What is a Certified Public Accountant?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) works for large businesses or organizations and monitors their accounts. They can also provide accounting services to individuals or families, advising them on their financial position.
f you are interested in a career as a CPA, you will need to be prepared to study accounting at a college-degree level. You will also need to take on certain responsibilities when it comes to your client's finances. Here are some of the duties you will be expected to carry out in this role.
Analyzing Transactions
One of the main tasks you will need to undertake as a certified public accountant is observing and analyzing the financial transactions of a company. In doing this, you will be able to identify any anomalies that need addressing, and then determine whether or not they are suspicious. You will be required to write a report on these transactions detailing your findings.
Audits
Audits are regular occurrences in which an accountant inspects a business's financial behavior. Some companies choose to have their own internal accountants to carry out an audit, but as a CPA, you will be an external auditor. As an external auditor, your comments will be written into the audit report. There may also be occasions in which you are required to comment on the internal accounting controls within a company.
Updating Records
Another responsibility of a CPA is maintaining up-to-date financial records of companies or individuals. It is important to keep all of this information correct in order to easily complete your analysis and reports on their financial health. This also avoids any potential legal issues that may arise if the records are incorrect.
Adhere to a Code of Ethics
Once you have become a CPA, you are expected to uphold a strict Code of Ethics in your work. With so many people relying on you to help them with their money, you must be a trustworthy and reliable accountant. Respecting your client's privacy is incredibly important, especially when it comes to financial matters.
How Do You Become a CPA?
If you are considering a CPA career path, then you must be prepared to complete several years of study. You will be required to have a degree in either accounting or some other business administration discipline. On achieving your undergraduate degree, you must then prepare for CPA exam. Some people might not have a relevant undergraduate degree and have other life commitments making it difficult to return to college. If you are worried about this, then consider enrolling in an online college degree program for a flexible learning option. Consider taking on some accounting working experience if possible, to enhance your chances of employment.
A career as a CPA can be interesting and rewarding. It is a job that will always be in demand, as businesses and individuals alike will always need the services of accountants. Being a CPA lets clients know that you are trained and trustworthy and that you're the best person for the job.