[Anonymous]

I am considering a position at a private company and am in the process of testing for my CPA. This private company has no CPA’s that work for it. I called my state office and they said that an option might be to have a CPA from the outside approve some of my work at the private company so I could use it for work experience. There is also the option of taking another part-time job to gain necessary experience, although that would take a much longer times to accumulate 2,000 hours and be difficult to do it in three years.

n

I don’t want to have passed all these tests but be limited by not having a CPA around me to get my license. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any advice on the matter? Thanks for the help.n

n

[financeguy]

take the position now, and keep you eye out for other opportunities, and when they arise go for it. I wouldn't skip out on this job just because you can't get the experience from it.n

n

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[moon]

Hi! I am in the same boat. I am confused too as to what to do. If an outside CPA does not sign off, I might have to look for another job. I used to work under a CPA, but that was about 7 years ago. The experience has to be within 3 years of passing the exam. Tough situation. First exams, then the experience – its just too much.

n

Good Luck drive_is_my_asset!n

n

BEC-80
FAR-74,79
REG-August

[HoosierDaddy]

drive_is_my_asset –

n

I am intrigued with the state board's response. That totally changes the game on my job outlook (pending approval from my state board). I had no idea that an “outside CPA” could sign-off on private accounting work in order to meet the CPA license experience requirement.

n

….Using our auditing knowledge….

n

Hire a CPA firm to conduct an “agreed-upon procedures” engagement under Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE). You would be the 3rd party requesting the engagement (where the auditor examines your employer's documents) . You could work with the hired CPA to develop procedures that evaluate your work based on the state's legislative code that governs accounting licensure. Have the auditor come to your workplace for a day to perform his/her due diligence by meeting with your supervisors, talking with the accounting department, and observing/examining your physical work.

n

1a. For an example of potential procedures, search this Oregon state legislative code for the term “Experience portfolio” @ https://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_800/OAR_801/801_010.html

n

-or-

n

1b. For your specific case, drive-is-my-asset, the Missouri code would apply, however this code is less detailed than the Oregon statutes listed above. See CSR 2010-2.061 @ https://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20c2010-2.pdf and detail at https://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap326.htm . Maybe you could utilize NASBA guidelines? Or a neighboring states code? Worst case, the engagement procedures could be adapted from the evaluation a foreign accountancy credential (which requires four years experience).

n

To increase the persuasive power/quality of this agreed-upon procedures engagement, I might engage a reputable mid-large size regional firm. Preferably the firm would have a presence in that state capital so your accountancy board will have knowledge of their reputation/independence.

n

Who knows… Its worth a shot. Easier than finding a new job in this economy!n

n

-Passed all four sections of CPA exam in 2010 using Becker.
-Former Seasonal Audit Senior with Big Four accounting firm.
-Plan to sit for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

[Anonymous]

financeguy- I currently have two job offers, have informed each company of both offers, and am trying to decide between private or public if that clarifies my situation.

n

moon- I agree, it is difficult considering the exams are tough enough. It puts private accounting at a disadvantage but from what I have heard… the experience requirements are much easier in years and supervisors than they were in the past.

n

hoosier- I think the company currently outsources some work and it is possible they use a CPA firm for taxes or F.S. prep at least. I will call the state rep and see what she says about a CPA firm performing those engagements. This would require that a CPA at that firm sign off on my approval, which I don't know if they would or if any liability is associated with that.n

n

[75 CPA]

Perhaps someone can comment on my situation. I am 64 years old and I am from Louisiana. I can assure you that no employer will give me the time of the day, but less a job at my age.

n

Therefore, I will go to plan B. I will hang out my own shingle. I will do taxes and bookeeping. Additionally, I will become a Certified Financial Planner for all of those old baby boomers like myself. How do I get my work experience approved by a CPA in order to get a CPA license?n

n

[Anonymous]

75 CPA

n

Is there a small CPA firm in your area? My brother is a partner is a small law dirm. There are several lawyers in the group. They share office space, machines, etc. each brings in their own clients and gets paid for their services. Perhaps if you found a small firm to share space with and a CPA could review your work and sign-off? Or, find someone willing to sign-off on your work?n

n

[millerg]

So to clarify, you can have an outside CPA certify your work?

n

Will it still be required for only 1 year (Georgia)?n

n

FAR 67, 73, 71, 76; AUD 61, 85; BEC 70, 77; REG 75

DONE

[magic_8_ball_did_i_pass]

Hoosier….I love how you think!

n

Drive…definitely post if hoosier's idea is a go!!n

n

IL - BECKER=============> DONE
REG - 80; FAR - 65,79; AUD - 53,78; BEC - 71,68, 75 (used becker and yaeger for 3rd BEC)Ethics 95

I'M GONNA CELEBRATE AND LIVE MY LIFE SAYING AYE OH BABY LETS GO!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if I could use my 15 months of work experience, which was in a State governmental agency with a CPA for a supervisor? I haven't had much luck googling this topic. Anyone out there know, or in the same boat?n

n

[Anonymous]

Well I just found something on the web about requirements for ‘experience by working in government' in CO in case anyone is interested. https://www.dora.state.co.us/accountants/AdoptedChapter4.pdfn

n

[moon]

Well, I emailed the MD state board and the response was – “You must have a current actively licensed CPA endorse your experience.”
nNow does that mean the CPA has to be your supervisor, or can an outside independent CPA verify your duties and hours?

n

Any input would be appreciated.n

n

BEC-80
FAR-74,79
REG-August

[Anonymous]

To clarify my conversation with a MO CPA rep earlier this week, she said that (1) if you could find an outside CPA to review your work and sign off on it then that would work. I am going to call them again tom and ask if (2) using a CPA firm for services who review your work would work. Once again, in order to do this you would need (1) to know a CPA who would be willing to do this for you AND be working for a company willing to allow someone from the outside to review your work. In situation (2) you would need a company a company who uses a CPA firm for some sort of service AND you would need to find someone at that firm that would be willing to sign off for your work experience.

n

I will post again tom after I contact my state office tom. Also, in MO you need at least 1 year exp consisting of 2,000 hours and no more than 3 years .n

n

[Anonymous]

^ *to clarify- no more than 3 years to complete the 2000 hoursn

n

[Anonymous]

Be sure to get anything in writing that the board says it will accept. I would also, confirm with whoever agrees to signoff on your work that they have herd of this practice. I would hate to see you follow a path only to find out the initial information was incorrect.n

n

[75 CPA]

cpa journey

n

I will follow up on your advice.

n

Does anyone know how easy or how difficult it is for a CPA to sign off on my work when I have my own business? Is there any liability for the CPA?n

n

[Author]

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