Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) gives an accountant higher standing in the eyes of business contacts, professional peers, regulators, and clients alike. A CPA’s toolbox includes expertise in tax preparation, financial statements, financial planning, forensic accounting, internal auditing, income tax, and more. In order to become a CPA, these individuals must meet minimum education requirements, pass a rigorous four-part exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. When these rules are broken, or if a CPA is convicted of a crime and fails to inform The Florida Board of Accountancy, they may face disciplinary action.
Fortunately, with the right team of lawyers by your side, you may be able to avoid or limit the consequences associated with a penalty to your professional license. This may include a restriction of services, financial sanctions, corrective education, and in the severest case, license suspension or withdrawal. Our professional license defense team at The Umansky Law Firm examines each case in great detail to discover the relevant facts and the best method to safeguard your CPA license.
The Florida Board of Accountancy manages requirements for certification and licensure for CPAs. The Board is supervised by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR), which regulates and monitors over one million professionals and businesses in Florida. The Board meets periodically to review submissions for new licenses, complaints, and disciplinary cases. Anyone who wishes to confirm that a CPA is licensed can go through the Florida BOA.
The first thing you can do to protect yourself is to comply with the reporting requirements if your circumstances include a criminal conviction. This means that if you’re found guilty of a crime, you must report it to the Board within 30 days. Even if your crime is minimal or seems innocuous, it’s crucial that you report it to avoid any penalties. After all, if the Board is considering whether you’re trustworthy enough to continue being an accountant, the last thing you want them to consider is your attempt to conceal a criminal charge.
The penalties that you may face if you fail to report your plea deal or conviction—or if you’re found in violation of your Certified Public Accountant licensure contract—include the following:
As a Certified Public Accountant, failing to report your conviction or plea can risk your license and livelihood. If you think you may lose your license, don’t delay seeking trusted legal defense.
Aside from a criminal conviction, a Certified Public Accountant could face disciplinary action for any number of reasons related to the job, as stated in Florida Statute 473.323. For example, a Certified Public Accountant may face disciplinary action for the following:
Fortunately, with a seasoned Orlando criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to avoid the penalties associated with the crime and save your license.
If you’re a Certified Public Accountant who’s been arrested and is facing penalties for failing to report the crime to the Florida Board of Accountancy, consider seeking legal assistance as soon as possible for help protecting your professional career and safeguarding your reputation. Fortunately, help is right around the corner at The Umansky Law Firm. Our team of experienced and well-informed attorneys has intimate knowledge about defending professional licenses in Florida and is standing by to assist you.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our seasoned team will investigate your case in detail and fight for a favorable outcome. We know and can identify the ins and outs of Florida administrative laws and are committed to protecting you from any additional penalties and harm to your reputation. Call us at (407) 890-0336 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
