CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant – a person who has passed the extremely difficult CPA Exam. Continuing professional education is required for renewal of the state licensing that CPA’s hold.

CPA’s can work in the private sector, in public accounting firms, and in government agencies. Some certified public accountants spend their careers working for other companies, such as financial services, health care, not-for-profit organizations, education, manufacturing, building, and more. Other CPA’s start their own accounting firms to offer their services to both business and personal clients.

In some instances, CPA’s will be employed by corporations as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) based on their full business knowledge and practice. A CPA in this position will not offer his or her services directly to the public.

CPA’s may also serve as auditors for companies, or as consultants.