What is a certified public accountant?

Certified public accountants (CPAs) play a critical role in businesses’ and individuals’ financial health and success.

With their accounting and financial management expertise, CPAs can offer valuable insights and analysis and ensure compliance with regulations.

What is a certified public accountant?

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a professional who has met the education, experience, and examination requirements to be licensed by a state board of accountancy.

CPAs provide businesses and individuals with financial advisory, auditing, tax planning, and management consulting services.

They are entrusted with handling sensitive financial information and ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting.

Duties of a certified public accountant

Certified public accountants perform a range of crucial duties in the financial realm. These may include:

Financial auditing

• Perform comprehensive examinations of financial statements to verify precision and adherence to accounting standards
• Examine financial records, documents, and transactions for fraud or irregularities
• Prepare detailed audit reports with findings and recommendations

Tax planning and compliance

• Assist clients in minimizing tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations
• Compile and submit tax returns for both individuals and businesses
• Provide tax planning strategies to optimize financial outcomes

Financial analysis

• Study financial data to offer valuable insights and suggestions for enhancing financial performance
• Evaluate financial statements, ratios, and trends to assess an organization’s financial health
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and areas for revenue growth

Recordkeeping

• Maintain organized and accurate financial records for clients or employers
• Ensure that financial transactions are categorized and recorded properly
• Establish and oversee internal controls to safeguard financial data

Advising clients

• Provide financial and tax advice to clients, helping them make informed decisions
• Assist clients in creating budgets, financial plans, and investment strategies
• Offer guidance on financial compliance and best practices

Skills and requirements needed in a certified public accountant

Certain skills and requirements are essential in a certified public accountant, such as:

• Educational attainment. A certified public accountant usually has a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• Certification or license. CPA certification and a license to practice from the relevant state board is necessary.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze and solve complex financial problems is a must.
• Attention to detail. Attention to detail and accuracy in financial analysis and reporting is important in a CPA.
• Proficiency in accounting software. A certified public accountant must know how to use accounting software and financial management tools.
• Communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must to establish good professional relationships.
• Knowledge of tax laws and regulations. Certified public accountants should be familiar with tax laws and regulations.
• Ethics. Ethical behavior and a commitment to confidentiality are essential for a financial role.

Where to hire a certified public accountant

When it comes to hiring qualified CPAs, several avenues can be explored:

1. Online sites

Job boards and professional networking platforms provide access to a wide pool of accounting professionals seeking employment opportunities.

You can post job listings or search for candidates based on their skills and experience. There are plenty of CPAs on sites like Indeed and CareerBuilder.

2. Specialized recruitment agencies

Specialized recruitment agencies have expertise in matching candidates with the right skills and qualifications to open positions. They can streamline hiring by pre-screening candidates and presenting you with a shortlist of qualified CPAs.

Robert Half is an example of a service that provides recruitment for specific industries, including finance.

3. Outsourcing companies

Outsourcing accounting services can provide access to a pool of experienced CPAs who can work remotely or on a contract basis. This option can benefit organizations looking for cost-effective solutions or temporary staffing needs.

How much does a certified public accountant make?

The salary of certified public accountants can depend on the size and industry of the organization they’re working for and their level of experience.

According to Salary.com and Salary Expert, the general annual salary range for a CPA in the United States and the Philippines is as follows:

On-site vs. Remote setup for a certified public accountant

The work setup for a certified public accountant can vary depending on the organization and the specific job responsibilities.

While some CPAs work in traditional on-site office environments, others may have the flexibility to work remotely.

Technological advancements have made it easier for certified public accountants to collaborate with team members and clients online, allowing for a more flexible work arrangement.

Why hire a certified public accountant?

Hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) can provide businesses with a range of financial benefits and expertise.

CPAs have undergone rigorous training and have passed exams to earn their certification, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in areas such as accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial planning.

CPAs’ expertise can help businesses navigate complex financial regulations, maximize tax savings, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and provide valuable insights to make informed decisions.

By working with a CPA, businesses can have confidence in the accuracy of their financial records, strategic financial planning, and overall financial health.

Certified public accountant job description template

For a comprehensive and ready-to-use job description guide for a certified public accountant role, please refer to this template.

This template clearly outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations for hiring managers and recruiters in search of a qualified CPA.

Moreover, employee sourcing teams can refer to this guide of interview questions to further streamline the recruitment for a CPA.

Feel free to use it as a reference when you’ve finally found some viable candidates for this position.