Certified Public Accountant (CPA) job description
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an experienced financial professional responsible for analyzing financial reports, conducting audits, forecasting revenue, managing accounts, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They possess a degree in Accounting, CPA certification, and expertise in financial procedures and software.
This Certified Public Accountant (CPA) job description template can help you attract experienced and qualified accountants. It is easy to post to online job boards and careers pages. Feel free to add specific accounting duties to meet your company’s requirements.
What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an experienced financial professional who has obtained the necessary qualifications and certifications to provide accounting services to the public. They possess in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulations, allowing them to handle complex financial matters and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
What does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) do?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) performs various financial tasks, including preparing and analyzing financial reports, conducting audits, managing accounts, forecasting revenue, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health and accuracy of an organization, providing valuable insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
CPA responsibilities include:
- Organizing and updating accounting records as needed (digital and physical)
- Preparing and analyzing reports on transactions
- Performing regular, detailed audits to ensure accuracy in financial documents, expenditures and investments
Job brief
We are looking for an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to join our accounting department. You’ll be responsible for preparing, reviewing and analyzing financial reports for our company.
Our ideal candidate has in-depth knowledge of bookkeeping, auditing and budgeting procedures. You should also be able to monitor daily transactions and recommend ways we can improve our financial health. Previous work experience, along with a degree in Accounting and a CPA qualification is required for this role.
Ultimately, you will play a vital role in our company’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with the law and accuracy in accounting
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
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Certified Public Accountant or Senior Accountant
- Thorough knowledge of accounting and financial procedures
- Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Experience with accounting software, like FreshBooks and Zoho
- Advanced MS Excel knowledge (familiarity with formulas, VLOOKUPs and pivot tables)
- Excellent analytical skills with an attention to detail
- Integrity, with an ability to handle confidential information
- BSc degree in Accounting or Finance and a CPA certification
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) do?
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) performs financial tasks such as preparing reports, conducting audits, managing accounts, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- What are the duties and responsibilities of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
- The duties of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) include organizing financial records, analyzing transactions, auditing financial documents, forecasting revenue, overseeing ledger reconciliation, and participating in budgeting processes.
- What makes a good Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
- A good Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has in-depth knowledge of accounting procedures, attention to detail, analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to handle confidential information.
- Who does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) work with?
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) works with senior managers, tax accountants, and other professionals to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- What skills should a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) have?
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) should have expertise in accounting and financial procedures, knowledge of accounting software, proficiency in MS Excel, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information.