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.

Tax and Financial Planning

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

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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.

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.

Information Technology (IT) Services

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

Forensic Accounting

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

Environmental Accounting

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

International Accounting

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

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

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