What Does a Certified Public Accountant Do?
A certified public accountant is a licensed financial professional who provides a range of accounting services, including tax preparation, financial reporting, auditing, and strategic advising. CPAs are held to high ethical standards and often work in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, or government agencies.
Their work ensures that financial records are accurate, regulatory requirements are met, and strategic financial planning aligns with business goals. CPAs may be involved in preparing and analyzing budgets, filing regulatory documents, or consulting on mergers, acquisitions, and risk management. Their credential allows them to represent clients before the IRS and perform audits for publicly traded companies.
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Certified Public Accountant Core Responsibilities
- Prepare, analyze, and verify financial statements and records
- File and review tax returns for individuals, corporations, and organizations
- Conduct audits in compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards
- Provide financial consulting and planning for business and individual clients
- Ensure compliance with tax codes and reporting regulations
- Interpret and apply accounting principles and guidelines (e.g., GAAP, IFRS)
- Prepare reports for regulatory filings, investors, or internal stakeholders
- Identify financial risks and opportunities for cost reduction or process improvement
- Collaborate with finance, legal, and executive teams to support strategic goals
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP, FASB standards, and tax law
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP)
- Experience with financial audits and internal control assessments
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Integrity and discretion with sensitive financial data
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (required)
- Master’s degree in accounting or taxation (preferred in some roles)
Certifications
- Active CPA license in good standing (required)
- Continuing Professional Education (CPE) compliance
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in public accounting or corporate finance
- Familiarity with ERP and financial reporting tools
- Experience supporting audits or working in a regulated industry
- Knowledge of SEC filings and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance
National Average Salary
Technical skill set, experience, and geographic location impact CPAs’ compensation. Accountants with expertise in areas like forensic accounting, tax advisory, or financial analysis usually earn more. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is:
$94,760
Sample Job Description Templates for Certified Public Accountants
Entry-Level CPA
Position Overview
An entry-level CPA supports financial reporting, tax preparation, and compliance tasks while building hands-on experience in accounting best practices. This role is ideal for newly licensed professionals or recent graduates with CPA exam completion.
Responsibilities
- Assist with monthly close activities and journal entries
- Prepare supporting documentation for audits or tax filings
- Reconcile accounts and verify accuracy of financial data
- Perform basic financial analysis and variance tracking
- Stay current on tax law and accounting standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with GAAP and accounting software
- Proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and eager to learn
- Time management and accountability
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
Certifications
- CPA license (active or pending)
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in an accounting role
- Knowledge of basic tax or audit procedures
Staff CPA
Position Overview
A staff CPA handles a full range of accounting tasks including tax preparation, audit support, financial reporting, and compliance. This role involves direct client or department support and collaboration with senior accountants.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and file tax returns for individuals or organizations
- Compile and analyze financial reports
- Support audit testing and internal control reviews
- Ensure adherence to regulatory and compliance guidelines
- Communicate with clients or internal stakeholders on financial matters
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite)
- Tax code and GAAP compliance
Soft skills
- Clear communication and professional judgment
- Collaborative problem-solving
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- Active CPA license
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ years of accounting experience
- Exposure to tax, audit, or general ledger accounting
Senior CPA
Position Overview
A senior CPA leads client engagements or internal accounting projects, managing compliance, reporting, and mentorship of junior staff. This role ensures quality control and contributes to strategic planning in finance.
Responsibilities
- Review and finalize tax filings, audits, or financial reports
- Supervise and mentor junior CPAs or interns
- Ensure compliance with accounting regulations (GAAP, SOX)
- Lead client meetings or present findings to senior management
- Identify areas for process or cost improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced understanding of tax, audit, or financial reporting
- ERP and reporting tool proficiency
Soft skills
- Leadership and team development
- Analytical thinking and presentation skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred)
Certifications
- Active CPA license
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of public or corporate accounting experience
- Experience managing projects or client accounts
Audit CPA
Position Overview
An audit CPA performs internal and external audits to evaluate financial accuracy, compliance, and risk management. This role ensures that financial statements meet accounting and regulatory standards.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field audits and examine financial statements
- Assess internal controls and recommend improvements
- Test for compliance with accounting and industry regulations
- Prepare audit documentation and reports
- Collaborate with client or internal teams to resolve findings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in audit planning and sampling methods
- Proficiency in audit software and Excel
Soft skills
- Investigative mindset and attention to detail
- Clear written and verbal reporting skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting
Certifications
- CPA license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of audit experience
- Familiarity with SOX, SEC, or PCAOB standards
Tax CPA
Position Overview
A tax CPA prepares and reviews tax returns, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and develops strategies to optimize tax positions for clients or organizations.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and review individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns
- Research tax codes and regulations for compliance and planning
- Respond to tax authority inquiries or audits
- Advise clients or management on tax liabilities and deductions
- Maintain knowledge of current tax law changes
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth understanding of IRS and state tax regulations
- Familiarity with tax prep software (e.g., UltraTax, CCH, Drake)
Soft skills
- Analytical and research skills
- Accuracy under tight deadlines
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in accounting or taxation (Master’s preferred)
Certifications
- CPA license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of tax experience
- Corporate or public accounting firm background
Forensic CPA
Position Overview
A forensic CPA investigates financial discrepancies, fraud, or disputes and may support litigation with financial expertise and analysis. This role requires precision, documentation, and critical thinking.
Responsibilities
- Analyze financial data for signs of fraud or misrepresentation
- Prepare reports for legal proceedings or regulatory inquiries
- Work with attorneys or investigators on financial cases
- Testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings
- Develop internal controls to prevent future discrepancies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Forensic accounting methodology
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills
Soft skills
- Investigative mindset
- Discretion and ethics
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or forensic accounting
Certifications
- CPA license required
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in forensic or litigation support
- Background in legal or law enforcement finance cases