Manley Advances Effort to Create Additional Pathways for Accountant Licenses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill making it easier for certified public accountants (CPAs) to work in Illinois has passed unanimously out of the Financial Institutions & amp; Licenses committee, thanks to state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, working to add two additional methods for CPAs to gain licensure and cut red-tape for non-resident CPAs.

“Our CPAs provide crucial services and critical guidance that many — if not most — of our residents rely on during tax season. House Bill 2459 fixes some of the barriers for residents that want to become a CPA and establishes a pathway for non-resident CPAs to work in Illinois,” said Manley. “I’m pleased to have bipartisan, unanimous support from my colleagues to get this bill to the House floor, where I will continue advocating for this legislation until we cross the finish line.”

Manley’s House Bill 2459 would amend the Illinois Public Accounting Act by carving two new pathways for accounting professionals without disturbing the current path to licensure, allowing CPA applicants to now become licensed with:

1. A bachelor’s degree in accounting, at least two years of experience, and the passage of
the CPA exam; or

2. A bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree with 30 hours of accounting concentration, at
least one year of experience, and passage of the CPA exam.

Additionally, pending the bill’s passage, out-of-state CPAs in good standing and who meet state requirements would have the ability to gain licensure to practice in Illinois. House Bill 2459 passed with a committee vote of 12-0 and will soon be debated on the House floor.