subject: How To Obtain A Certification To Work With Cpa Firms In Nyc [print this page] The accounting industry is a disciplined, specialty field that relies on math skills and a solid understanding of financial transactions. Accurate financial reporting and account management are essential, especially when it comes to taxes and estate management. If you need help with accounting, reporting, and taxes, you can work with one of the CPA firms in NYC. These firms have specialists who can help you get your books in order. By working with a CPA firm, you can save yourself the stress and concerns that can come with filing taxes and financial reports. If you are exploring the options for a CPA firm, make sure that you evaluate them carefully to be sure that you are working with a licensed, certified CPA.
In order to obtain a Certified Public Accountant designation and work for CPA firms in NYC, you must meet the state requirements as set forth by the New York State Division of Professional Licensing Services. You are required to pay an initial application fee to the licensing division as well as to the CPA examination service when you are ready to take the exam for your CPA designation. You must also include a copy of the transcripts from your education requirements with the application.
The State of New York requires you to have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 120 credit hours completed. If you take a 150 credit hour program, your credits must reflect 33 hours of accounting courses, while you should have 24 credit hours of accounting-specific training. If you have been working for at least fifteen years as an accountant, you may be able to qualify for the exam based on experience. The testing commission also requires you to show at least two years of active work in the industry. At least 75 percent of that work must be in auditing service and financial statements with half of the time dedicated to auditing. Your application must also include paperwork from a CPA who verifies your knowledge and experience.
The testing process consists of a fourteen hour computer-based test. There are specific periods in which the tests are available each year, and you must take each of the four sections separately. The CPA exam consists of one segment dedicated to auditing standards and procedures and a second segment dedicated to the generally accepted accounting principles as they relate to businesses, government organizations and not-for-profit groups. A third testing section highlights the information you need to know related to ethics, professionalism, business law and a CPA's legal responsibilities and taxation. Finally, the fourth segment of the exam addresses general business concepts and the business environment.
You must score at least 75 percent on each segment of the exam in order to pass. There is no numeric score awarded on the notice you receive. Instead, you will receive a statement that lists your final score as a pass or fail status. You may be subject to continuing education or license renewal requirements, so stay in touch with the licensing association to be sure that your credentials remain valid. Consider what type of CPA firms in NYC you might want to work with once you obtain your certification. If you want to work in a larger, corporate firm environment, you can deal with more high-profile cases. Otherwise, you can work with one of the smaller CPA firms in NYC, or open your own business to work with small neighborhood businesses. Either way, you can be confident in the knowledge that your services contribute directly to the success of those that you work with. If you want to be able to make a difference, especially for small business owners, this is an ideal way to do it.
