A licensed accounting professional in the U.S. who is qualified to provide tax, audit, and financial advisory services in compliance with federal and state regulations.
What is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant)?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is to accounting what a licensed attorney is to law: a regulated, credentialed professional who is held to strict ethical and professional standards. In the U.S., CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy and must meet rigorous requirements to earn and maintain their designation. This typically includes completing at least 150 college credit hours with a concentration in accounting, passing a four-part CPA exam, and acquiring relevant work experience under a licensed CPA’s supervision. They must also complete continuing education regularly and adhere to a professional code of ethics.
For your business, especially if you are a non-U.S. founder managing a U.S. company, a CPA can play a crucial role in navigating complex tax systems, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic financial advice. While technically anyone can prepare a tax return, CPAs are uniquely qualified to represent clients before the IRS and offer deeper guidance on issues like inter-company transactions, expense treatment, state-specific tax compliance, and more.
As your company grows, a CPA becomes increasingly valuable. If you ever undergo an audit or seek funding, CPAs are the only professionals authorized to issue formal audit opinions on financial statements—something investors, banks, and regulators may require. In these cases, CPA-prepared or CPA-reviewed financials carry weight and credibility, signaling accuracy and trustworthiness to external parties.
CPAs also commonly act as part-time CFOs or financial advisors, especially for startups. They may help with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, as well as applying for tax credits like the U.S. R&D credit. Some CPA firms also offer bookkeeping and payroll services, and while CPA certification isn’t required for these tasks, their involvement adds an additional layer of professionalism and oversight.
For non-U.S. residents, a CPA’s role can be especially helpful in navigating U.S. tax rules for foreign owners, treaty benefits, and international reporting requirements. In some cases, a CPA may also be required to attest to your financial information—for example, when applying for certain U.S. immigration visas or business programs.
It’s important to understand that not all accountants are CPAs. While many qualified bookkeepers and accountants offer excellent services, the CPA designation indicates a higher level of tested knowledge, regulatory approval, and liability. CPA firms range in size—from solo practitioners helping small businesses with basic filings to large, multinational firms like Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG that handle audits for public companies.
In summary, a CPA is a highly trusted financial expert who ensures your company’s finances, filings, and financial decisions are accurate and compliant. For non-U.S. entrepreneurs, working with a CPA early on can save time, avoid penalties, and provide the credibility needed when speaking with banks, investors, or the IRS. If you’re using Clemta’s tax filing service, it’s likely that a CPA or IRS-authorized professional (like an Enrolled Agent) is involved behind the scenes to ensure filings are accurate and fully compliant.
