[Pravi.iyer]

Hi,

I am in touch with a CPA (who is not my supervisor) to verify my experience. Montana's certificate of experience format states:

If the attesting CPA is not your supervisor, they must explain how they verified the experience. This should include a narrative of the steps they took to verify that the work they are attesting to meets professional standards and how they verified the hours

1/ Does any one have a sample or template for the above. Appreciate it if you could share a redacted version.

2/ Is the soft copy of the letter detailing the above steps required to be uploaded along with the license application package?

Thanks in advance.

Ps: At the moment, I am not interested in applying for NASBA's verification.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
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REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

I am waiting for NASBA quality review to respond to my Montana application so I don’t know if it worked yet but…

I am the tax paralegal at a law firm and prepare all estate, trust, gift, exempt and individual returns for our clients. I drafted a statement of all of my experience in detail and used Oregon’s KSA’s (search here for a link to them) as guidance to be sure I hit the necessary highlights. The statement was written in memo format from my attorney supervisor to my attesting CPA with a certifying statement that my supervisor signed in the presence of a notary. My attesting CPA then reviewed the statement and directed any questions to my supervisor that he felt necessary to be able to attest to my experience. He wrote up the steps he took to review my experience and included that statement with the Montana experience verification form which he signed.

I have passed the first round of NASBA license review and should know in the next few days whether quality review is putting me through to the MT board with a positive recommendation. The board meets at end of March so I will know in a month.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

Thank you Moniker for the detailed reply. Would you be able to share the redacted version of the letter that mentions the steps the CPA took to verify your experience?

For instance I’m providing an experience certificate from my employer that states the areas I worked on over the past 3 years and the hours I spent. So I presume my CPA will state the fact that he obtained my experience certificates, timesheets etc. to support his attestation. I just want it to cover all bases so that I can get it right the first time itself.

Good luck to you!

AUD - NINJA in Training
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Thanks.

[monikernc]

I will redact tomorrow and upload a screen shot

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

I just heard back from NASBA that my application has been forwarded to Montana State Board for final approval at the next full board meeting…..

Good luck with yours:

Attachment to Montana Certificate of Experience for _____________
Attesting Statement from _________, CPA, as non-supervisor CPA
I, _________, am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA,) actively licensed by the _______ Board of Accountancy, license number _______. I have been actively licensed as a CPA in ________ since ________. My license is due for renewal on __________.
I have been a professional acquaintance of __________ since _______while we were both ___________.
I have attained a thorough understanding of the work __________ has performed and to which I now attest. I have verified _____________ experience by obtaining a certified statement of her tenure, hours worked, responsibilities, duties assigned and completed assignments, from the attorneys who have employed her since _________, 2019, at the law firm ________________________, in ________. ______________, _________’s supervisor, has provided the statement and made herself available to respond to my inquiries regarding ___________’s experience. Having conducted a review of the certified statement prepared by her employer, I am satisfied that it accurately reflects the work performed by ___________ in the number of hours stated, and that her work meets the level of professional standards required for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant.

Signature, _______________, CPA Date

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

Thank you. Much obliged!

I will use this with appropriate modifications. Looking forward to any updates you can share about the process.

Best,

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

You are welcome. I have been listening to the recorded minutes of past board meetings and they talk a lot about what they expect the experience verification statement and the steps to be followed – so I encourage you to listen to one or two to be sure your application reflects what they say they want. Note: the recordings did not work on my iPad – had to listen on a windows pc.
They are working on changes to the Montana Rules to update the experience verification requirements.
To find them go to the MT Bd of Accountancy website and click on Board Events, then scheduled meetings. They listed “recorded minutes”
The March 31 agenda should be up next week and I am hoping my name is either on it or I have heard that my application is not “non-standard” as those you will hear in the recorded meeeting. I will dial in on March 31 if I am on the agenda.

Good luck with your application.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

WOW. Thanks for that info – I wasn't even aware of it.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

Read through the written minutes for a meeting and look for any person's application that was tabled for another meeting – these were the one's delayed because the application and/or experience verification was not as expected.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

That’s useful info. I will go through that as well.

A couple of questions:
1/ Do I have to attach the experience certificate received from my employer? (It is basically details of my responsibilities and hours spent on the organization letterhead)

2/ there’s a section on Nasba application that states “CPA’s online verification” what’s the upload doc for that?

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

Once I submitted all my documents on NASBA's site my ability to view any application screens went away. I do recall that there was an upload for the experience verification form. The verification form “Certificate of Experience” is available on the left side of the screen under Montana Links (I can still see that.)
I uploaded as one document my employer's certification of my experience, with the attesting CPA's verification statement (above example) – signed by that CPA, with a completed Certificate of Experience form, also signed by my attesting CPA as one document.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

I did also upload a copy of my attesting CPA's license information from the CA state board's website. That might be what you are referring to. You can try to use CPAVerify but it does not work for all states.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

My license was just approved by Montana board. WOOHOOO!!
7 frikkin’ years. Almost 4 years since passing last exam….what a relief!
Onto Colorado for reciprocity!
Stay tuned!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Ivy]

Do they require any specific responsibilities? I am working in an accounting department, but I don't do taxes and any financial statements. Is it important what do I do at work or maybe a document (like above – only statement that he verified this) from CPA (who is not my supervisor) is enough?

[monikernc]

Everything you need to know and do has already been said here, my friend. Good luck.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

NASBA Quality Review has submitted my application to the CO Board. Missed the May deadline but on for June’s agenda. One more wait!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

Awesome. congratulations. Had to put my application process on the back burner after COVID19 issue flared up but gonna kickstart again this month.

I did find my CPA's details on CPA verify. Will attach that as “Verifying CPA’s Online License Verification”. If you have some additional stories/info to share from the meeting – would be glad to hear.

Take care and stay safe!

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

It was fun to sit in on the call that day – i was way down the list so i was on most of the call. Some applications were kicked back – I still recommend you listen in to what they have to say in those meetings. I have to say that NASBA and Montana worked quickly to get me through the process once my application was submitted. Now I am waiting for Colorado and have to wait until the end of June to see if I get licensed by the state I actually work in.
What are you waiting for? NASBA and Montana are still working on applications.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

@pravi_iyer i received notice today that Montana new rules regarding experience verification have been adopted. Please read through the notice – the rules don't change what experience is needed the rules are being reworded to clarify what is expected for experience and verification. I didn't realize a MRA licensee who is attesting experience must be the supervisor and direct the applicant's work.

I tried to post a link but can't you will have to search MAR NOTICE NO 24-201-53

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

Thank you @monikernc

I got busy at work after COVID19 kicked in and the person attesting my docs also took time to respond.

Thanks for the heads up on the new notification. I am working with a CA/NC licensed CPA – so I think the new rules will not affect me much since my experience is a mix of of accounting and auditing. Hoping that I can wrap up submission by the coming weekend…

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
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Thanks.

[Pravi.iyer]

@monikerNC The board approved my application this morning. thanks a lot for your help with the format and other inputs – everything went smoothly (you saved me 700 bucks!). Strangely I got the below email from NASBA in the evening – was it the same in your case as well?

“Your application has been found eligible for licensure by NASBA and has been presented to the Board of Accountancy for final approval. You will be notified via e-mail of your application’s progress”

I hope everything's well with you.

AUD - NINJA in Training
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FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

Congrats! How did I save you $700? It feels good doesn’t it?
I meant to listen in but will review the recording. The NASBA email notifications are out of whack!! Be sure to check your license info through the Montana board licensee lookup and NASBAs CPA Verify. My reciprocity was approved by CO last week and my info on CPA Verify has been incorrect since they posted it. I got the wrong info on a second MT wall certificate I didn’t order because of a bad NASBA data feed and when they first posted my CO it was “expired.” Of course, these are problems I can only have because I am a LICENSED CPA just like you!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

NASBA corrected my CPAVerify record last night. They will issue your license number today and you will be able to verify your record through CPAVerify and MT licensee lookup. Your license issue date will be today and it will expire at the end of the year! WOOHOO!! Mine was up around mid-morning the day after the meeting. I ordered my wall certificate that day from NASBA store and a 16×20” frame with a 11×14” matte from JoAnne’s for less than $20. I didn’t like the white matte so I ordered black mattes from amazon and it looks good. Waiting for my Colorad certificate now; it’s frame and matte are waiting for it. The frames and mattes were hard to find. Your name and date of issue in your order have to match your license exactly so verify the issue date before you order. Free shipping comes fast.
Yippeee!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[monikernc]

My Colorado certificate is here and in its frame. Yippee!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

You saved me cash by providing detailed pointers on how to go about the experience verification process – owise I would’ve gone through NASBA and spent the money.

Great to know about you managing the CO license as well. Are you into practice?

I haven’t received official word from NASBA but I’m hoping it’s just a matter of time.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

Check your license online with NASBA CPA Verify I went through the list of folks on the Montana agenda from your meeting date and all licenses have been issued. Yours must be one of them. Go get it!

I am glad you did not have to spend that money- buy yourself a nice wall certificate. I love mine!

I do the all of the tax work for a law firm. Mostly estates, trusts, individual returns plus some gift returns. I am looking for a new job. Are you in practice?

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Pravi.iyer]

I got my license this afternoon – feels like I had to struggle for it as much as I did appearing for the exams. Interesting that the validity is until 12/31 of this year. Is that the norm?

Good to know that you specialize in tax. I’m not into practice although I do freelance on the side. I work primarily in FP&A along with some accounting as well).

I live in DC btw, how about yourself?

AUD - NINJA in Training
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REG - NINJA in Training

Thanks.

[monikernc]

Congrats on your license! It took me years to get the 1 year of experience required for a license. NC was impossible but it got a little easier in Colorado where I live now. Montana ended up being my only option. Yes, Montana license renews at year end and your continuing ed requirements don’t start until next year. No CPE acquired this year will be counted for MT. Make sure you understand how it works. Now that I am also licensed in CO I have to make sure I am following both state’s rules. I want a job in private or government accounting but changing from tax is my next challenge.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[Author]

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