department of the Interior, the Agency for International Development, and the Federal Reserve.[3]
Comptroller General
Bowsher was nominated to serve as United States Comptroller General by President Ronald Reagan in July 1981, succeeding Elmer B. Staats.[3] During his tenure, he was subject of the lawsuit Bowsher v. Synar, which led to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act of 1986. He was known for his visible role during the savings and loan crisis when he addressed the General Accounting Office. He was especially critical of manoeuvres by the US Congress to reduce oversight of the savings and loans industry, stating that "this is a huge scandal and to a large extent it was allowed to grow because of the way this town does business".[2]
Bowsher was instrumental in Congress' passage of the Single Audit Act of 1984, which required annual audits for state and local governments. He also played a key role in the passing of the Chief Financial Officers' Act of 1990, requiring federal department and agencies to prepare financial statements and undergo annual financial audits.[4]
Bowsher married Mary Mahoney in 1963. They met while he was working for Arthur Andersen,[3] and they remained married for 59 years until his death.[2] Together, they had two children.[2][3]
Bowsher died on September 30, 2022, at home in Bethesda, Maryland. He was 91 years old.[2]