In the same fashion as many other states around the U.S., New York lawmakers approved a bill that would create an alternative pathway to CPA licensure. Assembly Bill A7613B and Senate Bill S6891B will allow candidates to qualify with 120 college credits and two years of experience. The legislation, backed by the New York State Society of CPAs, passed both chambers and now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature.
This is more than another policy tweak. It represents a two-front win for NYCPA, combining CPA licensure reform with an expansion of the e-signature law in a single session. Calvin Harris Jr., the society’s CEO, called it “virtually unheard of in New York.”
“It is almost unheard of [to pass] legislation in New York in one legislative session,” Harris told CFO.com. “But we’re on the verge of passing not just one of the most vital pieces of legislation we introduced this year — we outdid ourselves by already passing a bill that’s been on our agenda for some time.”
A separate bill expanding the state’s e-signature law also passed both chambers. It would allow individuals with a power of attorney to electronically sign documents. That closes a longstanding gap in tax and legal filings in the state.
Both measures received bipartisan support and were priorities on NYCPA’s 2024-2025 legislative agenda. Passing both in the same session marks a significant legislative win for the accounting profession.
The change is significant because New York is one of the country’s largest markets for CPAs. It is also home to major firms, finance departments and regulators. This shift in licensing policy will likely result in the introduction of a 120-hour, one- to two-year experience pathway across many more states.
If signed by Hochul, the law would take effect 180 days afterward. State regulators will be responsible for defining acceptable experience, including what qualifies as full- or part-time work and which roles meet the requirement. The traditional 150-hour pathway with one year of experience will remain in place.
“This is a chance to embrace talent that previously CFOs haven’t had access to”
Calvin Harris Jr.
CEO, New York State Society of CPAs
“This additional licensing pathway is a meaningful response to something we’ve been hearing for years from those in the profession and those who want to be in the profession: We need more flexibility,” Harris said. “This is an exciting opportunity for students who, before, might not have considered accounting as a possible career choice, but now can look at the profession as a realistic and attractive option.”
The bill also updates New York’s mobility rules. CPAs from out of state who are in good standing and have passed the Uniform CPA Exam would be allowed to practice in New York without applying for a reciprocal license. “Not only has this NYCPA-backed legislation opened up opportunities for future talent, it ensures we’re remaining competitive with neighboring states,” Harris said.
The change could affect CFOs and finance teams already struggling to hire. “The war for talent is never ending, and this additional pathway helps New York immensely in terms of becoming more enticing to those who are looking to begin their careers and build businesses here,” Harris said. He encouraged CFOs to see the change as more than regulatory housekeeping.
“This is a chance to embrace talent that previously CFOs haven’t had access to and strengthen their teams,” he said. “I would encourage CFOs to pay attention to this legislation and consider how they can use this opportunity to identify and mentor future leaders earlier. Ask questions like, ‘What does this mean for recruiting?’ and ‘What do we want the future of our business to look like?’”
