Mandatory Quality Review Resources

Mandatory Quality Review Program

The NYSSCPA is committed to providing members and the public with information on the mandatory quality review (MQR) program that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. The mandatory quality review provision for certain New York firms is part of the accountancy reform law that went into effect July 26, 2009. This page provides information on the mandatory quality review requirements in New York State.

For further information, visit the Society’s Mandatory Quality Review FAQs page. The NYSSCPA’s peer review technical manager provides an overview of MQR and answers some pertinent questions for firms within the scope of the new regulations.
 

OVERVIEW

Effective Jan. 1, 2012, CPA firms that provide attest services in New York State—except those which are sole proprietorships or have two or fewer CPAs, under the "small firm exemption"—must undergo quality review every three years and submit copies of the report and acceptance letter to the New York State Education Department. However, sole proprietorships and firms of two or fewer CPA’s are not exempted from the new law if they perform attest services for any New York state governmental agency, perform a governmental or proprietary function for the state or any of its municipalities, or perform “services specifically required to be performed pursuant to New York state law.” Such small firms must also undergo a triennial quality review.

Sole proprietorships and firms with two or fewer CPAs may also voluntarily undergo a quality review.
 

IMPORTANT NYSSCPA LINKS

Mandatory Quality Review FAQs.
Mandatory Quality Review in NYS. Links to documents and information on MQR.
 

KEY DOCUMENTS

New York State Education Law Section 7410. Mandatory Quality Review. Direct link to the law provision requiring mandatory quality review. The bill was signed into law in 2009.

Mandatory Quality Review Regulations. The New York State Board of Regents voted on Dec. 14, 2010 to adopt MQR with regulations that implement the MQR provisions of the accountancy reform law. This provides clarifing definitions, information on sponsoring organizations, the newly-created Quality Review Oversight Committee (QROC), the composition of the committee and its responsibilities to the MQR program.
 

IMPORTANT STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (SED) LINKS

The New York Office of the Professions regulates 48 licensed professions in New York state, including certified public accountancy. Visit the OP’s website for general information on the education laws, rules of the Board of Regents and regulations that apply to public accountancy.

Application Forms. This link provides links to application forms for registration, address and name changes, certification forms for professional education, out-of-state licensure and exam grades, temporary practice permits, applicant experience record forms, employer certification and form instructions. If you're unsure what type of application form(s) you need to fill out, you can e-mail the SED.

FIRM REGISTRATION

Mandatory Quality Review
Public Accounting Firm Registration FAQs
Form 6R. Application for Public Accounting Firm Registration (For Firms Other Than Professional Corporations). This form must be completed by the CPA or PA responsible for this firm.
Form 6R-PC. Application for Public Accounting Firm Registration (For Professional Corporations ONLY). This form must be completed by the CPA or PA responsible for this firm.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Office of the Professions: Ask the SED questions about license application status, education credentials from nonapproved programs, licensing examination, practice issues and continuing education, professional misconduct and discipline and general customer service.
 

QUALITY REVIEW IN THE NEWS

"Society Can Help You Navigate New Quality Review Law,” The Trusted Professional, February 2012
“A Brief Primer on Key Provisions of the Mandatory Quality Review Program,” The Trusted Professional, February 2012
“NYSSCPA Approved as Sponsoring Org,” CPA.Blog, February 9, 2012
“Think Your Firm is Exempt from Mandatory Quality Review?: Take a Closer Look,” The CPA Journal, December 2011
“Mobility Regs to Come Before Regents in October,” NYSSCPA E-Zine, Oct. 13, 2011
“QROC Holds First Meeting,” CPA.Blog, June 10, 2011
“To Protect and Serve,” The CPA Journal, July 2011
“Remember: Quality Review Becomes Mandatory on Jan. 1, 2012,” Trusted Professional, April 2011
“Board of Regents Appoints QROC Members,” CPA.Blog, March 9, 2011
“CPA Firms Prep for Mandatory Peer Reviews,” The Daily Record, Jan. 26, 2011
“Board of Regents Approves Quality Review Regulations” Trusted Professional, Jan. 1, 2011
“Regents Adopt Quality Review Regulations,” NYSSCPA E-Zine, Dec. 16, 2010
“New York CPAs Give Thumbs Up to Quality Review,” Accounting Today, Sept. 14, 2010
"State Board Tackles Creation of New Quality Review Program," Trusted Professional, Oct. 1, 2009
"The Long Arm of the Law," The CPA Journal, October 2009
“CPA Reforms Would be First in 6 Decades,” Buffalo Law Journal, Jan. 15, 2009
“CPA Peer Reviews in New York State Aid Industry,” AllBusiness.com

This resource page is just one benefit the NYSSCPA offers free to the public. Membership in the NYSSCPA comes with additional benefits. Find out more about NYSSCPA member benefits.