Public accounting refers to the services that a public accountant or accounting firm offers to prepare financial documents such as tax returns and budgets. Public accountants, also called certified public accountants (CPAs), are qualified to help other businesses as well as individuals with their tax needs.
A public accountant (often a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA) provides accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to corporations, individuals, and governments as an external advisor. Their core responsibilities include auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and offering management consulting. They ensure compliance with regulatory standards and financial accuracy, requiring 150 credit hours of education and passage of the CPA exam.