Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Sample Job Descriptions

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

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