Prosperous Economy
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
| 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
| 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
| 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.
