State Board Recommends CPE Expansion

Technology and Practice Management Courses Would Qualify

By Ann E. Spaulding

The New York State Board for Public Accountancy voted at its November 18 meeting to recommend that the State Education Department include technology and some practice management courses as qualifying for continuing professional education in New York.

NYSSCPA and Foundation for Accounting Education staff has worked with a state board committee for the past year to accomplish this expansion. Recognizing that times have changed since the state's CPE regulations were first developed, the inclusion of technology and practice management more accurately reflects CPAs' educational needs to better serve their clients.

"These changes are almost mandated by today's practice environment. CPE needs to cover all levels of practice by CPAs," said Dr. Irene N. McCarthy, chair of the state board's education committee.

While courses in practice management and technology previously qualified under the AICPA's and some other state boards' guidelines, such subjects did not count for credit toward New York state's CPE requirement.

There was no debate over expanding CPE qualifications to include technology.

"The Society has long believed, and the state board now agrees, that CPAs need to be knowledgeable in technology to run their own firms and to assist clients," NYSSCPA Executive Director Louis Grumet said.

The board also concurred with the Society's view that practice management courses can improve CPAs' skills not only in overseeing their own practices but also in helping clients run their businesses. Subjects such as organization structure, human resources management, preparation for a quality review, and other client related administrative matters will now qualify for credit.

Before the board's recommendation becomes effective, the State Education Department must give its approval. Watch www.nysscpa.org and future issues of The Trusted Professional for updates. *