Dear Answerline

It’s getting tougher and tougher to earn a living in this profession. The economy is causing many clients to try to reduce fees by cutting back on the amount of services they have been receiving. It’s also getting more difficult to bring in new business when unemployed bookkeepers are hanging out shingles calling themselves accountants. Are they allowed to do that and if not, what can be done about it?
— Don’t need a bail-out but could sure use some stimulus

Dear In the Company of a Lot of Other CPAs,
Unlicensed people are allowed to use the title “accountant” if they indicate that they are an unlicensed accountant or that the accounting services they provide do not require a license. In my opinion, however, it is virtually impossible for the California Board of Accountancy to monitor this requirement on a state level. I am told that the CBA, when presented with proof of a violation (copy of an advertisement, picture of a sign or building listed, etc.), will send the individual a cease and desist letter and has the ability to fine the individual for practicing without a license. There are complaint forms on the CBA’s website. The best stimulus that I can give you is that I think that CPAs are in a better position than most to ride out this recession so hang in there.
— CalCPA’s A&A
(800)922-5272 ext. 2355

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am and is filed under CalCPA News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.