[tecone78]

Hi,

I am desperately seeking advice on my career, and thought what better place to ask then here. So, here it goes..

I graduated with an accounting degree three years ago, hoping to become a CPA one day. But after graduation, I couldn’t find an accounting job, and I somehow ended up in a rating agency as an associate analyst. I’ve been here for almost 3 years now, but I still want to take the CPA path rather than CFA, just because I think, with my personality, CPA is a better fit for me.

So, here’s my biggest concern. Besides passing the test, I understand that I would need certain hours of public accounting experience in order to get certified (at least for NY and NJ). To do that, I would need to get a job in a public accounting firm as an entry level.. which means I would have to take a considerable amount of pay cut for probably more work. Is there an alternative to this? Does it have to be a public accounting experience or can it be corporate accounting?

I just wanted to get that clarified before I actually commit to study for the exams. I would appreciate any advices anyone might have who is/was in similar situations as I am right now. By the way, I went to school late, and I am 35 with a wife and a baby soon.. so, time is not on my side..

Thanks!

[smp73]

NYS Accountancy Law Reform:

“The amendment broadens acceptable experience for licensure to include providing any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills … in public practice, government, industry, or educational institutions.”

This changed in 2009 for NYS.

There is more detail in the experience section here for NY.

https://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cpalic.htm

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[Jaimcpa]

I think most states you just need to be working under a CPA (or with) for 1500 hours.

I know for Arizona that this in addition to 150 credit hours gets you your CPA designation.

FAR- 73, 10/07/2013
REG- 8/31/2013
AUD- TBD
BEC- TBD

MAcc
Main: Becker Self-Study 2013. Supplements: Ninja / Wiley TB / CPAExcel (Bought before I received an offer).

[HighMileageDude]

Massachusetts and Colorado are the two states that have a no experience option for becoming a licensed CPA.

Massachusetts issues what is called a “non-reporting license” (you're licensed just can't sign off on financial statements). You can upgrade it to a full-reporting license once you get 1000hours

Colorado you can apply as “education in lieu of experience.” This will no longer be an option in 2015.

[mla1169]

To qualify for the non reporting license (at least in MA) you need to have a graduate level degree, simply having the 150 credits does not qualify you.

Call your state board for clarification. Getting feedback here is nice, but I often see statements made here that are inaccurate or misleading. This board is the best website by far for studying tips and exam help. But because each state has its own rules, you're getting feedback here from people who aren't familiar with your state's rules.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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