CPA Firms

A CPA, or certified public accountant, is licensed by a state authority to practice public accounting CPAs are distinguished from other accountants by stringent licensing requirements To qualify for certification and a state license, an individual generally must have al least a college degree or its equivalent, must pass the rigorous two-and-a-half day Uniform CPA Examination and, in some states, must meet certain experience or postgraduate study requirements ]n addition, almost all states require CPAs to take specified amounts of continuing professional education annually to retain their professional licenses to practice. For CALIFORNIA, continuing professional education is mandatory.

Additionally, CPAs are governed by a Code of Professional Conduct - one of the most exacting of any profession - which stresses independence, integrity, objectivity, technical competence and adherence to professional standards This Code emphasizes the CPA's commitment to serving and protecting the public interest.

As accounting practitioners, CPAs are proprietors, partners, shareholders, or staff members of CPA firms They provide professional services to privately owned and publicly held companies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and all levels of government. CPAs are also employed in business and industry, in government and in education.