Why Hire a CPA Versus an Accountant?


The value of a qualified CPA in establishing and maintaining a prosperous business cannot be overstated. They are not just people in the background that worry about your finances. They have many tasks at hand to ensure the smooth functioning of your whole business.

One thing to remember is that all CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. A Certified Public Accountant (or CPA) is distinguished from other accountants by the level of education and experience they possess, as well as a CPA certification. Certified Public Accountants can only carry out mandatory audits for publicly traded American companies.

Businesses ranging from the smallest local businesses to Fortune 500 companies use the services of CPAs. Your CPA is a trusted advisor and consultant on critical business issues, including accounting and taxes. Businesses are not necessarily required to engage a CPA, but most would be well-advised to do so. Although costlier at the outset than doing your accounting yourself or hiring a regular accountant, hiring a CPA can save you a lot of money due to their extensive financial planning and tax code knowledge.

What is the specific purpose of a Certified Public Accountant?

A CPA is a highly-skilled financial professional whose chief role is to maintain, audit, and inspect the financial records of individuals or businesses. They also prepare financial and tax reports and defend those records and reports in instances of an audit.

 

Specific Roles CPAs Play in a Business.

 

Financial Statements

CPAs ensure that all of the company's financial records are in order, both physical and digital. They are responsible for creating, preparing, and analyzing standard financial reports such as cash flow statements, income statements, balance sheets, and statements of retained earnings. 

  • Income statements will show the company's revenue, expenses, and profit and losses pertaining to a specific reporting period.
  • Assets, liabilities, and equity will be indicated on the balance sheet.
  • Cash flow statements reveal the inflows and outflows of cash for the reporting period.

A statement of retained earnings will show fluctuations in equity, such as dividend payments and sales or purchases of shares. These reports offer a solid overview of the financial condition of the company.

 

General Bookkeeping

Certified Public Accountants provide help in all aspects of the company, such as submitting the company's bank accounts, managing a payment system to customers, and a salary system for workers.

 

Tax Planning

Regardless of what business you operate, dealing with taxes requires the expertise of an accountant. Accountants provide the company with a comprehensive tax plan to increase company tax exemptions, increasing profits. Also, handling taxes is much too cumbersome and troublesome for a non-specialist to look after. By selecting an accountant to check into these things, you may save yourself time and stress, which will force you to concentrate more on running the company.

 

Representation with the IRS.

Having a CPA prepare your tax return increases the credibility of that return, subsequently decreasing the chance of an IRS audit. But if your tax return does trigger an audit, your CPA will be able to represent you during the process.

 

Essential Attributes of a CPA.

A fantastic accountant should have specific skills and personality traits to excel at his job.

A CPA should know and comprehend various accounting and financial software applications and business solutions most appropriate to your company. They must keep up-to-date with changing tax codes and ongoing education.

A CPA should be a highly organized individual regarding personality traits and must be excellent with time management. They should possess a high level of attention to detail and superior communication skills. Very importantly, since you will be entrusting your sensitive financial information to your CPA, he must be ethical, reliable, and trustworthy.

The time you save, the costly mistakes you don't make, and the sound business advice you receive from a CPA will all demonstrate the great value of a CPA to your business.

General