I've tried and confirmed with my state board, but they will not give a definative answer, so I'm hoping someone else can comment that has been through a similar process.

The situation:

I am currently employed overseas at a big4 firm, and being supervised by a licensed CPA. However, he is leaving the firm in the next coming months and doing so will only give me 9 months that can be verified by a direct supervisor as qualifying work experience.

The other CPA's in our firms are all only registered as they don't see the reason to keep an active license while working abroad. Therefore they can not verify my work experience.

Michigan statute:

MCL 339.725(4) (in part) states: (4) "...an application for a certificate as a certified public accountant...the applicant shall have 1 year of qualifying experience, all of which is verified by a certified public accountant of this state, any other state, or any jurisdiction of the United States..."

Question sent to the state board (short version):

Can a licensed CPA, who is not directly supervising me, verify my work experience? The CPA is not employed at the same firm.

Response received from the state board:

The board kept referencing the Michigan statute mentioned above and did not give a clear answer.

Way forward:

The current CPA who is verifying my qualifying experience, has agreed to sign off on the remaining 3 months after he has left the firm. He will be able to confirm, via the partner, my scope of work for the last 3 months needed.

Does anyone have thoughts on him signing off on the last 3 months while working for a different firm? Thank you.