Taxpayers have choices when selecting a provider for their tax and business accounting services. In addition to CPAs, accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and other financial specialists are often engaged by taxpayers to handle their tax and business accounting matters.
CPAs differentiate themselves from other service providers by adhering to strict professional requirements. In most states, including Missouri, a CPA’s qualifications will include the following:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and significant coursework in accounting. Nearly all states, including Missouri, require additional accounting coursework beyond the undergraduate level.
- Professional accounting experience in industry, academia, or government.
- Licensure by a state board of accountancy. Licensure is typically granted upon meeting all educational and experience requirements and passing a rigorous examination administered by a state board of accountancy.
- Adherence to a strict code of ethics. In Missouri, rules of professional conduct have been established that maintain high standards of competence and integrity in the public accounting profession.