Find Professional CPAs Near You
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who has met specific education, examination, and experience requirements.
Find a CPA by StateA Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who has met specific education, examination, and experience requirements. CPAs provide a higher level of assurance and authority than general accountants, particularly in areas such as financial reporting, compliance, and regulatory matters.
CPAs work with individuals, businesses, and organizations that require advanced accounting expertise, formal certifications, or legally recognized financial services. Their role often extends beyond basic accounting to include audits, financial analysis, tax strategy, and advisory services.
This page explains what a CPA does, how CPAs differ from other accounting professionals, the types of services they provide, and when it makes sense to work with a CPA. From here, you can also explore CPA services by state and city.
What does a CPA do?
A CPA provides professional accounting services that require formal certification and adherence to strict professional standards. In addition to general accounting tasks, CPAs are qualified to perform services that may not be available through non-licensed accountants.
Preparing and reviewing financial statements
Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations
Providing tax preparation and advanced tax planning
Conducting audits and assurance services (where applicable)
Offering financial advisory and strategic guidance
CPAs are required to maintain their license through ongoing education and must comply with professional and ethical standards.
Who typically works with a CPA?
CPAs typically work with clients who require a higher level of expertise, oversight, or regulatory compliance.
Businesses
Requiring audited or reviewed financial statements
Companies
Preparing for financing, investment, or acquisition
Individuals
With complex tax or financial situations
Organizations
Subject to regulatory or reporting requirements
Clients
Seeking long-term financial and strategic guidance
While not everyone needs a CPA, their services are essential in situations involving higher financial complexity or legal accountability.
CPA vs other accounting professionals
The CPA designation sets these professionals apart from other accounting roles. While many accounting professionals provide valuable services, CPAs hold a unique position due to their licensing and authority.
CPAs
Are licensed professionals with the authority to provide regulated accounting and assurance services
Accountants
Provide general accounting and financial support but may not be licensed
Tax accountants
Focus on tax preparation and tax strategy but may not hold CPA licensure
Bookkeepers
Handle day-to-day transaction recording and basic financial organization
Understanding these differences helps ensure you choose the right type of professional for your situation.
Common CPA services
CPA services vary depending on client needs, but often include:
Financial statement preparation and review
Audit and assurance services (when required)
Tax preparation and tax planning
Business advisory and financial consulting
Compliance support and regulatory reporting
Assistance with financial restructuring or growth planning
Some CPAs focus on specific industries or services, while others offer a broad range of accounting and advisory support.
How much does a CPA cost?
CPA services typically cost more than general accounting services due to the level of expertise, licensing, and responsibility involved.
Pricing is typically influenced by:
Scope and complexity of services
Business size or financial structure
Regulatory or reporting requirements
One-time engagements versus ongoing advisory support
When should you hire a CPA?
You may benefit from working with a CPA if:
Your financial or tax situation is highly complex
You require audited or reviewed financial statements
You are preparing for financing, acquisition, or sale
You need formal compliance with accounting standards
You want advanced tax planning or strategic financial advice
In these situations, a CPA provides both expertise and formal authority.
Find CPA Services by Location
CPA licensing and regulations vary by state, and professional requirements may differ across jurisdictions. Local practices, compliance obligations, and reporting standards can also vary depending on location.
Popular States
From this page, you can explore CPA services by state and city to find information relevant to your location. Each local page focuses on CPA services within a specific geographic area.
Get started with a CPA
If you need advanced accounting support or require services that involve formal certification and compliance, you can explore CPA services in your state or city. Local pages provide a starting point to understand how CPA services are typically offered in different areas.
Explore CPA Services by StateExplore CPA Services by State
Find CPA services in all 50 states. Use the search or filter by letter to find your state.