What Is A CPA?

accounting

What Is A CPA?

The term “CPA” stands for Certified Public Accountant. Certified Public Accountant is an accounting qualification granted by the US government (State Board of Accountancy) to individuals who fulfill certain education and experience requirement as a public accountant. The CPA title is one of the most globally recognized professional qualifications, and arguably the most prestigious in the accounting field.

CPAs are accountants who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from a university that has an accredited accounting curriculum, and who have taken a written examination that testifies to their knowledge of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and standards. (In Florida, 23 colleges and universities offer accredited accounting programs and related degrees.

CPAs do many things for businesses and individuals. Essentially, they analyze and plan how money is used by businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments and individuals.

CPAs work in public accounting, business and industry, government and education. Within these areas, CPAs generally specialize in what they do.