[greenjas]

I’ve decided to go for my CPA. I’m an Enrolled Agent (EA) with my own tax practice. But once I complete the CPA, I will need to get 1600 hours. I was planning on working 20 hours a week for 2 years under a CPA. Hopefully I won’t have to give up my company. But, if I have to give up my business I’m willing to do it. Can someone provide advice for a 43 year old woman who is trying to get the experience requirement for the CPA license?

[Mary 2496]

If your business is thriving and doing well, why don't you consider hiring a CPA for your practice? You wouldn't be giving up your practice and you could fulfill your hours. Just a thought. 🙂

[greenjas]

PA does not allow self-employment as meeting the 1600 hour requirement.

[TAXMAN710]

I ran into this same thing with my CPA journey. I started working for a CPA here in SC in 08 but then bought half of the practice in 2010. I passed the CPA exams and had all of the qualifications in 2012, but since I purchased the other half of the business before I applied for the license making me a 100% owner, the SC board did not want to grant me the license because they did not count my experience under the licensed CPA. They said that “under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA” meant that the CPA had the power to hire/fire me so since I owned the firm, my experience did not count even though I worked for him for several years full time before I bought in as a partner. I had to go through the entire appeal process which was very nerve racking considering all of the time, effort and money that I invested in the CPA license. It took a good 3 months of back and forth with SC before they finally granted my license. Worst 3 month period of my career! That being said, I know that each state is different, but in SC the board says that they will only accept experience work in an employee situation. I know that is a headache! Good luck with the process and I hope that you will find a good spot to work. Maybe consider approaching a small CPA firm and seeing if they will merge your practices together with a contract to give you money now or business ownership percentage at a set date in the future after your experience time is up. Make sure that the deal is for a period long enough for the experience accumulation, but also gives you the option for making partner very soon after acquiring the license so you don't have to give up what you have already worked for at this point! Owning a successful business isn't something to give up lightly! Best of luck!

REG-July 12
BEC-May 12
FAR-July 12
AUD-October 12

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