[nbanto00]

Hi!

This week, I received an offer with PwC in Dallas, Texas. I live in Arkansas and will graduate with a double major (150) and be able to sit for the CPA exam after graduation in May 2016 (in Arkansas). I will start the job in August 2016. The offer letter states that the offer is contingent upon…completing the 150 credit hour educational requirement needed to obtain a CPA license in Texas prior to starting at the Firm. I am worried that I will not meet the requirement to sit for the Texas CPA. I know that I will be missing the ethics course (since my uni course will does not meet the standard) and the accounting research course as well.

I’ve talk with a few people, and some have recommended me to take the CPA exam in ARKANSAS after I graduate and transfer the scores to Texas (and take the necessary online course afterwards). One person even told me to get the license in AR and transfer through reciprocity (whatever that means)..since it will be easier (and I wouldn’t have to deal with Texas education requirement). I am worried that the firm might rescind the offer if I don’t meet the education requirement (I can’t take the ethics class online through a community college during the spring semester since I will be taking 15 hours at my university plus government and not-for-profit course through the LSU distance learning). Are firms usually understanding about a candidate’s situation?

I have reached out with the partner at the firm and I was told not to worry. (I should be find if all I needed is the ethics course).

I was wondering if I should study and take some part of the CPA exam in Arkansas during the summer before I start working (and transfer the score or even get the license in AR and transfer it to Texas) OR if I should take the take the ethics and accounting research courses during the summer and study for the CPA while I work? Any suggestions?

Thanks

[greg2015]

First, if the partner told you not to worry, then don't worry.

Regarding transferring score, Texas will not recognize your transferred scores if you don't meet their educational requirements. It would be much easier to get a reciprocal license in Texas after you get your Arkansas license. What reciprocity means is that if you have a CPA license in another state, Texas will deem that you've essentially met the requirements for their state and grant you a license there without having to meet their specific educational requirements. Note that you don't have to have any CPE to get a reciprocal license in Texas if your out-of-state license was originally issued within the past year.

If I were you, I would go ahead and plan on taking as much of the exam under Arkanas that you can after you graduate. You will not likely have the opportunity to have as much free time to spend on it after you start working. Even if you don't complete all four sections before you move to Texas, you can still take continue to take any remaining portions under Arkanas at any Prometric test center.

When you apply for your Texas reciprocal license, you will need to take an ethics course, but it is a CPE-type course that you can do from home, not a huge inconvenience at all.

AUD: 99
FAR: 95
BEC: 89
REG: 87

AICPA Ethics: 91

Licensed Illinois CPA

[lonestarcpa1990]

I work in audit in the same market, also Big 4.

You should be fine. As a new associate you are afforded time to complete the CPA. I have an audit manager who is moving his license to TX from CO. It's very common, but from what I understand, Arkansas is a bit more lax than TX so you will have some steps to take after completing the exam. As greg stated, it may be to your benefit to finish the exam for Arkansas and then apply for reciprocity.

You should focus on finishing as much as you can before starting work. I know I finished three parts before starting and I'm just now able to take the final part, 2 months after starting. I've had zero free time between work/study.

REG (2/2015) - 89
BEC (4/2015) - 95
FAR (8/2015) - 95
AUD (11/2015) - 98

Becker self-study

[lonestarcpa1990]

Also, if you end up missing Arkansas, I know people who have transferred with ease from Texas offices to the Little Rock PwC office. Just a thought.

REG (2/2015) - 89
BEC (4/2015) - 95
FAR (8/2015) - 95
AUD (11/2015) - 98

Becker self-study

[taxman89]

“I have reached out with the partner at the firm and I was told not to worry”

listen to the partner^^^^

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[fuzyfro89]

You already talked to the hiring partner who told you not to worry.

Do you want them to change their answer? I'm not sure what the issue is…

Find an ethics course you can take and do so in the spring or summer term. Plenty of online schools. The only trick is to find one which qualifies in Texas.

[Author]

Replies