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# What Are the Duties of a CPA?
# How Does a CPA Differ from An Accountant?
Not every accountant is a CPA, but every CPA is an accountant. Generally, an individual practicing accountancy has a bachelor's in accounting. However, a CPA, short for a certified public accountant, receives this title after finishing a particular work and educational requirements and clearing the CPA examination.
Moreover, a CPA has more field knowledge than someone without this designation. A CPA may perform specific functions that typical accountants are not allowed. So, before pursuing online accounting courses for CPA, this blog will help future professionals understand the critical differences.
Job Role of An Accountant
The job of an accountant is to assess and decipher a company’s financial data and produce financial reports. These professionals can complete numerous tasks regarding finance for their clients or organizations. A typical accountant will conduct the following duties:
- They will verify the tax returns and financial documents of a small business for accuracy and compliance with the applicable tax codes, regulations, and laws.
- Accountants will classify and record financial transactions when not done by the bookkeeper.
- They take care of the preparation of financial statements and associated disclosures and schedules.
- Accountants offer suggestions for best practices in finance and internal controls.
- These professionals deliver guidance to assist growing business owners in meeting the challenges and accomplishing the goals.
What Are the Duties of a CPA?
CPA, or certified public accountant, is a reliable professional who provides financial guidance to businesses, families, individuals, and other organizations. Given their broad training and education, CPAs have the authority to deliver numerous financial services, including auditing, financial and tax planning, counselling, foreign and domestic accounting, etc.
You can open the door to countless career prospects in the financial and accounting industry. However, you can acquire a CPA license with the proper CPA training online. Specific jobs comprise business advisors, auditors, and tax consultants. GTIA (George Telegraph Institute of Accounts) is a reputable school that can help candidates pass the CPA test and achieve their goals.
To understand what CPAs do, the following pointers will break down their role:
- CPAs set up, upgrade, and sustain the accounting processes and policies of the company, such as reporting, monitoring, and bookkeeping techniques.
- They take part in creating budgets.
- For accurate reporting, CPAs will monitor internal audits. They will also produce audit reports for tax or government audits.
- They will handle accounts receivable and payable.
- CPAs also take care of the financial statements and present them to the management.
How Does a CPA Differ from An Accountant?
Many people often mistake accounting as a single-dimensional field. However, there are countless career options available in accounting occupations. Those following the accounting field may not know the prospects of online accounting courses for CPA. Therefore, this section dives into the potential differences between the two career paths.
Licensure, Training & Education
A crucial difference between a CPA and an accountant is that the latter needs no license to practice accountancy. However, a professional CPA must acquire a license. A CPA applicant must possess a bachelor's equivalent in accounting and finance to sit for the examination.
To gain the license to practice in the state, such candidates must clear stringent testing and meet rigorous requirements. The students must have at least 120 credits for the CPA exam, while they need 150 credits for the license. They should also have hours on core courses.
Acquire a bachelor's in accounting, finance, business management, or a relevant field to be a successful accountant. Their job training starts with an educational internship program and in-service training. Accountants can boost their professional careers with additional certifications.
If you seek a leading CPA training online facility, GTIA (George Telegraph Institute of Accounts) is the perfect option to pursue this highly valued certification.
Job Opportunities

The genuine difference between an accountant and a CPA is visible when you look for career prospects. Unlicensed accountants can find a career in private accounting. These professionals will work for individual employers, including private or public corporations.
- Financial Analyst: They acquire information to uncover and decipher trends influencing industries and products. Financial analysts work at consulting firms, corporations, and banks.
- Accounting Manager: These professionals utilize skills and education in accounting to scheme, implement, and oversee the financial strategy.
- Risk Analyst: Also known as risk assessors, they examine and judge financial data to evaluate risks related to business decisions.
- Internal Auditor: These professionals work in businesses to determine the financial documentation and seek areas of non-compliance and risk with tax or financial regulations.
CPAs can also follow numerous career paths, including certified public accountants, external auditors, or tax accountants. Tax accountants help businesses and individuals file yearly tax returns and comply with the IRS Code. CPAs also conduct external auditing, and as an external auditor, they offer a third-party viewpoint in assessing the financial statements.
Recommended Post: Overview of Accounting and CPA Career Paths
Conclusion
Candidates can pursue online accounting courses for CPA or accountant based on their passion. However, you must possess a bachelor's in accounting to achieve either career. GTIA (George Telegraph Institute of Accounts) offers top courses to pursue CPA or accounting with highly-quality faculty to help you achieve your goals.