[Anonymous]

Ok, before you tell me I’m stupid, let me start out by saying that I know.. I recently had a job interview and in the job interview they asked me if I had my CPA, I said “yes”. However, I don’t have my CPA license yet, because the application is still going through. Even worse, I got a letter back from the board saying that I have to write an appeal, because I had an invalid person sign off on my experience verification.

See, at the time that I submitted my application there was a rule stating that any CPA equivalent from a foreign country could sign off on my experience verification. In my current company, all we have are Charted Accountants and Charted Financial Accountants. Well at some point I guess they changed that rule and now it HAS to be a USA CPA. Unfortunately, there isn’t a CPA in my department. However, there are other CPAs in my company, but none of them have “supervision” over me, so they’re all hesitant to sign.

So here’s my dilemma. They already offered me the job, but during the application process they asked me if I have my CPA certification and I don’t want to blatantly lie a second time.

1. Do I come clean and tell them my situation? If so, what’s the best way of doing this you think?

2. Has anyone ever written an appeal before? How long is an appeal? What do I include? I can’t find anything on the internet about it.

It’s an IT audit position so a CPA isn’t huge, but it’s definitely preferred… I feel like they’re going to think I’m either an idiot or a liar and revoke their offer. I really wasn’t trying to put one over on them, I just figured I’d have it by now…..

[Anonymous]

BUMP

[Anonymous]

I would say this time that the final paperwork is in process for your license – you had thought the paperwork was complete previously but found out after your interview that it wasn't, however you anticipate the paperwork will be completed soon.

[Anonymous]

Thanks that's not a bad idea… I mean, it's kinda true.. Has anyone else done this before or am I the only dummy? I find it hard to believe no one has done this before. I wasn't trying to deceive anyone…

[Anonymous]

some other ideas would be great….

[Anonymous]

As you might tell, this is keeping me up lol… :-/

[Herbieherb]

Say there was a miscommunication and tell them straight up. State boards move slow and when they run a bg check on you you are toast.

Or just say it wasn't you

NEW YORK- DONE

[impska]

I would be honest and tell them that you've encountered a problem with your experience requirement (and tell them the problem). Let them know that you're not sure how it's going to turn out and if worst comes to worse, you may need to complete the experience requirement at their firm. Reiterate that you HAVE passed the CPA exam.

For your appeal – see if you can get one of the non-supervisory CPAs to state that although they haven't supervised you directly, they are aware that your supervisor has X qualifications and that in their opinion, that person is equivalent to a CPA and sufficiently qualified to supervise you for the purposes of your license requirements. That way they don't have to say anything about YOU, they're saying it about your supervisor.

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[CPA soon]

Just be open and honest! They should understand, you also will eventually need them to sign off on your experience so you can't go around it.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[MBAin2014]

I spent 3 1/2 years in the HR department of a Fortune 500 Company. The advice to be open and honest is the best approach and I would be pro-active about tackling it right away to let them know you just received notification your application for the CPA license is being held up and you had believed it was a “done deal”. Typically, the employment application and handbooks give an employer to terminate for any false information provided so do not let this linger. Even if the offer was rescinded, it would be better than being terminated out of the blue when the issue is discovered.

As to another CPA in your company not attesting to your experience, it is ridiculous if their “equal” (your supervisor) can attest to your service. Perhaps you can request HR's request in facilitating this matter, if they can vouch to the CPA you have had the experience and performed well, there should be no reservations.

Good luck with this!

BEC 88 (05/14)
REG 91 (07/14)
AUD 83 (08/14)
FAR 90 (10/14)

[taxwave8, EA, CPA]

Same thing happened to me. The person who signed off my CPA wasn't. Basically the state board told me I was screwed.

[Author]

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