CONGRATULATIONS to Joseph Bressler for Passing the CPA Exam!

Joseph Bressler, Tracy and Bill Bressler’s son, will soon be able to add another set of initials after his last name.  Recently, Joseph took and passed the final test required to obtain a CPA license in the State of California.

Joseph has a BS in Accountancy, and has been with Bressler & Company for eight years.  Currently, he is the IT Director, assists Tracy in managing the business, is a Advanced Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, and an Enrolled Agent.  An “Enrolled Agent” is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns.  Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.

Most people are not aware of how much education it takes to obtain a CPA license or all of the continuing education required to retain your license.  First you have to have a Bachelor’s Degree.  Then you must pass The Uniform CPA Exam.  It is a 14-hour, computer-based test that spans multiple days.  It consists of four sections: business environment and concepts; auditing and attestation; regulation; and financial accounting and reporting. These tests are only available during certain testing window periods, and most people do not pass on their first attempt.  You can take more than one test during a testing window, but you cannot take the same test twice during that period.  We are especially proud that Joseph passed all 4 tests on his very first attempt!

Once you pass all the above-mentioned tests, you become a “CPA Candidate.”  After that,  you must spend 1 – 2 full years (this changes depending on how many semester units of education you have)  under the supervision of a CPA with an active license.  Once you become a Certified Public Accountant, California State’s Board of Accountancy law requires that you spend 120 hours every three years on continuing education to stay up-to-date on all the tax law changes.

And, he did all of this while working full-time and keeping up with “husband” and “dad duties” as well!  Where did he find the time?  We don’t know, but we’re glad he did.  The next step is working even more closely with Tracy Bressler on the day-to-day operation of the business and continuing to build long-term relationships with all our clients.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS Joe!  You’re a super hero!