Said It Here

Can't find a CPA to sign off on experience for a license

Passing all the exams does not count toward licensure if your current employer or network lacks an active CPA willing to sign off on your hours. This leaves qualified professionals stuck unable to complete their certification because they cannot find a licensed supervisor who meets strict state direct-supervision requirements.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    Searching for a new job in private industry that has an active CPA on staff
  2. 2
    Attempting to transfer grades and get licensed in another state jurisdiction
  3. 3
    Getting an Enrolled Agent credential
  4. 4
    Pursuing an out-of-state CPA license
  5. 5
    Waiting to meet local experience requirements over years
  6. 6
    Contacting the state CPA board for guidance and reporting the refusal
  7. 7
    Negotiating and pushing back against internal firm hour policies
  8. 8
    Checking state-specific rules on billable versus total hours
  9. 9
    Working seasonally at tax firms like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt owned by a CPA
  10. 10
    Working for Intuit TurboTax

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.

“Now my firm is saying I have to hit 2,000 billable hours not just working hours. Is this allowed? Is there anything I can do?”source ↗

lostandconfused2277 · r/Accounting · 41 upvotes

“Hi there. I passed all exams and it’s been more than half a year I can’t find a way to get verified by the CPA.”source ↗

“The company I’ve worked for 5 years had outsourced CPA who potentially can sign but they say we are not doing this for our clients accountants…”source ↗

“Tried to look for another job where I will have direct CPA supervision and can request the verification more directly, but seems like I am not lucky enough to find a private industry company who has active CPA in staff.”source ↗

“I am not hanging out in the circle of accountants so I really don’t personally know any CPA who knows me and can sign off for me.”source ↗

“Looks like I’m really stuck with this problem. Did anyone go through this problem, are there other ways out from this issue that you personally know?”source ↗

ArmAGAarm · r/Accounting · 7 upvotes

“California requires the CPA signing off on my experience to have directly supervised my work for one year. That did not happen, despite having over a decade of experience between two different accounting jobs.”source ↗

TimPrice2 · r/Accounting · 3 upvotes

“Once I complete the exam, I’m worried I won’t be able to find a CPA that will sign off on my hours.”source ↗

“It’s hard for me to just hop to a different job and because I currently bring in around 165k a year. Any job I go to will make drastically less starting out.”source ↗

“Alternatively, it’s hard to find a time to work a “second job” when my primary job is already pretty demanding.”source ↗

bradytaylor15 · r/Accounting · 2 upvotes

Where this came up

r/Accountingaccountingcareercareer changecareer developmentemploymentlicensingprofessional certificationprofessional licensing

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