CPA job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Certified Public Accountant?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a person responsible for assisting corporations, companies, or individuals to maintain and improve their financial reports, statements, and overall financial health.
They study, update, prepare, review, and analyze financial reports, budgets, transactions, and taxes.
CPAs oversee daily transactions and recommend ways to improve financial health and procedures.
They are also responsible for conducting occasional audits to ensure accuracy in financial records, preparing and organizing tax forms, and checking for any financial issues or inconveniences.
The top CPA skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are looking for a knowledgeable and results-driven Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to join our team. In this role, you will oversee financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal standards. Your expertise will support critical decision-making processes and contribute to the financial health of our organization.
This is a great opportunity for a dedicated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a strong background in accounting principles and regulatory requirements. If you are detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply and become a key part of our team.
Duties and responsibilities
- Prepare, review, and analyze financial reports.
- Monitor daily transactions.
- Coordinate with colleagues on tax search and planning.
- Ensure compliance with law and regulations.
- Ensure accuracy in accounting and bookkeeping.
- Study and update financial records as needed.
- Prepare and publish audited financial statements and reports.
- Support corporations, companies, or individuals with tax and financial planning.
- Regulate and file local, federal, and state tax and income documents.
- Contribute and maintain budgeting procedures.
- Check and respond to any financial or accounting issue.
- Keep the information confidential.
- Recommend ways for improvement of the financial health.
Requirements
- Degree in accounting, finance, or similar field.
- Proven prior experience in related positions.
- CPA certification.
- Strong knowledge of the law and financial procedures.
- Analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Time management and leadership skills.
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The majority of employers would look for a candidate who has at least a Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related fields. Additionally, every CPA has to pass a state licensure exam to obtain this title. Most states require candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education, which is more than the typical 120 hours required for a bachelor's degree.
This often means that candidates need to take additional courses beyond their bachelor’s degree, such as through a master's degree or additional undergraduate coursework. On-the-job training is required in order to acquire the necessary experience and level of expertise needed for the job.
Certified Public Accountant
Demonstrates expertise in accounting and financial reporting.
AICPASample interview questions for a CPA.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Why did you choose a career in accounting?
- How do you stay motivated during busy tax seasons?
- Can you describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma at work?
- How do you ensure accuracy when handling payroll and employee benefits?
- How do you maintain professional relationships with clients or colleagues?
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with team members?
- How do you prioritize tasks during financial reporting deadlines?
- Describe your approach to leading and mentoring junior accountants.
- How do you manage client expectations and deliverables?
- What experience do you have with tax preparation and filing?
- How do you stay updated with changes in accounting standards and regulations?
- Describe your experience with financial analysis and reporting software.
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $21 at the 10th percentile to $60 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Frequently asked questions.
What qualifications and certifications should a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) have?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) should hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and must have passed the CPA exam, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are also required to meet state-specific licensing requirements and often need to complete continuing education to maintain their certification.
How can a CPA add value to a company?
A CPA adds value to a company by providing expert financial analysis, ensuring compliance with tax laws and accounting standards, and offering strategic advice on financial planning and risk management. CPAs can also help identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize tax strategies, and prepare accurate financial reports that support decision-making and business growth.
What industries or sectors do CPAs typically work in?
CPAs work in a wide range of industries, including public accounting, corporate finance, government, non-profit organizations, and consulting. They may specialize in areas such as auditing, tax preparation, financial analysis, or forensic accounting. Their skills are applicable across various sectors, making them valuable assets in any industry that requires financial expertise.
How do CPAs stay updated on changes in accounting standards and tax laws?
CPAs stay updated on changes in accounting standards and tax laws by participating in continuing education programs, attending industry seminars and conferences, and staying informed through professional publications and organizations like the AICPA. Many CPAs also engage in peer networking and online forums to share knowledge and discuss the latest developments in their field.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
Accounting Manager
Accounting managers are responsible for tracking, overseeing, and evaluating daily accounting tasks and activities.
$95,659 medianAccounting Coordinator
An Accounting Coordinator is a professional responsible for overseeing and facilitating various accounting functions within an organization.
$51,262 medianFinancial Manager
Financial Managers play a critical role in the organization’s funding strategy and long-term financial security in this position.
$106,160 medianFull Charge Bookkeeper
A full-charge bookkeeper is a person who does accounting and bookkeeping for a company, usually a small or medium-sized corporation.
$59,429 medianFile Clerk
File Clerks are people responsible for maintaining and general organization of a company’s or office’s paperwork, documentation, and data storage.
$36,892 medianAssistant Controller
Assistant Controllers are financial professionals who usually work in accounting departments in various companies.
$84,153 medianAccounting Clerk
Accounting Clerks work in accounting departments in companies where they provide assistance with accounting and clerical duties.
$38,217 medianAccounting Officer
Accounting Officers are responsible for handling and maintaining the financial and accounting work of the company.
$64,926 median