[Anonymous]

For reference, I am in Michigan but it seems that the experience requirements are similar for most states.

I currently work @ a F500 as an accounting specialist…preparing journal entries, accruals, balance sheet forecasting & variance analyses, assist in month-end close, etc.

When I read the experience requirements it seems that the only private industry experience that would qualify though is basically internal audit and tax….Is that accruate? I can’t find a way to fit “accountant” (non tax or audit) into the guidelines listed.

Anyone have any input on this? it is much appreciated.

[Tim]

Yeah I got the same impression reading Michigan's requirements.

Tennessee's requirements are much more lax:

Providing services or advice using accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills.
Employment in industry, government, academia or public practice.
No fewer than 2,000 hours of experience earned in no less than 1 year or more than 3 years experience must have been accrued within the 10 years immediately preceding the application for certification.
Licensees who wish to sign reports on financial statements on behalf of a firm must provide 2 years of experience in the last ten years in compilations, reviews, and audits.

[Ian]

I am in a very similar boat. Working in Michigan as a corporate accountant for one of the car companies.

While I would strongly advise that you take any questions like these to the state board, or potentially MACPA for guidance, the LARA documentation (https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Accountancy_517288_7.pdf) does list several criteria that may get you in. Probably your best argument is Financial forecasts, analyses, and projections. Based on your description of your work experience this covers at least some of your time.

It's best to find out the definitive answer now as your company may be able to shift you into an internal audit role if you determine that that is the only way for you to meet your hours.

[Adam]

I love people who want to be a Certified PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT but not work in Public accounting.

Get a job in public…problem solved.

[Tim]

Do you need a hug Adam? I'm here for you bro.

[Bourne]

Lol the only time adam comments is when someone is discussing the actual CPA designation and it's the same comment on every forum. you're boring dude

[DoubleBogey]

@Adam, unless you plan on spending your entire life in public, never leaving for a cushier, private job that you're getting in part because of your CPA designation, then your argument is invalid. Under your theory, the day someone stops practicing public accounting they lose their CPA designation. There would be ZERO CFO's or board members listed as CPAs, etc.The PCAOB, which sucks and that's another story, would have zero CPAs. So, the license does have industry application.

[Anonymous]

Never worked in public, never intends to:) Everyone who works in public aims to get out of it:)

[Author]

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