In conjunction with the AICPA and 10 other state societies, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants has joined in a challenge to raise awareness and recognition of the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential. As part of the special promotion, CPAs who achieve the additional credential can enjoy a free AICPA IT Section membership and take advantage of an exclusive offer.

 

Review the AICPA’s streamlined two-page application for the CITP credential and current promotions here.

The CITP credential is only available to individual CPAs who are able to demonstrate an expertise in bridging business and technology through their knowledge, education and experience.

Currently, there are 30 CPAs in Michigan who hold the CITP credential. While the majority of our state’s CITPs are in public accounting, we also have CITP-credentialed members in education, private business and IT consulting services. Michigan’s CITPs seem to be in agreement that this credential is important for any CPA who is involved in providing technology services.

According to MACPA member Bryan L. Smith, CPA, CITP, CISA of Rochester-based CPA Crossings, LLC, earning the CITP credential may not be as difficult as many might think.

“The requirements for qualification are based primarily on work experience and educational achievement,” explained Smith. “Many CPAs working in industry and public accounting have the requisite qualifications as a result of their work experience – particularly for controllers in small- to mid-size businesses who often have some level of responsibility for the IT function.”

Smith also provided reasons why the CITP credential is important for CPAs. He states, “The flow of business and financial information is increasingly dependent on information technology. Since CPAs fill many different roles in the preparation, presentation and assurance of financial information, it is becoming more and more important that we have a baseline of knowledge on information technology. This includes working on internal controls, digital financial reporting, information security and privacy, etc. By extending the CPA credential to include the CITP credential, it positions us as providing the relevant services that are required of our profession in the 21st Century.”

Smith noted that being part of the CITP network provides direct access to an invaluable extended resource of knowledge on pertinent information technology issues.

Steps Toward CITP Certification
To be eligible for the CITP credential, CPAs must be members in good standing with the AICPA, have a valid state-issued CPA certificate, and agree to comply with the recertification requirements.

The CPA will then fill out an application that awards points in three areas: IT Certifications, Business Experience and Lifelong Learning. The application is reviewed and processed by the AICPA. CPAs earning a score of at least 100 points and meeting the qualifications are awarded the CITP credential by the AICPA. CPAs who hold ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential are automatically awarded 100 points.

For those who have reviewed the CITP application previously, the AICPA now has a streamlined two-page application. To take a look at the application and current promotions, click here.

Rewards of CITP Certification
In addition to the benefit of having a special designation and standing out from their peers, CITPs are part of an elite community of IT professionals, and receive valuable benefits including, free AICPA IT Section membership (a $200 value), a $125 discount off the AICPA’s annual TECH conference fee, exclusive monthly CITP Webinars, member forums, and a CITP Marketing Toolkit.

For more information about the CITP, visit www.aicpa.org/citp.