CPA Job Description Sample

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) plays a vital part in improving financial stability of companies. Businesses of all scales depend on CPAs and their specialization in financial management to carry out financial analysis and support forecasting decisions. They help in accomplishing comprehensive auditing to improve the reliability of financial information. It is their job to improve the accuracy and efficiency of all financial reports and make sure there are no inconsistencies. CPAs also help out in financial planning and management of investments.

What are the primary responsibilities of a CPA?

• Maintain and audit financial records of a business
• Manage financial plans and budgets
• Liaise with people from the tax department to ensure optimum planning of taxes
• Represent the business during various audits
• Appraise finished tax forms
• Carry out audits to detect fraud
• Keep management informed about the company’s financial status
• Prepare budgets
• Recommend ways of protecting existing assets
• Manage accounts payable and receivable
• Contribute in strategic planning
• Mentor junior accountants
• Resolve tax related issues
• Carry out bookkeeping, audits, tax management and financial planning
• Recommend ways of reducing expenditure
• Ensure timely payment of taxes

How much can a CPA earn?

The salary of a CPA varies according to the level of education, experience, and the company one works for. According to indeed.com, the annual salary of CPAs ranges from approximately $51,767 for Staff Accountant to $129,932 for CFO. CPAs often get benefits like paid vacations, pension plans, health and life insurance.

What are the education and entry requirements for CPA?

You don’t have to be a Maths whiz to become a good CPA. All one needs is a knack for working with numbers to succeed as a CPA. Employers prefer hiring CPAs with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or relevant fields. Bigger firms often go for candidates with a master’s degree. It is also necessary to pass the CPA exam before staring out as an accountant.

What are the qualities required to become a successful CPA?

• Excellent communications skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Customer focus
• A knack for numbers
• Excellent academic record
• Computer savviness
• Capacity to follow business ethics

What are the pros and cons of being a CPA?

Pros:

• Career path is well-defined
• Strong earning potential
• Job stability
• Entrepreneurship is an option
• Continuous education is necessary to stay abreast of changes in industry
• Plenty of prospects for professional growth

Cons:

• Lots of studying and mathematics involved (which can seem tedious to some)
• Long days and weekend work during the busy season
• Repetitive nature of work
• High job stress

Work Conditions and Salary

CPAs work around 40 hours a week in regular office setting and business hours. However, they may be expected to put in extra hours, especially during the tax seasons. A lot of travel is involved, as meetings with clients is part and parcel of the job. On the brighter side, there is no dearth of job opportunities for qualified CPAs. Apart from big companies, CPA can also find employment in Forensic Accounting. Experienced CPAs can look forward to senior roles as big as CEO.