Certified public accountant

Definition

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional who has passed the CPA examination and met all other licensing requirements of a state in the United States to be certified to provide accounting services to the public. CPAs offer expertise in areas such as tax preparation, financial planning, and audit services.

Related terms

Auditing: The systematic examination of records, statements, and performance of an organization for verification purposes or regulatory compliance.

Financial Planning: The process of creating strategies for managing finances to achieve personal or business goals, often involving budgeting, investing, and risk management.

Tax Preparation: The act of preparing and filing income tax returns, often performed by professionals such as CPAs for individuals or businesses to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws