When it comes to managing your finances, it is crucial to have a skilled professional by your side. While accountants and Chartered Professional Accountants may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. A chartered professional accountant in Calgary is way superior in terms of experience, skills, knowledge, and handling critical business situations.
If you are considering hiring a CPA, make sure you select the right professional. Here, we will be discussing the crucial factors that make a chartered professional accountant different from an accountant and why hiring a professional CPA is always a better choice.
chartered professional accountant
Education & Professional Designation
A chartered accountant must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. CPAs must pass a rigorous examination and meet strict criteria to earn their designation. CPAs are regulated by a professional body, which ensures that they meet specific standards and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Accountants do not have to meet the same requirements and do not have the same level of regulatory oversight.
Professional Development
CPAs are required to complete ongoing professional development to strictly maintain their designation. They have a more extensive knowledge base and expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial management than accountants. Accountants are not required to do so.
Business Decision-Making
An expert chartered professional accountant at AM Accountants Professional Corporation has a more significant understanding of business operations & can provide valuable advice beyond financial management. Above all, CPAs are skilled in analyzing financial data and providing valuable insights to aid in business decision-making.
Compliance & Risk-Management
CPAs are knowledgeable in tax and regulatory compliance, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with laws and regulations. They are skilled in identifying and managing financial risks, ensuring that businesses are protected from potential financial losses. CPAs are required to carry professional liability insurance, providing an added level of protection for clients.
Is Hiring A CPA Costly?
Hiring a chartered professional accountant can be more expensive than hiring an accountant due to their advanced education, professional designation, ongoing professional development, and regulatory oversight. However, the value it can provide in terms of financial management, compliance, risk management, and business advisory services can far outweigh the cost. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and budget.
Hiring a Professional CPA Is Always a Better Choice
While accountants can provide valuable financial management services, hiring a professional chartered professional accountant offers numerous benefits, including –
- A higher level of education and professional designation
- Regulatory oversight to ensure adherence to professional standards and ethics
- Ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge and expertise
- An extensive knowledge base in accounting, taxation, and financial management
- A greater understanding of business operations and decision-making
- Professional liability insurance to provide added protection for clients
- A focus on compliance and risk management to protect businesses
Want To Get Rid Of CRA Tax Audits?
A tax audit is an examination of an individual or business’s financial records and tax returns to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. A chartered professional accountant can provide valuable guidance and support during a Canada Revenue Agency tax audit. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help you prepare for the audit, represent you during the audit process, and negotiate any disputes or issues that arise. A CPA can also help you implement sound financial management practices to reduce the likelihood of a tax audit in the future.
Get Your Accounting Problems Solved
AM Accountants recognizes the utmost importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced chartered professional accountant on your side. A full range of financial management services, including tax planning and preparation, accounting and bookkeeping, and financial advisory services, are offered by our team of qualified CPAs. Get in touch with us right now to find out more about how we can meet all of your financial management needs.