Many people are confused about the difference between certified public accountants (CPAs) and tax accountants, which are both professions in the financial world that commonly deal with tax returns. You may have even used the two terms interchangeably, and that’s understandable. But the truth is that there are many differences between these technical terms.
While a CPA is certified and licensed to give a wide range of business advice and handle complex accounting/tax tasks, a tax accountant may not have all of these qualifications, but can assist in the many situations that arise from tax payment, from filing to audits and beyond.
So, understanding the nuances of a CPA vs. tax accountant is key to ensuring you make the right hire or get into the right accounting career.
At Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory, we are proud to have a team of highly skilled CPAs and tax accountants, which is why you can trust us to walk you through these differences in detail. Let’s dive in!
Are All CPAs Considered Accountants?
Yes! All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. In the accounting world, a specific certification sets CPAs apart from other accountants. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional who has passed the rigorous certification and licensing process set by the state they are practicing in.
Usually, to qualify as a CPA, you must complete 150 semester hours of college education, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and have two years of public accounting experience. CPAs can defend tax returns, offer fiduciary services and business consulting, and perform external audit services, among many other specialized accounting tasks.
While tax accountants don’t have to pass a uniform exam or meet certain educational requirements, you’ll still need to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance or
accounting to become a tax accountant. Many tax accountants also go on to earn a master’s degree in a financial field and may apply their particular background in taxation and auditing to specialized accounting for different industries.
With their expertise in business tax services, auditing, taxation, and other financial areas, both our CPAs and accountants at Cg provide a powerful combination of services that is unmatched by any other professionals. And their proven experience makes them especially qualified for the wide-ranging needs of our diverse clients.
Looking for a Career in Accounting?
Interested in a career in accounting? Becoming a tax accountant is a great way to join a rewarding field that’s full of opportunities, and not just at tax time. Furthermore, a CPA certification can open doors to many new career advancements, including executive-level positions.
No matter what path you choose, Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory can guide you through the process of becoming a professional accountant through our full-time paid internship program.
Here, you will be part of an elite team of experienced, certified accountants – from CPAs to Certified in Financial Forensics holders (CFFs), Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMAs), MBAs, and more.
Our knowledgeable team will provide you with comprehensive insight into all facets of accounting, such as tax, audit and assurance, litigation, business valuation, forensic accounting, healthcare accounting, and others.
In addition to providing a career head start, a healthy work environment and a flexible remote/hybrid work model, we’ll also keep you updated on job openings at our firm so that you can stay ahead of the curve for future opportunities.
So, if you’re looking to pursue a career in accounting, contact us today and start your journey with Cg!
