Certified Public Accountant Job Description Template

An effective description can help you hire the best fit for your job. Check out our tips to provide details that skilled professionals are looking for.

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Tips for Crafting a CPA Job Description

Need a certified public accountant (CPA) but don’t know where to start looking for one? Here are some tips and a sample job description you can tailor to find the best talent for your accounting needs.

What is a Certified Public Accountant?

Certified public accountants are highly trained finance professionals who perform accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services for businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals. CPAs have at least a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree. They have passed AICPA’s rigorous uniform CPA examination to gain CPA certification, qualifying them for licensure by a state board of accountancy, which empowers them with two rights reserved mostly for certified accountants:

Prepare audited financial statements (balance sheet, income, cash flow, shareholder equity) that companies are mandated to send to the federal Securities and Exchange Commission
Represent clients in disputes with the IRS (a task also permitted for legal representatives and enrolled agents).

CPAs provide tax, audit, and management services to major public accounting firms. Management services include problem-solving and strategic forecasting and planning (budgeting, risk management, investment analysis, and more). Tax services include preparing returns and finding ways to minimize a company’s tax liability. Auditing can reveal whether a business operates according to generally accepted principles, including financial and non-financial considerations.

Large corporations sometimes employ CPAs in upper management for similar activities. Small firms or self-employed CPAs often conduct these activities for small businesses or individuals. CPAs also consult for companies to solve problems and implement solutions or specialize in fields such as financial forensics or environmental accounting.

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The job overview

Our small tool-and-die business needs to secure a CPA on contract to guide business. We are considering new business channels and need to evaluate our financial ability to grow into a midsize business while expanding our real estate footprint, either at its existing location or in a new building. You will have up to three months to complete the project.

Job responsibilities

Some of the CPA’s project responsibilities include:

Review, interpret, and analyze current and past financial records
Generally evaluate the financial position of the company
Evaluate costs to expand operation on-site vs. at new location
Determine credit limitations and best financing options
Evaluate viability of expanding to handle new business contracts
Prepare a financial forecast and long-term planning report for stakeholders outlining the best path forward
Leeway to subcontract for assistance, paid by the business upon approval, for a gap in capabilities or to meet deadline

Job qualifications

Some of the CPA’s qualifications should include:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting
Certified public accountant (CPA) designation; CPA license granted by a state board of accountancy
Experience with auditing, risk management, financial modeling and business strategy
Experience working with manufacturing businesses
Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills
Proven track record of helping put businesses on a strong financial path
Excellent communication skills to collaborate with the management team in assessing the business and developing a path forward
Good organizational skills to plan project
Writing skills to draft report

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4 steps to creating a certified public accountant job description that fits your needs

Before you write your CPA job description, it’s essential to be precise in determining what type of specialized skills you need. Be thorough, clear, and concise when constructing your job description. Include keywords associated with the primary task in your post title. Include a list of all tasks they’ll be performing, skills and traits they should have, and any required proficiency in accounting software. Give at least an estimate of the time needed, along with the hourly rate or fixed price of a contract. Below are some factors to consider when crafting an accountant job description.

1. Determine what type of certified public accountant you need

Although CPAs work in almost every industry and every kind of company, they do not all do the same things. It’s important to know what type of work you’ll need a CPA to handle to find the right one. CPAs handle various tasks, including tax preparation, forensic accounting services, business financial planning, executive management services, and more. If you need a CPA to help you with your taxes, it can be beneficial to find one with a background in your type of business (services, products, manufacturing, etc.).

2. Independent contractor vs. firm vs. employee

CPAs can be contracted as an independent professional or through a firm, or they can be hired in-house. Independent professionals might provide the necessary versatility to help a small or medium-size business plan for the future, or they might have specific skills to fill a temporary talent gap at a firm. The diversified specialty talent at a firm allows hiring a team of accountants who can help with all aspects of major projects. Worker classification can be tricky, so check out our compliance services resources page for more information.

3. Experience

The more experienced a certified public accountant is, the more complex tasks they’ll be able to perform in their work for your business. An entry-level CPA might help with bookkeeping and tax returns, in addition to providing some consultation regarding your company’s overall financial health. Alternatively, you might consult with a more experienced CPA to help with tax planning, audits, or business planning. Your project scope will determine the type of experience required for the job.

4. Industry

Certified public accountants work in virtually every industry. Their skills follow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which are applicable across the board. Some CPAs specialize in certain industries or have more experience with specific industries. For tax planning, it may be more important to have an accountant with experience in your type of business (service, product, manufacturing, e-commerce, etc.). If you need help to plan for a significant business change financially, it would be best to have one with work experience in your industry (such as automotive or hospitality) or a related field.

Next steps

Take our sample CPA job description and tailor it to your specific needs to create an effective job post. Then check out Upwork’s top independent professionals. Each profile outlines a person’s qualifications and experience, project success rates, and feedback from previous clients, so you can get a feel for whether the certified public accountant matches your job description.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

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Certified Public Accountants you can meet on Upwork

$150 hourly
Yahaira B.
- 4.9
- (16 jobs)
Raleigh, NC
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Budget Planning
Budget
Forecasting
Construction
SaaS
Nonprofit Organization
Corporate Finance
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
CPA
Financial Analysis
Cash Flow Analysis
GAAP
Internal Control
Is your business ready for a CFO? While all businesses can benefit from expert financial guidance, it really depends on your goals. Do you have a vision for the future of your business? Do you know what steps you need to take to realize this vision? If your business is growing (or struggling), you need a proactive approach to financial management. This is where professional financial advice becomes crucial. As an experienced CFO I can help your business: -Develop a solid accounting infrastructure with strong internal controls and segregation of duties for accurate and reliable financial reporting. -Manage and improve cash flows so that the business has enough cash available at the right time to take advantage of any attractive opportunities. Cash is the lifeblood of any business. You can easily go broke while making a profit if your business lacks proper cash management. -Implement and oversee company budgets with an emphasis on reducing cost and plugging any money leaks. -Prepare and analyze financial statements in real time to support strategic decision making. -Establish key performance indicators. -Financial forecasting for growth and business development. -Measure financial results and course correct accordingly. -Provide CEO coaching and financial education for confident decision making. You likely already have an accountant or bookkeeper to compile and reconcile your books and a CPA to prepare and file tax returns. Keep in mind that a CFO is different. An experienced CFO is an expert in financial management. I don't replace your accounting and tax team. The cost of hiring a full-time CFO can range from $120k to over $250+ per year (not including bonuses, benefits, and employer taxes). Most small to medium sizes businesses are not at a stage where they need to hire a fulltime CFO. Hiring a CFO on a consulting basis can give you the experience you need at a fraction of the costs. I’m a CFO/CPA with 15+ years of financial management and accounting experience. I have a diverse background and have supported businesses of all sizes in a wide array of industries. I provide financial, operational, and analytical support to small and medium size businesses and nonprofit organizations. Main industries I serve are: Construction, SaaS, IT, Cybersecurity, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and others. Contact me for a free consultation.
$120 hourly
Alora A.
- 5.0
- (6 jobs)
Kings County, NY
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Financial Reporting
CPA
IRS Income Tax Audits
Personal Budgeting
Financial Analysis
Intuit QuickBooks
Budget Management
Payroll Accounting
Account Reconciliation
Tax Preparation
I am a NYS licensed CPA with a passion for helping small to medium businesses navigate the financial world. I have 4 years of Public Accounting Experience (Big 4) and 3 years as a freelancer. My freelance projects range from not-for-profit consulting to personal tax preparation/planning. I can offer you: - Budgeting/Forecasting - Financial Reporting - Financial Analysis - Reconciliations - Auditing I have experience with SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Xero, Quickbooks (including online) and ProConnect Tax Software. Additionally, I am a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
$175 hourly
Jed C.
- 5.0
- (127 jobs)
North Dartmouth, MA
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Disaster Recovery
Legal Entity Structuring
Research & Development
Tax Strategy
Business Valuation
Estate Planning
Strategic Plan
Tax Planning & Advisory
Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Consulting
CPA
Tax Law
Tax Preparation
I am an active CPA with multiple skills including bank financing, financial statement analysis, personal and business tax returns, business planning, financial and estate planning, SBA Disaster Loan Assistance, and operational reviews. I am current with all tax laws and accounting principles. I work with clients to provide a range of financial tools that help them meet and exceed their monetary goals. My skills include strategic planning, bank financing, compliance, budgeting, and more. Even the most successful CEOs rely on a team of experts to achieve their business goals, as it is simply impossible for one person to do it all. With a background in business consulting and extensive CPA experience, I help individuals meet and exceed their financial objectives. Working with numbers has always come easily to me, as I not only passed the CPA exam on my first try, but I also obtained Masters' degrees in Accounting and Education. I have also taught postgraduate college courses and my deep understanding of finance has allowed me to become a qualified expert witness. I founded my own CPA firm and developed partnerships with a range of clients for over 20 years. I now work as a consultant and assist my clients with financial modeling, projections, and forecasts as well as tax planning and preparation. I specialize in startups and can help with the choice of entity selection, general business planning, and much more. Whether you are in need of an operational review, a financial statement analysis, or an expert to take your financial future to the next level, I am here to help. Clients who partner with me can count on exceptional communication and work completed in a timely and thorough manner. CPA | Tax Strategist | Fractional CFO | M&A & Financial Advisory I'm a Massachusetts CPA with more than 43 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and closely held businesses solve complex financial and tax challenges. My approach goes beyond tax preparation. I work with clients to minimize taxes, improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, and make informed financial decisions that support long-term success. My services include: - Tax planning and tax minimization - Individual and business tax preparation - Fractional CFO and financial advisory services - Financial statement analysis - Bank financing and loan support - Mergers and acquisitions - Business valuations and due diligence support - Preparation of prior-year tax returns - Expert witness and litigation support I have extensive experience working with S corporations, LLCs, C corporations, HOAs, franchise owners, and successful individuals with sophisticated tax and financial needs. Clients appreciate my responsiveness, practical advice, and ability to explain complex financial matters in clear, straightforward language. Whether you need ongoing financial guidance or help with a specific project, I bring decades of experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your financial and business goals.

$150 hourly
Yahaira B.
- 4.9
- (16 jobs)
Raleigh, NC
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Budget Planning
Budget
Forecasting
Construction
SaaS
Nonprofit Organization
Corporate Finance
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
CPA
Financial Analysis
Cash Flow Analysis
GAAP
Internal Control
Is your business ready for a CFO? While all businesses can benefit from expert financial guidance, it really depends on your goals. Do you have a vision for the future of your business? Do you know what steps you need to take to realize this vision? If your business is growing (or struggling), you need a proactive approach to financial management. This is where professional financial advice becomes crucial. As an experienced CFO I can help your business: -Develop a solid accounting infrastructure with strong internal controls and segregation of duties for accurate and reliable financial reporting. -Manage and improve cash flows so that the business has enough cash available at the right time to take advantage of any attractive opportunities. Cash is the lifeblood of any business. You can easily go broke while making a profit if your business lacks proper cash management. -Implement and oversee company budgets with an emphasis on reducing cost and plugging any money leaks. -Prepare and analyze financial statements in real time to support strategic decision making. -Establish key performance indicators. -Financial forecasting for growth and business development. -Measure financial results and course correct accordingly. -Provide CEO coaching and financial education for confident decision making. You likely already have an accountant or bookkeeper to compile and reconcile your books and a CPA to prepare and file tax returns. Keep in mind that a CFO is different. An experienced CFO is an expert in financial management. I don't replace your accounting and tax team. The cost of hiring a full-time CFO can range from $120k to over $250+ per year (not including bonuses, benefits, and employer taxes). Most small to medium sizes businesses are not at a stage where they need to hire a fulltime CFO. Hiring a CFO on a consulting basis can give you the experience you need at a fraction of the costs. I’m a CFO/CPA with 15+ years of financial management and accounting experience. I have a diverse background and have supported businesses of all sizes in a wide array of industries. I provide financial, operational, and analytical support to small and medium size businesses and nonprofit organizations. Main industries I serve are: Construction, SaaS, IT, Cybersecurity, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and others. Contact me for a free consultation.
$120 hourly
Alora A.
- 5.0
- (6 jobs)
Kings County, NY
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Financial Reporting
CPA
IRS Income Tax Audits
Personal Budgeting
Financial Analysis
Intuit QuickBooks
Budget Management
Payroll Accounting
Account Reconciliation
Tax Preparation
I am a NYS licensed CPA with a passion for helping small to medium businesses navigate the financial world. I have 4 years of Public Accounting Experience (Big 4) and 3 years as a freelancer. My freelance projects range from not-for-profit consulting to personal tax preparation/planning. I can offer you: - Budgeting/Forecasting - Financial Reporting - Financial Analysis - Reconciliations - Auditing I have experience with SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Xero, Quickbooks (including online) and ProConnect Tax Software. Additionally, I am a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
$175 hourly
Jed C.
- 5.0
- (127 jobs)
North Dartmouth, MA
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Disaster Recovery
Legal Entity Structuring
Research & Development
Tax Strategy
Business Valuation
Estate Planning
Strategic Plan
Tax Planning & Advisory
Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Consulting
CPA
Tax Law
Tax Preparation
I am an active CPA with multiple skills including bank financing, financial statement analysis, personal and business tax returns, business planning, financial and estate planning, SBA Disaster Loan Assistance, and operational reviews. I am current with all tax laws and accounting principles. I work with clients to provide a range of financial tools that help them meet and exceed their monetary goals. My skills include strategic planning, bank financing, compliance, budgeting, and more. Even the most successful CEOs rely on a team of experts to achieve their business goals, as it is simply impossible for one person to do it all. With a background in business consulting and extensive CPA experience, I help individuals meet and exceed their financial objectives. Working with numbers has always come easily to me, as I not only passed the CPA exam on my first try, but I also obtained Masters' degrees in Accounting and Education. I have also taught postgraduate college courses and my deep understanding of finance has allowed me to become a qualified expert witness. I founded my own CPA firm and developed partnerships with a range of clients for over 20 years. I now work as a consultant and assist my clients with financial modeling, projections, and forecasts as well as tax planning and preparation. I specialize in startups and can help with the choice of entity selection, general business planning, and much more. Whether you are in need of an operational review, a financial statement analysis, or an expert to take your financial future to the next level, I am here to help. Clients who partner with me can count on exceptional communication and work completed in a timely and thorough manner. CPA | Tax Strategist | Fractional CFO | M&A & Financial Advisory I'm a Massachusetts CPA with more than 43 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and closely held businesses solve complex financial and tax challenges. My approach goes beyond tax preparation. I work with clients to minimize taxes, improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, and make informed financial decisions that support long-term success. My services include: - Tax planning and tax minimization - Individual and business tax preparation - Fractional CFO and financial advisory services - Financial statement analysis - Bank financing and loan support - Mergers and acquisitions - Business valuations and due diligence support - Preparation of prior-year tax returns - Expert witness and litigation support I have extensive experience working with S corporations, LLCs, C corporations, HOAs, franchise owners, and successful individuals with sophisticated tax and financial needs. Clients appreciate my responsiveness, practical advice, and ability to explain complex financial matters in clear, straightforward language. Whether you need ongoing financial guidance or help with a specific project, I bring decades of experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your financial and business goals.
$125 hourly
Taha Q.
- 4.9
- (77 jobs)
Toronto, ON
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Taxes
Tax Law Compliance
Corporate Tax
CPA
QuickBooks Online
Bookkeeping
Financial Statement
Tax Law
Goods & Services Tax
Tax Return
Payroll Accounting
Tax Preparation
I have over 10 years of experience in providing bookkeeping, accounting and tax services to Canadian individuals and small businesses. As a professional accountant (CPA, CMA) I strive to provide my clients with the highest standards of expertise and exceptional service. I have worked in several different industries and have a robust understanding of full cycle accounting. I have a passion for cloud based accounting software and applications. As a certified Quickbooks ProAdvisor, I have helped several of my clients transition to the cloud.
$60 hourly
Damien S.
- 5.0
- (105 jobs)
Ormond Beach, FL
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Accounting
Bank Reconciliation
Payroll Accounting
Gusto
QuickBooks Online
CPA
Certified Tax Preparer
CCH Axcess
Xero
Tax Accounting
Bookkeeping
Intuit QuickBooks
I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. I have 4 years of experience in the tax and accounting field. I have prepared taxes for over 2,000 clients, and currently do monthly accounting and tax coaching. I currently service clients either monthly, quarterly, or just as-needed. I can save you more in taxes than my services cost! My services include but are not limited to: -Bookkeeping / Bank Reconciliations -Multi-Year Book Cleanups/Catchups -Financial Statement Preparations -Tax Planning & Preparing -Tax Strategy and Coaching -Payroll Services -Sales Tax -LLC / Business Registrations and Annual Filings -Real Estate Professional Status and Cost Segregations -1031 Exchanges -Retirement Planning -Tax Accounting and more! Please reach out for pricing as many of these are fixed rate services tailored around the value provided and your budget! If you don't see something listed, I may still be able to assist you. My goal is to save you money and save you time while not sacrificing the quality of service you deserve! -Damien Siegel, CPA
$110 hourly
Stephen B.
- 4.7
- (141 jobs)
Toronto, ON
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Financial Reporting
Corporate Tax
Sales Tax
CPA
Goods & Services Tax
Tax Strategy
Financial Accounting
Tax Return
Professional accountant and tax advisor for individuals and businesses. Thorough understanding of Canadian business taxes and financial reporting, and tax compliance issues. Expertise in international taxes and cross border issues with foreign jurisdictions. Proven ability to accurately complete complex tax returns. Experience in big four accounting firms (KPMG and PwC) as a senior manager and also as a sole practitioner with clients ranging from public to growing owner managed businesses.
$150 hourly
David M.
- 5.0
- (17 jobs)
Allen, TX
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Xero
Credit Scoring
CPA
Accounts Receivable Management
Organizer
Accounts Payable Management
Intuit QuickBooks
Bookkeeping
Bank Reconciliation
I'm a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the State of Texas with over 30 years of experience in tax preparation, compliance, and advisory services for individuals and businesses across all entity types. My practice is focused exclusively on tax return preparation and consulting — I do not provide monthly bookkeeping or ongoing accounting services. Who I Work With U.S. citizens living in the United States or abroad, including expatriates navigating the foreign earned income exclusion, foreign tax credits, and FBAR/FATCA compliance. Foreign individuals and non-U.S. residents with a U.S. tax filing obligation, including nonresident alien returns (Form 1040NR), foreign-owned U.S. entity compliance, and cross-border tax matters. Small business owners filing S-corporation (Form 1120S), partnership (Form 1065), and C-corporation (Form 1120) returns. Foreign nationals who own U.S. single-member LLCs or C-corporations subject to Form 5472 and pro forma Form 1120 reporting requirements. What I Prepare Individual returns — Form 1040 and Form 1040NR, including multi-state, expat, and complex income situations. Business returns — Form 1120S, Form 1065, and Form 1120, including delinquent and catch-up filings. Foreign-owned entity compliance — pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 for foreign-owned disregarded entities and C-corporations. Entity elections — Form 2553 S-corporation elections, including late election relief under Rev. Proc. 2013-30. State returns — multi-state filings, nonresident returns, and state-specific compliance including Delaware franchise tax and California Form 100S. Consulting and Advisory Tax planning consultations for business owners, expats, and foreign investors. S-corporation election analysis and entity structure guidance. Retirement plan strategy — Solo 401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Defined Benefit Plan analysis. Reasonable cause and penalty abatement letters for late or delinquent IRS filings. IRS notice response drafting. How I Work I am a sole practitioner — all work is handled personally by me with no staff and no handoffs. I work exclusively on a fixed fee basis, confirmed in writing before any work begins. I respond on business days and am available year-round, not just during filing season. I am based in Medellín, Colombia, which gives me firsthand experience as a U.S. expat and makes me a natural fit for clients navigating cross-border tax obligations. When you reach out, please share your entity type or filing situation, the tax year or years involved, and whether you are looking for return preparation, a one-time consultation, or ongoing advisory support.
$120 hourly
Nicholas C.
- 5.0
- (76 jobs)
Rock Hill, SC
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Religious, Charitable & Nonprofit
QuickBooks Online
Nonprofit
Nonprofit Industry Consulting
Project Management Professional
Nonprofit Organization
CPA
Personal Budgeting
Financial Planning
Intuit QuickBooks
General Ledger
Tax Preparation
I'm a Certified Public Accountant - CPA (Licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina) and Chartered Financial Consultant® with experience in accounting, accounting system implementation/migration as a Project Management Professional (PMP), taxation, budgeting, not-for-profits, and financial planning. I am also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and Certified Xero Advisor, and have completed the AICPA's Not-for-Profit Certificate II. I have specific experience in developing budgets for nonprofits, tracking budgets, monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting to the board of directors and other stakeholders, and more. I am knowledgeable in SAP, Abila MIP, QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and Zoho accounting software and am able to learn new technologies quickly. I also have experience in the preparation and review of 990 tax returns for nonprofit tax returns, and have been successful in finding areas for correction where errors were previously overlooked. I have experience with personal and other corporate returns as well.
$125 hourly
Calvin C.
- 4.9
- (67 jobs)
Milpitas, CA
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Asset Management
Financial Management
CPA
Financial Statement
Property Tax
Cash Flow Modeling
Cost Control
Revenue Management
Bank Reconciliation
Tax Preparation
Introduction: - I am a licensed CPA and CMA in California with 15 years of professional experience. Throughout my professional career, I have developed extensive accounting skills from working as a corporate controller at public companies and startups, and a tax preparer at a CPA firm. These skills and experience allow me to offer reliable accounting/tax services, and business consulting and analysis services to many clients. I am dedicated to providing quality, value, and service to meet my customer’s needs. I look forward to working with you, and helping your business run and grow. Here are the service I provide: Accounting and Tax: -Preparation of Financial Statement -Financial Modelling/Forecasting/Budgeting -Bank/Credit card Reconciliations -Journal Entry -Account Reconciliation -Accounts payables and Accounts Receivables -Personal and Small business tax preparation -Cash Management Analysis -Planning and Forecasting -Sales and used tax -Small company Property tax -Manage and reconcile prepaid and amortization -Experience in fixed assets and depreciation -Capital lease and operating lease accounting Software Skills: - Quickbook - Excel - Oracle R12 - Netsuites - Xero - Freshbooks California Accountancy License Number: 134770
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