The Certified Public Accountant-more Than Just The Numbers Guy

Many young people who have an interest in numbers aspire to be Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Anyone who has a college degree in accounting can be considered an accountant, but a CPA has risen to a higher challenge, and taken on a broader, more business oriented role.

To be a CPA, one must possess a degree in accounting and must be licensed. This license and certification is achieved by passing a very rigorous two-day national exam and by having two years of public accounting practice. Regulations vary state-to-state and country-to-country, but in most areas, CPAs are required to complete a minimum number of hours of continuing professional education every few years in order to maintain their license. CPAs are also held to rigorous financial and ethical standards, and typically participate in organizations designed to help ensure the high standards of the CPA profession are upheld.

Once you have achieved your CPA status, there are a wide range of jobs available. Many CPAs act as Chief Financial Officers, ensuring that their employer's books and accounting practices are up to date and accurate, as well as overseeing the company's overall financial strategy. CPAs also often fill tax roles in corporations, helping the company take advantage of all available tax credits and benefits, while ensuring that all tax laws are followed.

CPAs are also used extensively by independent auditing firms, whose role is to examine the annual reports and financial data of public companies, in order to assure stockholders that the company is operating ethically and legally.

Another area of interest for CPAs is forensic accounting, or fraud accounting. These CPAs typically work for the government, or an independent auditing firm. Their role is to dig into the financial data of a company and look for fraud or misconduct.

CPAs also have many self-employment opportunities. Many independent CPAs make their living helping small businesses and individuals with their taxes, strategic financial planning, estate planning, mergers and acquisitions, and investments. Independent CPAs are also widely used by non-profit organizations; to help them gain funding and take advantage of government programs and tax breaks.

In addition to accounting experience and knowledge of accounting practices, CPAs need a thorough understanding of business practices and strategies. CPAs are often called upon to consult with companies about how to meet their financial goals. In these cases, the CPA must have knowledge that extends beyond the strictest accounting principles, in order to help the client see the big picture. CPAs are relied upon to understand how to use accounting practices, tax laws, and long range planning to help solve today's business issues.

Forget your stereotype of the geek with glasses who sits at his adding machine crunching numbers all day, because the CPA is not this guy. CPAs are valued for their accounting knowledge and expertise, of course, but they typically fill a much broader business role, either independently or as an employee of a corporate organization. This is an accountant who is a mover and shaker all over his organization.

To find job listings for CPA's visit www.cpajobs.com.

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