[hectorko]

Hi all,

I have a few Wisconsin-specific questions I was hoping to get answered here. I passed my last exam in November and I’m just working on putting my application for the license together. Laziness and overall excitement of passing all the exams on the first try (86, 86, 87, 86) prevented me from doing so earlier 🙂 I don’t work in public accounting and I’m not planning on it in (but I guess you never know!). Basically, I don’t need a CPA license at the moment, but it is something I always wanted to get. It also lends me more credibility at my current job, which I enjoy very much.

I see that Department of Safety and Professional Services does not require any CPE credits for the license renewal. AICPA and WICPA do. My question is, why should I join them? As far as my understanding goes, as long as I’m in a good standing with DSPS, I can call myself a CPA (?). Why should I join and spend $$$ on membership fees a CPEs? Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Peter

[Anonymous]

You can call yourself a CPA if you are licensed by a state or territory with the authority to issue CPA licenses.

There is no need to join AICPA or WICPA. Many people don't- especially the AICPA because it's pretty much worthless.

[Anonymous]

Once your license is approved by the DSPS board you can call yourself a CPA, but not before.

Also, just as an FYI, the board doesn't meet again until June 17th… Its takes a while for paperwork to process though so I would not recommend waiting to apply. Unlike you, I passed my last test in November and submitted my paperwork right away and will still not be licensed until June.

[hectorko]

Thanks for replies.

So, why would anyone join AICPA or WICPA? Other than “having someone fight for you”, I don't see many benefits. I think that paying membership dues and having to spend $$$ (and time!!!) on CPEs seem to be a rather significant pain in the a$$…

[Thrawn]

It can be a networking tool, gives you some discounts (life insurance from AICPA is pretty good), but if your employer won't pay for it you can skip it.

BEC 87 Feb 14
REG 84 Apr 14
FAR 82 Nov 14
AUD 86 Feb 15

[Author]

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