[Tootsie]

If everything goes as planned, I will have passed the CPA exam on December 18, yay! I am getting a head-start and have begun reaching out to previous managers about writing reference letters for me. It turns out that one of my managers can’t due to the company’s policy of not allowing employees to give references. I have 2 confirmed, so for the third one, I was thinking maybe I could reach out to a few colleagues who worked closely with me on audits, etc.

Who did you reach out to for references – managers, colleagues, partners, …?? Is it okay to have a reference from a colleague at your level?

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[soyanks]

Reference for CPA Application????

Do you mean someone signing off on your work experience?

Or is this a specific state requirement? For NY State, there was no reference check.

FAR - 86
REG - 85
BEC - 90
AUD - 84

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I don't think that a reference is what you are looking for.

Most states I've seen are looking for a verification of qualified work experience signed by a CPA who is licensed in the state and who oversaw the applicant's qualifying work.

[Hari Seldon]

It would help if you posted what jurisdiction you are applying for the CPA certificate/licensure in as each is different. I am sending in my application for Ohio tomorrow, and the only reference requirement is having three individuals (no specifics as to relationship/profession, etc.) sign and attest that I am of good moral character and worthy of the CPA certificate. They are not required to provide anything more than their name, address, length of time they have known me, and signature. The attestation paragraph states they will send in a separate certified letter to the board any reservations they have about my candidacy but who really will choose anybody that might consider doing that?

In any case, if we know your jurisdictions reference requirement we can more easily answer who you might reach out to about fulfilling it.

FAR - 90
REG - 90
BEC - 91
AUD - 99

[Tootsie]

It's for the non-reporting license in MA (related to having a graduate degree, not related to work experience). I need 3 letters of reference attesting to my good character.

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[M.O.D.]

Montana required 3 letters of (character) reference as part of the exam application. Ask anyone who knows you in a professional capacity. It is mostly a formality.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[mla1169]

No, she means reference letters (character references). Yes, I think one of my letters was from my boss, one was from his boss and one was from HR.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Tootsie]

Thanks, guys!

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[stoleway]

Two of my character reference were from former colleagues at work, they prepared the letter and notarized it for me.

The last one was prepared by one of my lecturers with the school letterhead.

This is how I did mine for MA non reporting.

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[taxgeek83]

@MOD – How long after your application was reviewed by the Board did it take for you to get your license? Pretty sure I'm up for a REG retake, but just curious.

[M.O.D.]

My CPA exam application was rejected by Montana due to not having 4-year college units, so I reapplied with California.

But I had to go through the process so I know about the letters.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[taxgeek83]

Oooohh yeah that's right – I remember that conversation. My apologies!

[How many letters do you need]

CA doesnt care about moral character 🙂

It's just the experience signoff here…

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Author]

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