The CPA
The certificate in public accounting is the oldest and best-known certification in accounting. Its purpose is to provide minimal professional qualification for external auditors. The responsibility of external auditors is to provide assurance concerning the reliability of a firm’s financial statement. A certified public accountant (CPA) is permitted (by law) to serve as an external auditor. CPAs must pass a national examination and be licensed by the state in which they practice. Although the certificate in public Accounting does not have a management accounting orientation, it is held by many management accountants.
The CIA
The other certification available to internal accountants is the certificate in internal auditing. The forces the led to the creation of this certification in 1974 are similar to those that resulted in the CMA. Internal auditing differs from external auditing and management accounting, and many internal auditors felt a need for specialized certification. The certified internal auditor (CIA) has passed a comprehensive examination designed to ensure technical competence and has gained two years of experience