Who is Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation granted to individuals who have met specific education, examination, and experience requirements in the field of accounting. CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy and are authorized to provide a wide range of accounting services to individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Key Characteristics of Certified Public Accountant:
- Certified Public Accountants provide a wide range of accounting services, including financial statement preparation, auditing, tax planning and preparation, forensic accounting, management consulting, and advisory services.
- CPAs may work in public accounting firms, private industry, government agencies, or as independent practitioners.
Difference between CFA and CPA
Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are well-respected experts in the financial sector, they have different specialties and perform different functions. CFPs concentrate on offering individuals and families full financial planning services, whereas CPAs specialize in accounting services including auditing, tax preparation, and financial reporting for different customers.