Washington Administrative Code Title 4 - Accountancy, Board of
📖 Overview
WAC Title 4 sets the rules and regulations for the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WSBA), which is responsible for regulating the practice of public accounting in Washington. This includes certified public accountants (CPAs), CPA firms, and accounting services offered to the public.
The main goal of Title 4 is to ensure ethical, competent, and professional accounting practices in the state.
🔑 Key Areas of WAC Title 4
1. Board Structure and Authority
The Board of Accountancy consists of appointed members, including licensed CPAs and public representatives.
The Board has authority to:
License CPAs and CPA firms.
Enforce rules of professional conduct.
Investigate complaints and discipline licensees.
Adopt and update rules for accounting standards in the state.
2. Licensing Rules
This section governs who can become a CPA in Washington:
Education Requirements:
Minimum college-level coursework, typically 150 semester hours including accounting, auditing, business law, and ethics.
Examination Requirements:
Must pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
Experience Requirements:
Practical accounting experience under supervision of a licensed CPA, usually one to two years.
Firm Licensing:
CPA firms offering services to the public must register with the Board.
Rules define partnerships, corporations, and LLCs providing accounting services.
3. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
CPAs must maintain their knowledge and skills through CPE.
WAC Title 4 specifies:
Minimum hours required annually or biennially.
Acceptable types of courses (ethics, accounting standards, tax law).
Recordkeeping requirements and reporting deadlines.
4. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Rules define ethical obligations for CPAs and CPA firms, including:
Integrity and objectivity.
Independence in auditing and financial reporting.
Avoiding conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality of client information.
Violations can lead to disciplinary action, fines, or license revocation.
5. Disciplinary Actions
The Board can impose sanctions on CPAs or firms that violate rules:
Actions Include:
Reprimands or warnings.
Fines or monetary penalties.
Suspension of license for a specified period.
Permanent revocation of license.
Due Process:
Accused licensees have the right to a hearing.
Board follows formal procedures to investigate complaints.
6. Exemptions and Special Situations
Rules for non-resident CPAs providing temporary services in Washington.
Exemptions for government accountants or others not offering services to the public.
Procedures for inactive licenses or reactivation.
7. Examination and Application Procedures
Application steps for first-time CPA candidates.
Fees associated with licensing, exams, and renewals.
Deadlines and requirements for documentation (education transcripts, experience verification).
8. Records and Reporting
CPAs must maintain proper documentation of:
Continuing education.
Client engagement records (for audits or accounting services).
Board may request records for compliance audits or investigations.
✅ Summary
WAC Title 4 ensures that:
Only qualified individuals can practice as CPAs in Washington.
CPAs maintain professional and ethical standards.
The public is protected from fraudulent or incompetent accounting practices.
CPA firms comply with licensing and operational requirements.
In short, Title 4 is the complete rulebook for the practice of accountancy in Washington State, covering licensing, ethics, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures.
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