Advisory services offered by CPAs encompass financial planning, risk management, and even forensic accounting, where they uncover financial irregularities and fraud. Consequently, public accounting firms may be organized around a number of sub-specialties, each of which is staffed with employees whose training and experience are highly focused. These accounting professionals offer financial statements audits and other attestation services to help organizations get information regarding their financial health.

• Because of these responsibilities, CPAs must adhere to strict professional ethics and continuing education requirements to maintain their license.
• You can set yourself up for success by understanding the distinct aspects of public accounting, honing the necessary skills, and following the steps to become a CPA.
• Also, CPAs are often eligible for higher-ranking roles within organizations, including senior management all the way to CFO.
• There isn’t one single answer to how to become a CPA as all states have slightly different requirements.
• Pursuing certifications may help students meet eligibility requirements for certain specialized accounting roles.

Examine and Organize Financial Documents

Many public accountants eventually rise to higher positions such as senior auditors or partners within their firms, further boosting their earning potential. A public accountant may also prepare tax returns for clients, or provide consulting services to them. The future of public accounting is bright, but it will require firms to embrace technology and adapt to changing client needs.

Top 10 public accounting firms

• In contrast, private accounting involves working within a single organization, managing internal financial records, preparing reports for management, and supporting internal decision-making.
• The importance of public accounting cannot be overstated, as it serves as a foundation for financial success and sustainable growth.
• Learn more about what CPAs do, how they differ from accountants, and how to become one.
• As of May 2024, financial managers earned between $86,490 and $239,200, with a median wage of $161,700, according to the U.S.
• Furthermore, public accountants may provide litigation support and expert witness services in legal disputes.

By choosing WGU cash flow for your accounting education, you can benefit from a flexible, online learning environment that allows you to progress at your own pace. This is particularly important for working professionals who need to balance studying with other responsibilities. Our curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring it meets current market demands and equips students with relevant, practical skills. Public accounting refers to the practice of providing accounting, taxation, audit, and consultancy services to different clients. The clients can be individuals, private firms, government organizations, charitable trusts, and so on. The purpose of providing such services is to ensure transparency and accuracy of the client’s financial statements.

• Whether you plan to launch your own company, become an entrepreneur or grow in a current career, private accountants have various options for their career paths.
• The private accountant’s goal is to maximize the efficiency and profitability of the sole employer.
• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) stand as sentinels of integrity, ensuring that financial information remains accurate, reliable, and compliant with regulations.
• As a CPA, it’s very rewarding to be able to make a direct and positive impact on a business client, especially with a not-for-profit that makes a real difference in our community.
• After passing the exam, a candidate must complete one to two years of relevant work experience, supervised by a licensed CPA.
• Public accounting presents a rewarding career choice for individuals interested in finance, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance.

Diverse experiences

This allows us to provide articles with interesting, relevant, and accurate information. A CPA is a very valuable credential, and I wanted to position myself well in the marketplace for various jobs. I decided in college as an accounting major that I wanted to try to get my CPA as soon as I could. As of September 2025, Payscale reports that the average annual salary for a CPA is $82,318.

Private vs. public: choosing your CPA path

Public accountants can work for individuals, companies, nonprofits, or the government. They may specialize in areas like taxation, financial reporting, consulting, auditing, and forensic accounting. Launching a successful career in public accounting requires strategic planning, proper education, and understanding of industry expectations. Public accounting firms range from small local accounting practices to large international organizations. The largest public accounting firms, known as the “Big Four,” include Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), Bookkeeping 101 KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Explore four roles in public accounting, based on information from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Indeed, and Glassdoor, as of November 2025.

Public accounting refers to a business or an individual that provides accounting services to other firms. They serve businesses, individuals, governments, and non-profits by preparing their financial statements, filing tax returns, conducting audits, providing consultation and advice, etc. Yes, many accountants switch between public and private accounting during their careers. Public accounting provides a strong foundational skill set, and many professionals move to private companies to take advantage of the work-life balance and focus on internal accounting roles. Similarly, those in private accounting may move to public firms for greater exposure and variety in their work. It’s important to note that public accounting and private accounting are not mutually exclusive, and professionals may transition between the two as their careers progress.

Public accounting firms typically have internal policies and rigorous quality control mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations. This includes establishing ethical conduct training, implementing quality review processes, and fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism. Risk assessment and management are another important aspect of the role of public accountants. They assist clients in evaluating and mitigating financial risks through internal control assessments, risk analysis, and the establishment of risk management frameworks. By identifying and addressing potential risks, public accountants help organizations safeguard their assets and improve their overall financial performance.