CPA Licensure -- Choosing a CPA |
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CPAs who provide public accounting services to clients (financial statements, audits, tax advice, etc.) must maintain a current Utah license to practice public accountancy. In Utah the licensing authority is the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. As a condition of maintaining a CPA license, CPAs in Utah are required to maintain 80 hours of continuing professional education bi-annually. This continuing education is critical to keep CPAs current in the rapidly changing business and economic climate of today. In addition, CPAs who provide attestation services (financial statements, audits, etc.) are required to be enrolled in a mandatory peer review program that tri-annually reviews the quality control procedures of the CPA firm. CPA Firms that audit public companies must undergo inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. This new entity was formed as a result of the passage of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. CPAs must abide by a Code of Professional Conduct that governs their professional activities. Professional membership organizations to whom the CPA may belong generally have Professional Ethics and Conduct rules by which CPAs are to abide; in addition the licensing entities in the states in which the CPA practices have jurisdiction over CPAs in the areas of behavior and competence. There are statutes and administrative rules that determine the conditions for entry into the CPA profession and standards of behavior and professional conduct and competency once the CPA becomes licensed. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing provides an online database of CPAs currently licensed. In addition, CPA firms are also required to register with the Division. Check these links to make certain that any CPA you are considering engaging for professional services is currently licensed in Utah. If you have specific questions regarding CPAs and their status in the State of Utah, please contact the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (801-530-6730). It's also possible to check with the American Institute of CPAs (national professional membership organization for CPAs) and the local State Society for CPAs to see if a CPA belongs to professional CPA organizations. To confirm membership with the Utah Association of CPAs, please contact us. |
