Mint Money Knowledge Center: What is a CPA?

What is a CPAWhen people and companies want to find someone to help them handle their money, they usually look for a certified professional of some sort. A certified public accountant (CPA) is a professional who has gone through the necessary steps to be recognized as someone who cares about what they do and understands the importance of their job.

What Is A CPA?

A CPA is an accountant who has passed the required exam in their state or region to become recognized as a certified public accountant. In most states, there is an annual renewal process for the CPA title that requires a short test. The initial test for becoming a CPA is extremely challenging and requires years of schooling as well as hours of extra classwork to be able to pass.

What Does A CPA Do?

Along with being recognized as an accounting professional, a CPA can also perform several other types of tasks that are related to the accounting field. According to the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CPAs perform tasks such as consulting, international accounting, and even IT services as they apply to accounting work. A CPA can also work for the police as a forensic accountant helping to piece together the financial dealings of all types of criminals.

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