[jm962011]

licensed in IN but relocating to MA and potential employers are asking how I got my license without public experience. (IN doesn’t require public experience, just 150 hours and 2 years of work experience under a CPA). I assume they want to make sure it is the same type of license.

Has anyone dealt with my situation? I am currently trying to figure out if mobility applies or if I should just a MA non-reporting license.

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Their concerns are understandable (if they're only familiar with their state's requirements, they may think that you're lying about your license), but I would think that you can explain the difference in requirements and point them to your board's website (direct link to the experience requirements) to clarify it for them. I'm not familiar with MA's reciprocity rules, so don't know if your IN license will qualify you for a license in MA or if you'll need to get the non-reporting, but I would assume that if they review the IN license requirements it would help relieve their concerns about your current license.

[Missy]

Do you have a master's degree? Its the only way to get a non reporting license in MA.

I have a masters so I got the non reporting license. I was asked often how I got my license without attest experience, and simply said that the state doesn't require experience with a masters degree. Most MA CPA's don't even know that exists and are glad to have learned about it, and have no further questions.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[jm962011]

No, no master's degree. I called the board and they gave me a few options. It makes sense now why all the tax people I have interviewed with have a masters and their CPA… since if you're in tax, you're not doing attest services…

MA supports Substantial Equivalency so its weird that they require the attest services.

[Author]

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