[slynn120]

I am in the process of taking the exams and am already thinking ahead to the experience requirement in Wisconsin. To be licensed in Wisconsin as a CPA I know there is a 1-year experience requirement – which I always thought had to be in public accounting but that exceptions could be made for other types of accounting work. I have been working as an accountant for 7 years (2.5 years in corporate accounting, 4 years in non-profit accounting and am now back in corporate accounting for the last 6 months) but have never worked for an accounting firm.

Now when looking up WI requirements, the board just states: “Acquire one year of accounting experience per Wis. Admin. Code § Accy 2 .”

Before digging too much into this, I wanted to ask if anyone here can speak to what kinds of accounting experience have been accepted for licensure in WI (or other states?) ? I am preparing myself to have to find a public accounting job, but am hoping that what I have already done would be sufficient.

FAR - 75 (5/23/16)
AUD - July 2016
BEC - Aug 2016
REG - Nov 2016

[Anonymous]

I'm not really any help when it comes to what has actually but accepted, but based on Accy 2 I'd say you have a shot without needing to go get a new job:

Accy 2.402 Experience evaluation.
(1) The board shall evaluate public accounting experience and equivalent experience at each regularly scheduled board meeting. Evaluations may be made at special meetings, but normally will not be scheduled at such meetings.

(2) The board shall review the candidate’s experience on written request by the candidate. Among the areas of experience that may be considered by the board are the following:

(a) Experience in accounting in industry and government may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it requires high levels of knowledge, competence and judgment.

(b) Experience in teaching accounting may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it is at an advanced and specialized level of accounting. Courses taught in areas other than accounting do not qualify as public accounting experience.

(c) Experience in law may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it is at a level with responsibility for independent accounting decisions and requires high levels of accounting knowledge, competence and judgment.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/accy/2.pdf

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