ron13

Hi ,

I am a new member to this forum which I find very interesting and helpful. I am based in Calgary, Canada and in the processing of completing my CGA. I would very much appreciate if someone can give me some advice in terms of getting the CPA (US). Sorry if this is under a different thread and discussed already.

I have 4 years of accounting in Canada in a plant controller position. I also have an MBA from Imperial (UK) which I obtained through distance learning. Once I obtained the MBA, I got it evaluated and got on the fasttrack program of CGA. Now I have oy two courses left to have it completed.

Once I obtain my CGA, I'm planning to take the CPA (US) as I intend to work in the US in the near future. I would appreciate if someone can give me some advice as to which state I should apply to. I have heard that Colorado is one of the states where the conditions are less restrictive. Can someone confirm that? I do not intend to work in public practice but instead remain in industry. I suppose then that it does not matter much from which state I get the CPA from. Or does it. I have heard that some companies ask specifically from white state one has obtained the CPA. It seems that not all the states have the same recognition when it comes to the CPA.

Thanks to all for your advice.

ron13

Just to add to above comments.

I just saw that CGA has an MRA with CPA Australia. I was wondering if obtaining CPA Australia designation through the MRA would allow me to take the fast track exam IQEX of CPA US. Since CPA US and CPA Australia have an MRA on their own. I just think that this will save me time.

Thanks for your help

Blendin

"Australian CPAs and CAs with less than four years university education, or who obtained their university degree outside Australia, may not be eligible.

In recent times, there has been significant questioning as to the fairness of the IQEX rules[citation needed as applied to Australian Certified Practising Accountants.

Many accuse that the rule of requiring a Bachelor's Degree from the country in which the CPA is a member of limits CPAs who obtained their Bachelor's from countries such as Hong Kong, India, and China from qualifying for IQEX. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interna...on_Examination

JAJ

Usually if you get membership through an MRA you cannot then go on to use that membership for another MRA.

Blendin

Ron13, do you have a 4-year bachelors degree ?

ron13

Yes I do have an MBA from UK.

Thanks guys for your comments.

JAJ

The question was do you have a 4 year bachelors degree ...

Blendin

You don't have to wait to get your CGA.

If you have a 4 year bachelors degree + MBA, then you can get a CPA certificate from Illinois, though you must pass the CPA exam and apply for the certificate prior to July 1, 2010.
Illinois is the most convenient State for many Canadians.

ron13

Yes I do have a 4 year degree in economics JAJ

Blendin

Then go ahead with Illinois certificate (no experience and CPE required).
Colorado usually requires public accounting experience for the license or lots of accounting semester hours under rule 2.5.

JAJ

You say Illinois closes on July 1, 2010.

What will be the state of choice after then?

(also, a non-practising cert from Illinois may not qualify for CA status in Australia under the mutual recognition agreement, although of course a Canadian CGA can become an Australian CPA).

Blendin

Colorado, Delaware and to some extent New Hampshire are popular with foreigners for different reasons.

A certified CPA from Illinois does not qualify for mutual recognition, only a licensed Illinois CPA does.

Mutual recognition between ICAA and AICPA is kind of useless if you are a CPA in your early 30's and no audit experience, you will be required to complete 36 months of experience at an approved CA firm.

JAJ

ICAA accepts non-audit experience.

Blendin

That's good news. I thought it was like CICA, which requires 36 months of experience in a approved CA firm.

ron13

I am just wondering if the degree has to be in accounting only.

Can I validate the courses that I have taken with CGA?

I do know that Colorado accepts a masters degree in lieu of the work experience.