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What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the statutory title of qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. In most states, only CPAs who are licensed are able to provide to the public attestation (including auditing) opinions on financial statements.


CPAs function as independent auditors and act as advisors to individuals, businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies on a wide range of finance and tax-related matters. 

To qualify for certification and a state license, an individual generally must:

•   Have a college degree or its equivalent

•   Pass the rigorous uniform CPA Examination

•   Meet certain experience or postgraduate study requirements

•   Meet annual continuing education requirements

•   Adhere to certain ethical standards and codes of professional conduct established by governmental bodies and peer organizations


What Type of Services Does a CPA Offer?
The CPA plays an important role in business and the economy. Possessing technical knowledge and skills, the CPA is trained to apply sound judgment in business situations, helping people and organizations evaluate the use of economic resources. Today's CPA provides a wide range of services to various sectors including, but not limited to, the business and corporate industry and government and nonprofit organizations, playing many roles such as:

•   Auditor

•   Educators

•   Management Consultants

•   Personal Financial Planner

•   Tax Advisor

•   Technology Consultant