New Jersey CPA: Services, Licensure, and Career Guide
Introduction
This page provides a comprehensive guide to New Jersey CPA services, licensure requirements, and career opportunities. Whether you're seeking a trusted CPA for your business or want to learn how to become a CPA in New Jersey, you'll find everything you need here.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who meets rigorous education, examination, and experience requirements. In New Jersey, CPAs are trusted advisors for tax, accounting, and financial matters. CPA licensure ensures professionals adhere to high standards of ethics and expertise, making them invaluable resources for individuals and businesses alike.
What You'll Find on This Page
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A breakdown of CPA services available in New Jersey
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Steps to become a licensed CPA in NJ
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Career opportunities and resources for CPAs in the state
Professional Development and Resources for New Jersey CPAs
Staying current in the evolving world of accountancy is essential for every certified public accountant in New Jersey. Ongoing professional development is required to maintain your CPA license and deliver high-quality services.
Continuing Professional Education Requirements
The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy mandates that all NJ CPAs complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years. These CPE hours must cover technical subjects such as accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law, ensuring CPAs remain well-versed in the latest standards and best practices.
NJCPA Resources
The New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJCPA) offers professional development opportunities including webinars, conferences, and online courses tailored to New Jersey CPAs. These programs help accountants deepen their knowledge in technical subjects, connect with peers, and stay ahead of regulatory changes. Whether you're fulfilling CPE requirements or expanding expertise in specialized areas like cryptocurrency taxation or multi-state compliance, the NJCPA provides the tools and support you need.
CPA Licensure Pathways
To qualify for and maintain a CPA license in New Jersey, applicants must submit official transcripts verifying their bachelor's degree and completion of required accounting courses, pass the CPA exam, and demonstrate good moral character. New Jersey has introduced a new pathway to CPA licensure offering flexibility between the traditional 150-credit hour route and an option emphasizing real-world professional experience.
Out-of-State CPA Practice
Out-of-state CPAs can practice in New Jersey provided they meet the state's certification and experience requirements. The NJCPA offers resources for both new and experienced accountants, including networking opportunities, advocacy, and access to specialized CPE courses.
Career Opportunities for CPAs in New Jersey
New Jersey offers substantial career opportunities for Certified Public Accountants across public accounting, private industry, government, and non-profit sectors. The state's diverse economy ensures CPAs can find rewarding roles in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and information technology.
Education Requirements
To become a CPA in New Jersey, candidates must meet rigorous education requirements. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is fundamental, along with completing at least 120 college credits with coursework in accounting, business law, and related subjects. These credits must be verified through official transcripts as part of the application process.
CPA Exam Process
The path to CPA licensure in New Jersey is overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy. Prospective CPAs must:
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Submit official transcripts to verify educational background
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Pass all sections of the Uniform CPA Examination
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Complete one year of relevant professional experience
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Meet the state's residency requirement
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Demonstrate good moral character
The Notice to Schedule (NTS) for each exam section is valid for a limited time frame, so candidates should plan their testing schedule accordingly.
Maintaining Licensure
Once licensed, New Jersey CPAs must maintain their credentials through continuing professional education. New Jersey CPAs are required to complete a mandatory NJ law and ethics course within six months of initial licensure. The Board requires 120 CPE hours every three years, covering technical subjects such as accounting, auditing, taxation, and mathematics.
Job Market Overview
New Jersey's robust business environment supports steady demand for skilled accountants. Cities throughout the state offer employment opportunities in finance, accounting, and information technology. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia expands opportunities for multi-state practice.
About Monaco CPA
Gregory Monaco, CPA LLC (Monaco CPA) is a boutique accounting firm headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, with deep roots in Essex County dating back generations. We combine the personal attention of a solo practitioner with the expertise to handle complex tax situations—particularly cryptocurrency taxation.
You work directly with Greg, a CPA with an MBA. No junior staff, no outsourcing—just personalized service tailored to your needs.
Areas Served
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Essex County: Livingston, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Caldwell, Verona, Cedar Grove, Bloomfield, Nutley, Belleville, Newark
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Northern New Jersey: Bergen County, Morris County, Passaic County, Union County, Hudson County
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NYC Metro Area: Serving NYC commuters throughout the region
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Nationwide: Crypto tax services for clients in all 50 states via remote service model
Services
Tax Preparation
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Individual tax returns (Form 1040) with all schedules
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Small business tax returns (partnerships, S-corps, C-corps)
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Multi-state tax returns for NYC commuters and remote workers
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Tax planning and estimated tax projections
Bookkeeping
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Monthly and quarterly bookkeeping packages
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QuickBooks setup and optimization
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Financial statement preparation
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Accounts payable and receivable management
Crypto Tax Services
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Transaction reconciliation across all wallets and exchanges
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Form 8949 and Schedule D preparation
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Form 1099-DA matching and discrepancy resolution (gross proceeds reporting began January 1, 2025)
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Rev. Proc. 2024-28 compliant wallet-by-wallet tracking (effective January 1, 2025)
Advisory & CFO Services
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Fractional CFO for growing businesses (part-time Chief Financial Officer providing strategic financial oversight)
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Entity selection and structuring (LLC vs. S-Corp)
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Cash flow forecasting and budgeting
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KPI dashboards and financial reporting
Why New Jersey Businesses Choose Monaco CPA
Proactive, Not Reactive
We don't just clean up problems—we prevent them. Monthly book closures and quarterly planning meetings mean you always know where you stand financially. Fewer surprises, more peace of mind.
Plain-English Communication
No technical tax jargon. Every statement and recommendation comes with an explanation of the "why" in plain language, plus actionable next steps.
Virtual & Secure Convenience
Encrypted client portal, electronic signatures, QuickBooks Online integration. Handle everything from your phone or laptop. For in-person meetings, we're local and happy to accommodate.
Crypto-Savvy When Needed
Northern New Jersey has a growing community of crypto investors. Unlike traditional firms, we're current on crypto tax rules, Rev. Proc. 2024-28 requirements, and Form 1099-DA compliance. If digital assets are part of your financial picture, you won't have to educate us.
Local Roots, National Reach
We've been part of the Essex County community for generations. We understand New Jersey's unique tax rules and how they interact with federal requirements.
New Jersey Crypto Tax Considerations
New Jersey presents unique challenges for crypto investors that differ from most other states:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you meet with clients in person or only virtually?
We primarily work virtually, which most clients prefer for convenience. However, we're local and happy to arrange in-person meetings for initial consultations, complex planning sessions, or just a coffee chat in Livingston.
Can you help with multi-state tax filings?
Yes. Many New Jersey residents have income in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or other states. We handle all that complexity—projecting out-of-state liabilities, crediting taxes paid to other states, and ensuring each return is filed accurately.
My books are a mess—do you offer cleanup services?
Absolutely. We often perform catch-up bookkeeping for new clients. If your QuickBooks or records are months (or years) behind, we'll categorize transactions, reconcile accounts, and fix errors. By the time we're done, your books will be current and tax-ready.
Do you work with crypto investors?
Yes—it's one of our specialties. We handle everything from simple buy/hold/sell scenarios to complex DeFi, NFTs, and multi-wallet situations. We're current on Rev. Proc. 2024-28 wallet-by-wallet requirements and Form 1099-DA reconciliation.
What size businesses do you work with?
Primarily sole proprietors, freelancers, and small businesses with 1-20 employees. We're a boutique firm—you work directly with Greg, not junior staff.
What's new for crypto taxes in 2025?
Rev. Proc. 2024-28 requires wallet-by-wallet cost basis tracking effective January 1, 2025. Form 1099-DA reporting began for gross proceeds from centralized exchanges. The DeFi broker rule was repealed in April 2025. Cost basis reporting on 1099-DA starts January 1, 2026.
Get Started
Ready for a CPA who understands New Jersey's tax rules, NJ sales tax for service providers, and speaks crypto? Let's start with a free consultation to discuss your needs.
Phone: (862) 320-9554
Email: Greg@MonacoCPA.CPA
Location: Livingston, NJ (serving all of New Jersey + nationwide for crypto)
Related Pages
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