Question

This week focuses on the financial reporting role and responsibilities of the CPA, including recognition, measurement, and disclosure.

  

Discuss the role and responsibilities of a CPA. minimum of 175 words

Answer 1

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to individuals that pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet the education and experience requirements. The CPA designation helps enforce professional standards in the accounting industry. Other countries have certifications equivalent to the CPA designation, notably, the chartered accountant (CA) designation.

CPA's toolbox includes everything from tax preparation, to financial statements, to financial planning, to forensic accounting, to internal auditing, to income tax, the CPA's primary function is to help businesses thrive. And while a CPA is an accountant, not all accountants are CPAs.

Responsibilities

• Organize and update financial records as needed (digital and physical)
• Analyze transactions and prepare reports
• Perform regular, detailed audits to ensure accuracy in financial documents, expenditures, and investments
• Forecast revenue and analyze profit margins
• Oversee ledger reconciliation and manage accounts payable/receivable
• Participate in budgeting processes
• Brief senior managers regularly on the company’s financial status
• Liaise with Tax Accountants to track tax payments and returns
• Monitor bookkeeping activities regularly
• Keep company financial information confidential
• Establish accounting policies and procedures
• Stay informed on industry developments and changes in regulations