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What is the difference between a certified public accountant, a public accountant, and an "accountant"?

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Rachel’s Answer

A CPA is a Certified Public Accountant. A Public Accountant, to me, sounds like someone working at a CPA firm in public accounting (i.e. they help businesses by preparing their taxes, auditing their financial statements, or consulting). An accountant is an umbrella term that would apply to any type of accountant, whether they work for a company or an accounting firm, whether they are a CPA or not.
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Robert’s Answer

I worked in the accounting profession for 30 years and I am I Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The difference between a Public Accountant and and a CPA is that the CPA has passed the state exam that gives you the license to practice. The exam is very difficult to pass and that is why having a CPA designation is so valued in the workplace. A Public Accountant can still practice accounting (like do tax returns or bookkeeping for example), but they cannot audit a company and provide an opinion on their Financial Statements. Many people that go into accounting work in private industry and they are the "accountants" that you referred to in your question. Many of them have Masters degrees instead of a CPA license. There are a lot of opportunities in Accounting. The profession continues to grow and there are many career paths to be considered (Tax, Internal Audit, Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Controller, Chief Financial Officer, etc).
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Yan’s Answer

When you pass the CPA exam and meet their requirements to be licensed, you are a licensed CPA. The career path would be different for people who work at CPA firms or corporate firms. Most CPA firms, I refer firms that mainly perform auditing, tax, and consulting services, require or encourage their employees to get licensed since a license is needed to audit a company and provide an opinion on its Financial Statements. The trend is that you need to get licensed to be promoted to the manager and eventually sign an audit report as a partner. On the other hand, corporate firms do not have a strict requirement on the license, although, it's highly recommended to get one. I think the bigger question would be to decide if you want to audit the company's financial statements or to be engaged in one corporate accounting activity.
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Layal’s Answer

CPA is Certified Public Accountant where it is recognised by the regulatory bodies and companies as someone credible and expert in the field. In many cases, a CPA should have an accounting degree but not necessary as they may be specialising in Economics for example with few accounting courses. If you are pursuing an accounting degree, I also advise you to obtain the CPA qualifications as it will open more doors for you during your career journey.
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Rose’s Answer

I am a licensed CPA who cannot sign off on an audit because I have never done any public accounting. Informally, I would just call myself an accountant (or financial analyst), since I have worked in the private sector my whole career. In industry, accountants may simply be data entry clerks with a high school education, or they may be experienced professionals with advanced degrees and certifications.
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Astrid’s Answer

A CPA is able to represent themselves and others in the Tax court. Here the CPA has the same authority as a lawyer.
A public accountant works in the public sector usually associated with community organizations, etc.
An 'accountant' can work in the private sector, or any other branch.


Like in any other field certification allows for more flexibility and privileges within the field.
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