What CPAs Do
CPAs play key roles in a variety of segments of the economy. These include, but are not limited to, industry, public accounting, government, education and the not-for-profit sector. They offer a robust set of accounting and managerial skills required to navigate a complex and ever-changing business environment. CPAs are professionals who possess a broad range of knowledge. They undertake appropriate analysis, exercise sound judgment, communicate effectively and act to protect the public interest.
These professional accountants are in high demand due to their extensive training and expertise that contribute to improved efficiency and growth in the businesses and organizations they serve.
How do CPAs help the various sectors?
INDUSTRY
CPAs working in industry provide valuable input on key decisions, apply a unique blend of expertise to identify new market opportunities, ensure corporate accountability, manage risk and help the company maintain a long-term competitive advantage.
CPAs add value to organizations in roles such as:
- CEO
- president
- CFO/vice-president of finance
- treasurer
- controller
- consultant
- systems developer
PUBLIC PRACTICE
CPAs working in public practice provide their clients with services such as:
- start-up counselling
- purchases and sales of businesses
- business valuations
- business planning and financial projections
- process deployment and improvement
- developing strategies for securing financing
- corporate and personal income tax planning
- information technology need analysis
- assurance (audits and reviews)
- preparing and analyzing financial information
- acting as trustee for receivership, insolvency or bankruptcy
- developing management controls
- management consulting
- forensic accounting and litigation support
GOVERNMENT
CPAs work at all levels of government providing accounting expertise to guide financial planning and to maintain fiscal control. Roles include tax auditors, policy planners and financial analysts.
EDUCATION
Many CPAs are educators who teach future leaders about business, values and ethics.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Stakeholders, including the general public, are taking a greater interest in the administration of organizations receiving donor dollars, tax benefits or government grants. CPAs help not-for-profit bodies with effective strategy development, accounting stewardship and the delivery of high-quality transparent annual reports.