# CPA

*Careers & Credentials — Finicade finance glossary*

The CPA is the US accounting licence, requiring exams, education credits and experience, with ACA and ACCA the equivalents elsewhere. Unlike most finance credentials it is a legal licence rather than a designation: only a CPA can sign an audit opinion. It's the standard route into audit, corporate accounting and controllership, and the most common credential among CFOs.

**Also known as:** Certified Public Accountant, ACA, ACCA, chartered accountant

**Related terms:** [Audit](https://finicade.com/glossary/audit), [Financial Statements](https://finicade.com/glossary/financial-statements), [Chief Financial Officer](https://finicade.com/glossary/chief-financial-officer), [Internal Controls](https://finicade.com/glossary/internal-controls), [CFA](https://finicade.com/glossary/cfa)

Source: https://finicade.com/glossary/cpa