[Duckie]

Hi! I am a controller without a CPA, my company did not ask me to obtain a license. They’re happy with me running all the company financials, happy with my performance. I got bonus and raise every year since my first year there, 2010 til now. I worked my way up from a staff accountant to a controller. I am supervising an accounting assistant. My current salary is $120k, and I am living in DC metro area. I can work remotely forever if I decided to, my management won’t have any issues. I never sat for cpa exams and I was thinking about sitting for it. I have a kid and planning to have one more next year or so. I am the bread winner. I know if I decided to go for cpa, I have to quit my job once I passed because we don’t have a cpa at my firm, my supervisor has an expired cpa license, he can’t sign off for me to get my license. It’s not easy to become a controller and I don’t want to go backwards and start at lower level. Or I will have to find another controller position under the supervision of a cfo. Basically I am happy with my current position. The only drawback is I have to work even if am on PTO for over a week. Please advise what I should do? Stay and forget about the cpa? Or study, pass the exams and move on? Btw, there will be change in new management in the next 3-4 years due to current bosses are planning on retirement and others will step up. Thanks!

[just me EA going towards CPA]

I hope this will help.

I am the same way as you are. I achieved a lot and hold a pretty good position. However, I am in tax field. Therefore, I have EA. I am currenty in a process of getting CPA. Even though my job doesn't require to get the CPA license I never felt completed without this license.
You don't know your future – perhaps you will need to change your job etc. If you can do it – do it now. Once you pass the exam perhaps you will know what to do or it's going to unfold while you are studing.

[Tncincy]

I think you should get the license. You don’t have to quit your job, just be ready for change. You never know your firm maybe waiting for someone to take the challenge. Having children changes your mind about a lot of things. I think you should have that ace in your pocket, just in case.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Duckie]

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

[monikernc]

You can get licensed by getting an actively licensed CPA to sign off on your experience or by paying NASBA to do it. If DC requires direct supervision by a CPA you can license in a state that doesn’t and then apply by reciprocity to DC.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[monikernc]

I just read the DC experience requirements and direct supervision by a CPA is not required. DC only requires that a licensed CPA in DC or another state does have to sign off on your experience.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Duckie]

I works in DC and lives in VA and want to get licensed in VA. VA is same as DC, can have any active licensed CPA in any jurisdiction to sign off on the experience. Thank you so much, Monikernc!!

[monikernc]

Good luck! Go get it!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[monikernc]

I think you need to determine from the rules for DC if you have to be licensed in DC to use the CPA designation when you work there. If you want the VA license in addition to working in DC you may have to get licensed in both.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Duckie]

Got it. I will look into this. Thanks Monikernc 😊

[Duckie]

Got it. I will look into this. Thanks Monikernc

[Author]

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