Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world. In the United States, the CPA is a license to provide accounting services directly to the public. Many other countries also use the title CPA to designate local public accountants. The primary functions performed by CPAs relate to assurance services. In assurance services, also known as financial audit services. CPAs also have a niche within the income tax return preparation industry.
Introduction of the Certified Public Accountant
A certified public accountant, or CPA, is a person who has passed the very difficult CPA Exam and has been licensed by one of the 50 U.S. states (or one of five other jurisdictions). The CPA's license is renewed if the state's requirements continue to be met including continuing professional education credits.
Many certified public accountants work in the field of public accounting in CPA firms ranging from a sole practitioner to a large international CPA firm. However, many certified public accountants leave public accounting while others never enter public accounting. These CPAs can be found working as accountants in manufacturing, financial services, not-for-profit organizations, health care, government agencies, education, and so on.
Steps to Becoming an Accountant
A CPA is a certified public accountant. You can become a CPA through a combination of formal education and work experience. A number of online colleges offer accounting degrees with CPA options. CPA programs are designed to help you prepare for the national Uniform CPA Examination in your state.
The first step to becoming a CPA accountant is to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting from a regionally accredited college. ("regionally accredited college” is not a nationally accredited college)
The second step is to complete on-the-job experience in accounting under the watchful eye of a licensed CPA supervisor. This experience will usually take place during the final year of your degree and post-degree. Most people work inside CPA firms as bookkeepers or junior accountants while gaining this experience.
The final step to becoming a CPA is to take and pass the Uniform CPA exam. This exam is designed to test one’s knowledge of accounting, auditing practices and business law.The Uniform CPA exam is grueling. Make sure you complete a competitive accounting degree with a CPA track before tackling this final career requirement.
Requirement for Small Businesses to Have a CPA
Generally, a small business is not required to have a CPA or certified public accountant. A CPA would be needed if the small business must have its financial statements audited or reviewed in order to obtain a bank loan, to apply for a grant, to bid on a job, or some other unique requirement.
Although most small businesses are not required to have a CPA involved, a small business may engage a CPA to review its internal controls, evaluate accounting software, obtain tax advice and so on. Some businesses utilize accountants who are not certified, but are very experienced and effective. You could ask your banker to recommend an accountant who works well with clients such as yourself.
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If you have further inquires, please do not hesitate to contact Tannet at anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website english.tannet-group.com, or calling Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888 or China hotline at 86-755-82143422, or emailing to tannet-solution@hotmail.com. You are also welcome to visit our office situated in 16/F, Taiyangdao Bldg 2020, Dongmen Rd South, Luohu, Shenzhen, China.
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