A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an individual who performs FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING services for the general public for a fee. While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. Over 30,000 CPAs in the United States are members of the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS (AICPA). The AICPA was established in 1887 in New York City and originally had 31 members. The AICPA Values and Vision Statement reads: The AICPA is the premier national professional association in the United States. Our employees are a diverse, unified team who:
• Are committed to member service and the public interest, providing the highest quality products, services and support possible.
• Listen and respond to the needs and expectations of members, prospective members, the public and one another.
• Serve members with excellence.
• Act with the highest ethical behavior, performing with integrity and professionalism.
• Are committed to learning and using new or existing tools and technology to its maximum potential.
• Are responsive to others in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Embrace change and approach challenges with “can do” enthusiasm and creative thinking.
• Constantly seek opportunities to attract and retain members, offer additional products or services, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
• Are empowered to problem-solve and make decisions with the expectation of support by the AICPA. The AICPA is committed to providing its employees with:
• Timely training to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for current and future jobs.
• Opportunity for professional and personal growth through job enlargement, rotation and education.
• A team environment that fosters participation, diversity, differences of opinion and a commitment to excellence.
• A system that recognizes and rewards outstanding performance, ongoing contributions and innovations of individuals and teams within the AICPA.
• EMPOWERMENT to problem-solve and make accountable and responsible decisions.
• A process that respects and utilizes contributions from staff throughout the Institute.
• Opportunities for promotion from within, when qualified and possible.
• Above all, a professional environment that values open and candid communications based on honesty, trust, respect, health COMPETITION and conflict resolution.
An accountant must earn the professional designation of CPA from the AICPA. As of 2002, the requirements to become a CPA included completing a program of study at a college or university with at least 150 hours of study; passing the Uniform CPA Examination; and completing required work experience in public accounting.