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Prosperous Economy

Last Updated: 10/07/2024

Provide consumer protection

Strategy: Provide consumer protection

Agency: 165 - Board of Accountancy

A001 - Regulation of Public Accountants

As required by Chapter 18.04 RCW, the Board of Accountancy administers exams and issues licenses to certified public accountants (CPAs), CPA firms, and firm owners to ensure public protection and the reliability of financial information. The board establishes and audits compliance with education, examination, good character, ethics, and experience requirements prior to licensure. To continue to meet established performance standards and ethics requirements, the Board reviews and monitors charges against CPAs and firms, and audits compliance with continuing professional education requirements. The Board is funded by license fees paid by CPAs, firms, and firm owners.

Account FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTE 13.8 13.8 13.8
02J - Certified Public Accountants' Acct
State 2,669,000 2,887,000 5,556,000
FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTES 6.9 6.9 6.9
GFS
Other 1,390,000.0 1,521,000.0 2,911,000.0
Totals 1,390,000.0 1,521,000.0 2,911,000.0

000303 - Percent of CPA compliance with administrative requirements

Percent of individuals and credentialed firms who comply with their continuing credentialing requirements and timely respond to Board compliance monitoring inquiries
Biennium Period Actual Target
2019-21 A2 93% 95%
2019-21 A3 93% 95%
2021-23 A2 87% 95%
2021-23 A3 86% 95%
2023-25 A2 88% 95%
2023-25 A3 0% 95%

000313 - Number of new credentials issued

Number of qualified applicants for initial credentialing in Washington State each calendar quarter
Biennium Period Actual Target
2019-21 A2 100% 98%
2019-21 A3 98% 98%
2021-23 A2 100% 98%
2021-23 A3 100% 98%
2023-25 A2 100% 98%
2023-25 A3 0% 98%

A002 - Investigation of Public Accountants

The Board of Accountancy investigates complaints related to the compliance of certified public accountants (CPAs), CPA firms, and firm owners with technical and ethical standards. These standards are established in state and federal laws, board rules, and by various accounting standards boards; U.S. General Accounting Office; federal Office of Management and Budget; Securities and Exchange Commission; Internal Revenue Service; and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The board also investigates and takes action against individuals illegally posing as CPAs.

Account FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTE 5.0 5.0 5.0
02J - Certified Public Accountants' Acct
State 979,000 1,060,000 2,039,000
FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTES 2.5 2.5 2.5
GFS
Other 503,000.0 551,000.0 1,054,000.0
Totals 503,000.0 551,000.0 1,054,000.0

000280 - Percent of credential complaints resolved within 180 days

Revoked, suspended or restricted practice credential complaints that are resolved within 180 days of agency awareness of the event
Biennium Period Actual Target
2019-21 A2 100% 98%
2019-21 A3 95% 98%
2021-23 A2 99% 98%
2021-23 A3 99% 98%
2023-25 A2 99% 98%
2023-25 A3 0% 98%

A004 - CPA Consumer Protection Information

The Board of Accountancy provides general and specific consumer protection information and is funded by license fees paid by CPAs, firms, and firm owners.

Account FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTE 5.8 5.8 5.8
02J - Certified Public Accountants' Acct
State 1,135,000 1,228,000 2,363,000
FY 2024 FY 2025 Biennium Total
FTES 2.9 2.9 2.9
GFS
Other 584,000.0 639,000.0 1,223,000.0
Totals 584,000.0 639,000.0 1,223,000.0
Expected Results

Consumers are satisfied with ease of access to, and usefulness of, agency communication. Consumers receive timely response to complaints, and are satisfied with the types and levels of sanctions imposed by the agency and Board.