Consumers

What Is a CPA?

A CPA (certified public accountant) is a trusted financial adviser who has passed the rigorous CPA Exam and met experience requirements before being licensed, and maintains continuing professional education courses for their CPA certification.

CPAs can be:

Auditors
Business advisers
Decision makers
Tax consultants
Accounting consultants
And much more to both individuals and businesses.

CPA vs Accountant

Not all accountants can call themselves CPAs. A CPA must adhere to certain professional and technical requirements. Here are some important facts to consider when you are choosing a financial professional.

CPA is a certified public accountant licensed by the state.
CPAs must meet certain work experience requirements.
CPAs must meet continuing education requirements.
CPAs follow a strict code of ethics

Find a CPA

Find a CPA by location, specialty, or even language based on your individual needs. Thousands of consumers use this service annually.

Find a CPA

Financial Tips

Envelope Budget System: An All-Cash Diet to Trim Your Spending

Studies show that people tend to spend more when they pay electronically. Switching to an all-cash diet can help you see exactly what you’re spending and could deter some wasteful or frivolous purchases.
Full story
The New W-4 Form: Easier than It Seems

To better align tax withholding with the new tax law, the IRS recently redesigned Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate. The new form looks significantly different than the one taxpayers have been filing for decades.
Full story

Taxes for Living and Working in Different States

If you live in Pennsylvania and work in a neighboring state, or vice versa, this guide will help you navigate the often treacherous landscape of how to file your taxes. Consult with a CPA on complex interstate tax issues.

View Guide

Search Finance and Accounting FAQs

PICPA members have answered hundreds of questions about personal finance, small business, taxes and more. Search the library for guidance and consult a CPA before taking action.

Join

Grow Your Career

Attend CPE & Events

Keep Informed

Advocate

Chapters

Consumers

Future CPAs

Pennsylvania CPA Foundation

Consumers

What Is a CPA?

CPA vs Accountant

Find a CPA

Financial Tips

Envelope Budget System: An All-Cash Diet to Trim Your Spending

The New W-4 Form: Easier than It Seems

Taxes for Living and Working in Different States

Search Finance and Accounting FAQs

Personal Finance >

Small Business >

CPA Exam & Licensing >