The Certificate in Public Accounting
The Certificate in Public Accounting is the oldest certification in accounting. Unlike the CMA designation, the purpose of the Certificate in Public Accounting is to provide evidence of a minimal profession qualification for external auditors. The responsibility of external auditors is to provide assurance concerning the reliability of the information contained in a firm’s financial statements. Only Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are permitted (by law) to serve as external auditors. 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, many management accountants hold it.