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CPA

A certified public accountant is a state-licensed accounting professional who may provide tax, assurance, and advisory services.

Reviewed by the Booksmrt bookkeeping teamLast reviewed 2026-07-27

How it works in the books

CPA licensing and permitted services are governed by state law. A CPA can also perform bookkeeping, but many businesses use a bookkeeper for recurring records and a CPA for tax or higher-level accounting work.

Example

A small business may send its bookkeeper's reviewed year-end package to its CPA for tax preparation.

What can go wrong

A bookkeeping firm's work should not be described as an audit, review, or tax opinion unless the engagement and professional are qualified to provide it.

Compare CPA

Bookkeeper vs. CPA: who does your business need?Use a bookkeeper to keep the ledger current and reconciled. Use a CPA when the work requires a licensed professional, tax expertise, assurance, or complex accounting judgment. Many businesses use both.

Sources

Educational information only. Booksmrt provides bookkeeping services, not tax, legal, audit, or investment advice. Confirm material accounting and tax decisions with the appropriate professional.