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Anyone can be an accountant-certified or public-but the qualifications, education, and scope of work is drastically different between the two.

Public accountants

If someone is good with numbers, can run QuickBooks or other bookkeeping software, or enjoys accounting in general, they can be an accountant. Public Accountants, or people who work in the "accounting department" don't necessarily have to have a college degree, be licensed, take any exams, or adhere to continuing education requirements. Nor, for the most part, do they have to meet legislated standards.

CPAs are the thoroughbreds of the accounting world. In order to become a CPA, individuals must:

  • Earn an accounting degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Pass all four parts of the CPA Examination, which includes: auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts. (Beginning July 1, 2015, students in Colorado must earn 150 hours of education prior to sitting for the Exam.)
  • Pass the Professional Ethics Exam from the American Institute of CPAs.
  • Obtain 1,800 work hours (usually one year) under the direct supervision of an actively licensed CPA.

- Jen

http://CPAOnlineCourses.com

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Q: What is the difference between Public Accountant and Certified Public Accountant?
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What is the difference between cpa and lpa?

CPA, abbreviated as Certified Public Accountant are ones who passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and are the qualified accountants in the USA. Whereas an LPA, abbreviated as Licensed Public Accountants is an accounting qualification below the CPA.


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What is a C.P.A.?

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