CPAs Pitch More ‘Flexible’ Licensing Rules to Expand Workforce

Accounting regulators and industry leaders are drafting reforms to state CPA licensing rules in an effort to expand the profession’s ranks by providing new pathways that could include skills acquired outside a classroom to earn the credential.

Draft changes to model legislation that serves as a template for state accounting regulations could be ready as soon as September for public comment. The goal is to finalize recommended licensing changes before legislative sessions begin next year, said Sue Coffey, CEO of public accounting for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

“We don’t want to dilute our standing among other professions,” ...