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 Q&A: Changes to CPA Certificate Application The Michigan State Board of Accountancy recently adopted two modifications for CPA certification. Both changes essentially relate to experience requirements. Leaders’ Edge editors spoke with State Licensing Administrator Suzanne Jolicoeur to clarify the changes. LE: The experience form has changed. It used to require an indication of experience with audit and compilation and review in terms of preparation of work papers (Question #2) and planning the program of work (Question #3). What’s required now? Jolicoeur: While reviewing the experience requirement in the statute, the State Board determined the statute does not specifically require applicants to show they have had experience in the preparation of working papers and the planning of the program of work in the three different types of engagements: audits, reviews and compilations. What the statute does require is that an applicant have experience involving procedures common to audits, review and compilations. So, we no longer have separate check boxes on the experience verification form for audit, compilation and review. LE: What’s the other change to certification requirements? Jolicoeur: The second change also relates to experience. The State Board determined at its November meeting that a CPA candidate fulfilling his/her experience requirement within a public accounting firm need only provide one client reference for participation in one financial audit. LE: Why did the State Board make this change? Jolicoeur: Since the Board of Accountancy’s administrative rules no longer require experience to be obtained in three or more distinct lines of commercial or industrial business, the Board felt it was no longer necessary to require three client references. However, because the statute does require an applicant to have experience performing a financial audit, it was determined that one client reference verifying participation in an audit will now be required. LE: What about CPA candidates who are trying to fulfill experience requirements working for a government entity – has that changed? Jolicoeur: No, The requirements remain the same for qualifying governmental experience. Note: Download the Public Accounting Application Package from the State Board web site. Top |
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: macpa@michcpa.org | |
