The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) recently announced that it has created an initiative to modernize the state’s CPA licensing laws.
The proposed updates would give aspiring CPAs a new pathway to attain licensure while upholding the standards required for professional CPAs to maintain financial trust and transparency. In a memo introducing legislation backed by state Sens. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) and Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), officials said the changes to licensure in the state would address pending workforce issues. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House by Reps. Ben Sanchez (D-Montgomery) and Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster). Both Pisciottano and Greiner are CPAs, although Pisciottano’s status is inactive.
“At a time when the accounting profession faces a variety of pipeline challenges, it is crucial to create innovative pathways that meet the needs of today’s workforce while safeguarding the public trust and high standards that define the CPA designation,” Jennifer Cryder, CEO of the PICPA, said.
The proposed pathway would allow individuals with a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience verified by a Pennsylvania CPA to qualify for licensure. Licensure would be granted once the applying individual had passed the standard CPA exam, officials said. The proposed pathway is being introduced as an additional way to become licenses, and not as a replacement path.
“The PICPA is taking a forward-thinking approach to ensure the CPA designation remains accessible and attractive to the next generation of accounting professionals,” Peter Calcara, vice president of Government Relations at the PICPA, said. “We’ve worked closely with stakeholders to ensure these changes maintain the integrity and trust that CPAs are known for, while addressing the realities of today’s workforce challenges.”
PICPA is encouraging its members to engage legislation members on June 4 when the organization has its Day on the Hill to speak with their legislative representatives.