Accounting Education Q&As

The New York State Society of CPAs is at your service to answer questions on ethics and regulation. Contact Ann Spaulding at (212) 719-8300, (800) NYSSCPA (697-7272), or aspaulding@nysscpa.org, or direct a letter of inquiry to the Professional Ethics Committee at the Society’s address for a written response.

This month’s column is dedicated to questions from students considering a career in accounting.

Education Requirement

Q. What is the education requirement for CPAs in New York state?
A. To qualify to take the CPA exam an individual must attain at least a 120-
semester-hour bachelor’s or higher degree from a college or university whose accountancy program is registered as licensure qualifying by the New York State Education Department (SED), or whose program is determined by the SED to be the equivalent of such a registered program. On or after Aug. 1, 2009, individuals must complete a 150-hour program registered by the SED or its equivalent.

Schools with Accounting Programs

Q. Where can I find a list of colleges and universities in New York state with accounting programs?
A. Visit the Society’s website at www.nysscpa.org, click on “Future CPAs,” then click on the “Future CPAs Homepage” link, and scroll down to “Click Here For a List of New York State Schools Offering Accounting Programs.” Future CPAs is a useful web page that students interested in an accounting career should visit.

Experience Requirement

Q. What is the experience requirement in New York state?
A. A New York CPA candidate must acquire diversified experience involving the application of generally accepted accounting principles and the application of generally accepted auditing standards in the practice of public accountancy. The objective of the experience is to be able to conduct an independent audit of a small but complex entity. Two years experience is required for those with a qualifying undergraduate degree, and one year is required for those with a qualifying graduate degree. A CPA of any state or a public accountant of New York state who supervised the candidate must attest to the experience.

NYSSCPA Membership

Q. Can a student become a member of the New York State Society of CPAs?
A. Yes, students qualify for the NYSSCPA student associate membership category. You can join committees and benefit from leadership training, knowledge building and networking gained through committee service. You can also attend FAE conferences and other special events, receive The CPA Journal and The Trusted Professional, and get discounts on services you need.

Student members can be active in one of the Society’s 17 chapters, and enjoy networking and learning opportunities with local CPAs. The annual dues are only $5! Students must be sponsored by an NYSS-CPA member or endorsed by an accounting professor. Visit the Society’s website and complete the online application accessed by clicking on “Join” at the top of the homepage.

Programs for Minority High School Students

Q. Does the NYSSCPA offer any programs for minority high school students considering a career in accounting?
A. Yes, check out Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) on the Society’s website at www.nysscpa.org/kb-coapdescription.htm. The program provides an occasion for promising minority high school students to meet successful minority role models, learn about career opportunities, and meet and mingle with other success-oriented high school students.

Scholarships for Accounting Students

Q. Does the NYSSCPA offer any scholarships for accounting students?
A. Yes. The NYSSCPA awards the Excellence in Accounting Scholarship of $1,500 per academic year for full-time students (12 credits or more per semester) and $750 per academic year for part-time students (at least six credits per semester). Recipients can renew the award provided that they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Students can get more information about the scholarships by contacting Member Services Manager Joyce Lewis at (212) 719-8379 or jlewis@nysscpa.org.