What Is a CPA?
Certified public accountants have many roles. They may be chief financial officers for Fortune 500 companies or advisors to small neighborhood businesses. They may work for public accounting firms, both small and large. Regardless of practice area, all CPAs are well-respected strategic business advisors, consultants, and leaders.
What are the requirements to become a CPA?
To become a CPA, candidates need to meet the requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which they wish to practice. These requirements, which vary from state to state, are established by law and administered by the state boards of accountancy.
To qualify for licensure in
- Complete a program of study in accounting at a college/university (
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which is developed and graded by the AICPA
- Have a certain amount of professional work experience in public accounting (
- Maintain continuing education. Once a person becomes a CPA,
*For more information on licensure requirements, visit the Missouri State Board of Accountancy website.
What services do CPAs offer to businesses and individuals?
- CPAs anticipate and create opportunities for their clients. They may help you lower your tax burden or take advantage of an overlooked business option.
- CPAs may help business proprietors and managers strategically plan, update technology systems, or examine new opportunities, as well as provide auditing and accounting services.
- CPAs follow a strict code of conduct and ethics that ensure client privacy.
- CPAs can also provide tax preparation assistance as well as helping with personal finance issues such as retirement and estate planning or investment decisions.
The Value of a CPA
CPAs are your partner in planning, offering advice on all your financial matters. Along with a long-standing tradition of serving companies and individuals with skill, honesty, and objectivity, CPAs possess the education and training needed to translate increasingly complex issues into information critical to making informed and well-thought-out decisions.
If you have worked with CPAs in areas with which they are traditionally associated, such as tax and accounting services, you may be surprised to learn about the many other types of engagements they perform. CPAs have the professional expertise to address a wide number of financial issues, both professional and personal. They can help you make sense of a changing and complex world.
Find Your CPA Today!
The MSCPA Find-A-CPA directory matches individuals and businesses that need professional financial services with CPA firms in their geographic region. The directory allows you to easily search for a CPA or firm for free.
