How do I become a certified public accountant in New York?

How do I become a certified public accountant in New York?

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York, individuals typically need to follow these steps:

Education:

Earn a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or a related field from an accredited college or university. Ensure that your education includes at least 150 semester hours of coursework, which is a requirement for CPA licensure in New York.

CPA Exam:

Pass the Uniform CPA Examination. The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).

Experience:

Obtain relevant work experience. In New York, you need to have at least one year (1,600 hours) of full-time experience, or its part-time equivalent, in public accounting, government, industry, or academia under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA.

Ethics Exam:

Complete the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam. This is a self-study course followed by an exam on professional ethics.

License Application:

Apply for your CPA license through the New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions. You'll need to submit all required documentation, including transcripts, exam scores, and verification of experience.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE):

Maintain your license by fulfilling New York's CPE requirements, which typically involve completing a certain number of hours of continuing education courses every reporting period.

Renewal:

Renew your CPA license periodically as required by the state board.

It's crucial to check with the New York State Board of Accountancy or the New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions for any updates or changes to the requirements, as regulations can evolve over time.