CPAs in business and industry

Many CPAs are employed in business and industry. CPAs are employed as senior financial executives of some of the largest corporations in the United States. Other CPAs are responsible for the financial and administrative functions of growing entrepreneurial businesses. Wherever they are employed, CPAs are key members of a company's management team.

The CPA controller, or chief financial officer, is usually responsible for external financial reporting, internal financial reports, budgeting and other traditional aspects of management accounting. In many businesses, CPAs have additional responsibilities including cash management, investing, financing and banking relationships, information systems, employee benefits programs and human resources.

The growing range of responsibilities undertaken by CPAs in industry mirrors the broadening scope of service of CPAs in public accounting.