What is the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

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American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – AICPA

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – AICPA

  • Other Category: Accounting

  • July 23, 2013
  • Dan
  • accountant, AICPA, CPA, FASB, financial leader, financial leadership, GAAP, recruiting

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Definition

The American Institute of Certified Public (AICPA) is a professional organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Furthermore, this organization is based in the United States. The organization dates back to 1887.
The AICPA creates the CPA examination. Then, they grade the CPA examination. In addition, it is also the organization that authored many of the original financial accounting and reporting standards included in GAAP; however, FASB is now responsible for GAAP.
The AICPA’s primary objectives include the following:

  • Advocacy on behalf of members
  • Certification and licensing of new members
  • Promoting public awareness of CPA professionalism
  • Recruiting and educating prospective CPAs
  • Establishing professional standards

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What is the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

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What is the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

AICPA Website

If you want more information on the AICPA, then go to: AICPA.org.
See Also:
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards – SFAS
Sensitivity Analysis Definition
Standard Chart of Accounts
Problems in Chart of Accounts Design
Future of the Accounting Workforce

What is the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

What is the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

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The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) formed in 1887, and was originally named the American Association of Public Accountants. The AICPA consists of over 360,000 voluntary Certified Public Accountant (CPA) members, and is the largest association for CPAs. Its CPA members work in almost every sector of the profession, including government, public accounting, education, business, and industry. The organization addresses issues in the accounting profession on a national level.

The mission of this organization is to educate and provide leadership for the CPA community so they can better serve consumers. CPAs with the knowledge, support, and leadership of a national organization are generally better able to meet the needs of their clients. The organization emphasizes professionalism and integrity within the CPA profession, while maintaining high standards for Certified Public Accountants.

To accomplish its mission, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants provides a variety of services to members. It serves as a national advocate for CPAs, providing representation with the government and other organizations. The AICPA also communicates with the general public about the CPA profession. The recruitment and education activities of the AICPA focus on generating interest in the profession as a career choice. The organization also offers courses allowing members to reach the required 120 hours of continuing education every three years.

Regulation of the field is another aspect covered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Before its formation in 1887, there was little definition for the role and requirements of a CPA. The AICPA strives to set certification and licensing standards to increase credibility and performance of CPAs. The organization sets standards for the profession and monitors CPA performance to ensure the standards are met.

Each state handles its own CPA licensing, but individuals must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, created and graded by the AICPA. States also have their own CPA associations, which are separate from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The AICPA does support the state CPA societies through initiatives relevant on a national, regional, or individual level.

The AICPA also works with other regulatory boards and organizations, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Together, the FASB and GASB set the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which guide the accounting field. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers technical support and guidelines in support of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

The organization also reaches beyond the U.S. accounting profession. The AICPA is a founding member in both the International Foundation of Accountants and the Global Accounting Alliance. Also, the International Accounting Standards Board, which regulates financial reporting, includes members of the AICPA.

What is the role of the Institute of Public Accountants?

Founded in 1923, IPA represents more than 35,000 members and students working in industry, commerce, government, academia and professional practice. The IPA supports and advocates for its members and the profession, especially those operating in the small and medium-sized entities sector of the economy.

What roles are played by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for its members?

The AICPA sets ethical as well as IPD and CPD requirements for its members; develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination; conducts quality assurance reviews for its members engaged in public practice for nonpublic entities; and establishes an investigation and discipline system to monitor and enforce members' ...

What is the mission of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

As the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants, the AICPA's mission is to power the success of global business, CPAs, CGMAs and specialty credentials by providing the most relevant knowledge, resources and advocacy, and protecting the evolving public interest.

What are the fundamental principles of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?

The fundamental principles within the Code – integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behavior – establish the standard of behavior expected of a professional accountant (PA) and it reflects the profession's recognition of its public interest responsibility.