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Labor Market Effects of Spatial Licensing Requirements: Evidence from CPA Mobility

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  • STEFANO CASCINO
  • ANE TAMAYO
  • FELIX VETTER

Abstract

We exploit the staggered introduction of CPA Mobility provisions in the United States to study the effects of spatial licensing requirements on the labor market for accounting professionals. Specifically, we examine whether the removal of licensing‐induced geographic barriers affects CPA wages and employment levels, as well as the pricing and quality of professional services. We find that, subsequent to the adoption of CPA Mobility provisions, wages of accounting professionals decrease, whereas employment levels are unaffected. The documented wage effect stems from smaller CPA firms, is more pronounced for CPAs holding senior positions, and persists over time. We also find that service prices decline and that this effect is concentrated in local CPA firms. Moreover, we document that the increased wage and price pressure is not associated with deteriorating service quality. Collectively, our results suggest that the removal of occupational licensing barriers has sizable effects on labor supply and service prices. Our findings inform the current regulatory debate on occupational licensing.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Cascino & Ane Tamayo & Felix Vetter, 2021. "Labor Market Effects of Spatial Licensing Requirements: Evidence from CPA Mobility," Journal of Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 59(1), pages 111-161, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:59:y:2021:i:1:p:111-161
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12342
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    3. Kihwan Bae & Edward Timmons, 2023. "Now You Can Take It with You: Effects of Occupational Credential Recognition on Labor Market Outcomes," Working Papers 23-03, Department of Economics, West Virginia University.
    4. Abramova, Inna, 2024. "Labor supply and M&A in the audit market," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 78(1).
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    7. Breuer, Matthias & Le, Anthony & Vetter, Felix, 2023. "Audit mandates, audit firms, and auditors," Working Papers 333, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
    8. Andrew G. Sutherland & Matthias Uckert & Felix W. Vetter, 2024. "Occupational Licensing and Minority Participation in Professional Labor Markets," Journal of Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 62(2), pages 453-503, May.
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