Certified Public Accounting & Tax Service -- What is a CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is someone who has fulfilled a significant number of requirements and is licensed. CPA's are well-respected strategic business advisors and decision makers. Typically they act as consultants on many issues, including taxes and accounting.

In order for someone to become a CPA there are several requirements that must be achieved:

One must meet the requirements of the jurisdiction or state in which to practice.
One must also complete a program of study in accounting at a college/university (Typically this means 150 semester hours of college)
Pass the Uniform CPA Examination, a four part test developed and graded by the AICPA.
Have a certain amount of professional work experience in public accounting.

Once someone becomes a CPA, they are usually required to take Continuing Professional Education (CPE) annually in order to retain their professional license to practice. Maryland is one of the states that has this requirement.

CPA vs. Accountant

Not All Accountants Are Certified Public Accountants

Most people use the terms "accountant" and "CPA" interchangeably, but there is a big difference. The CPA credential carries enormous weight in business and financial circles. CPAs are considered some of the business world's most trusted advisers, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Institute of CPAs.

This trust is not surprising considering the strict requirements to enter and stay in the profession. Achieving CPA status takes intelligence, ethics, integrity, and lifelong commitment. First, candidates must make it through 150 hours of some of the toughest business courses at their college or university. After graduation and a year of corporate experience under the supervision of a CPA, they must pass a grueling test of business, auditing, and general accounting skills.

The CPA exam was developed in the early 1900s to ensure the competence of CPAs entering the field, much as the bar exam evaluates lawyers and the medical boards test doctors. It maintains that goal to this day, and it is continually revised to meet the changing demands of the profession. For example, candidates are now being tested on their writing skills.

More info about METBS:

I'm a licensed Certified Public Accountant for the state of Maryland, with over 10 years experience, and passed all four parts of the exam on the first try. This is considered rare, because very few of the people who take the exam succeed in doing this the very first time. Should you utilize me as your CPA, I will do my best to work with your particular tax situation in order to provide you with the best benefit of having a professional licensed Certified Public Accountant on your side.

Take a look at the internet special, its unique and will give you the opportunity to team up with a CPA at a very affordable rate.
Member of these fine organizations

Member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants

Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.