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dcgrrrl
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Joined: 27 Jun 2005
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Posted: 06 Oct 2005 at 15:48 \| IP Logged

My understanding is that you have to be a CPA to sign off on a financial statement audit, and you have to be a CPA in order to represent a client before the IRS and the US tax courts. Beyond that, the CPA means that you've achieved a certain level of professional competence in the field of accounting. As I understand it, nobody gets to be an audit or tax manager in a Big 4 without a CPA. However, at firms of all sizes, plenty of people without CPAs get hired as new staff, experienced, staff, and even senior associates. If you've passed the exam and you don't have a license, that shouldn't be a problem when you're jobhunting.

The licensing stuff is complicated - the Big 4 I worked for actually had an Office of CPA Compliance to help with these issues, and as part of the engagement acceptance and planning process, we had to make sure that we had licenses in the proper states. Also, we were not allowed to put "CPA" in our email signature, since depending on who saw the email, that could imply that you're practicing as a CPA in a state where you're not licensed.

mans22
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Joined: 29 Sep 2004
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Posted: 06 Oct 2005 at 16:19 \| IP Logged

So just to clarify few things .

I have an interview with a tax advisory firm .

right now i have applied as an entry /staff accountant.so in the beginning I am not sure i would have to represent someone before a tax court /irs.

But 2yrs down the line i will have to obtain the license of texas state in order to move up the ladder .is that correct ?

Also can i get a delaware license by working in tax firm in texas .

Or do i have to work under a cpa in delaware state itself.

And suppose if i can get the Delaware license by completing work requirements while working in this firm in texas ,then can i move up .or do i have to specifically obtain license from texas state.

Thanks once again.hope to get this thing cleared up.

CPAdude
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Joined: 24 Aug 2005
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Posts: 1052

Posted: 08 Oct 2005 at 02:36 \| IP Logged

dcgrrrl wrote:

As I
understand it, nobody gets to be an audit or tax manager in a Big 4
without a CPA. However, at firms of all sizes, plenty of people
without CPAs get hired as new staff, experienced, staff, and even
senior associates. If you've passed the exam and you don't have a
license, that shouldn't be a problem when you're jobhunting.

Yep-and not to mention too that they also hire those that have YET to complete their 150 hr requirement.

Honestly, I would try to pass the darn thing FIRST(or at least one or 2 sections) before you go job hunting. Having to work at an accounting firm while studying for the CPA exam is easier said than done. To these firms' credit though-they're very patient, in terms of the time it takes you to pass. Just as long as you don't sit on your fanny and not crack open a book the entire time, that is.

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CPAlready
Newbie
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Joined: 20 Oct 2005
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Posted: 20 Oct 2005 at 10:16 \| IP Logged

Hello everyone

I want to take the ethics exam for Colorado. I wanted to know if I could order the book online or by phone instead of snail mailing the application. Could anyone who has ordered by phone give me the contact number of the same.

Thanks

Cpalready

dcgrrrl
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Joined: 27 Jun 2005
Location: United States
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Posts: 519

Posted: 20 Oct 2005 at 10:33 \| IP Logged

mans22 wrote:

So just to clarify few things .

I have an interview with a tax advisory firm .

right now i have applied as an entry /staff accountant.so in the beginning I am not sure i would have to represent someone before a tax court /irs.

But 2yrs down the line i will have to obtain the license of texas state in order to move up the ladder .is that correct ?

Also can i get a delaware license by working in tax firm in texas .

Or do i have to work under a cpa in delaware state itself.

And suppose if i can get the Delaware license by completing work requirements while working in this firm in texas ,then can i move up .or do i have to specifically obtain license from texas state.

Thanks once again.hope to get this thing cleared up.

I just now saw your post, Mans.

Every firm has different requirements for advancement - this is something to ask about in your job interview. I'd bet that a CPA is required for most audit and tax managers.

You can use your Texas experience to qualify for a Delaware license, but why do you want a license in Delaware anyway? If you work in Texas, you want a Texas license.

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