What Does a CPA Do?

A CPA is a certified public accountant, but what does that mean? What do they do? Here is a list of some areas in which CPAs work. You'll see there are many ways that CPAs help businesses and individuals. If you're looking for a CPA in Pennsylvania, check out the CPA Locator.

CPAs, including PICPA members, also provide financial literacy tips as a public service. View tips on specific financial literacy topics.

Tax and Financial Planning

CPAs help individuals and companies with financial planning, investments, taxes, mergers and acquisitions, and much more.

Consulting Services

Individuals, businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies need CPAs to offer objective advice and assistance in both financial and strategic areas.

Assurance Services

In addition to traditional audit services, such as examining the annual reports of public companies, exciting niche areas of assurance have increased the demand for the expertise of CPAs.

Forensic Accounting

Also known as investigative accounting or fraud auditing, forensic accounting digs below accounting records, searching for evidence of criminal misconduct.

Information Technology (IT) Services

Exploding IT growth has created huge opportunities for CPAs with strong computer and data security skills to design and implement advanced systems to fit an organization's needs.

International Accounting

In today's global economy, CPAs with an understanding and mastery of international trade laws and regulations are in great demand.

Environmental Accounting

With increasing resources focused on environmental issues, these CPAs conduct compliance audits and design preventive systems to ensure compliance.

This information is published courtesy of the AICPA's "Takin' Care of Business" brochure.

Belong & Engage

Grow Your Career

Attend CPE & Events

Keep Informed

Advocate

Chapters

Consumers

Future CPAs

Pennsylvania CPA Foundation