Many people often use the terms accountant and Certified Public Accountant interchangeably. After all, these terms do not matter unless you are looking for something beyond tax preparation. However, if you ever need audit representation, auditing and other attestation services, forensic research, income tax services for small businesses, or anything else that requires a CPA, you must know clearly the difference between a staff accountant and a Certified Public Accountant.
What is a CPA?
CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. A CPA does much more than taxes. A CPA works with businesses or individuals on auditing, forensic research, financial consulting, investment accounting, tax planning, and much more. A CPA is skilled in various forms of accounting.
How to Become a CPA?
To become a CPA, an accountant has to meet various requirements. The terms and conditions to become a CPA vary from state to state. But still, there are some common conditions that every accountant has to fulfill to become a licensed CPA that include:
- A CPA must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting with at least 150 credit hours
- A CPA must have at least two years of proven public accounting work experience
- A CPA must have passed all four parts of the CPA exam, which is the same from state to state and covers the same topics. The exam includes topics like auditing, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, investment accounting, and more
- Many states have state-specific additional requirements for an accountant to apply for a CPA license, which CPAs have to follow
How to Find a Good CPA?
The best way to find a good CPA is to search online for accountants in your area or seek references from family, friends, and colleagues. Just make sure you perform basic research like checking for a license number, asking about experience, and reading reviews before hiring a Certified Public Accountant.
Agro Accounting CPA is the name to count on for all your accounting needs. If you need any assistance in filing your taxes or bookkeeping, we are here at your service!
