Section 193A.4.1. Qualifications for a license as a licensed public accountant.

       4.1(1) A person of good moral character who makes application pursuant to Iowa Code section 542.8 may be granted a license as a licensed public accountant if the person satisfies all of the following qualifications:

        a.           Satisfactory completion of the educational requirements of Iowa Code section 542.8(1) and rule 193A—4.2(542);

        b.           No less than one year of verified experience including the types of services described in Iowa Code section 542.8(8) and rule 193A—4.12(542); and

        c.           Successful completion of the examination described in Iowa Code section 542.8(3) and rule 193A—4.7(542) and the ethics course and examination outlined in 193A—4.13(542).

       4.1(2) An application may be denied if the applicant:

        a.           Has been convicted of a crime;

        b.           Has had a professional license of any kind revoked in this or any other jurisdiction;

        c.           Makes a false statement of material fact on an application for a license or is otherwise implicated in the submission of a false application;

        d.           Has been assessed penalties pursuant to Iowa Code section 542.14 or 193A—Chapter 17;

        e.           Is the subject of a notice of noncompliance as provided in 193—Chapter 8;

        f.            Demonstrates a lack of moral character in a manner that the board reasonably believes will impair the applicant’s ability to practice public accountancy in full compliance with the public interest and state policies described in Iowa Code section 542.2. While it is not possible to itemize all actions or behaviors which may demonstrate a lack of moral character, the following nonexclusive list of factors will guide the board in making its determination:

       (1)             A pattern and practice of making false or deceptive representations, or of omitting material facts, while providing any accounting services to the public;

       (2)             Fraud or dishonesty while advertising or selling goods or services to the public;

       (3)             Willful or repeated failure to timely file tax returns or other mandatory submittals due a governmental body;

       (4)             Fiscally irresponsible behavior in the absence of mitigating circumstances; or

        g.           Is subject to discipline on any ground that would form the basis for discipline against a licensee.

[ARC 7715B, IAB 4/22/09, effective 7/1/09]