Longview Washington Business Directory Blog

 There are several different kinds of Accountant with their own specialties in Longview Washington. I have tried to outline the basic types of Bookkeepers, Certified Public Accountants or commonly called CPA,s and Tax preparers here and their duties. It is not all inclusive but it is informative. Some Accountants, and Accounting firms offer all of these services.   

                                                                                                                                                               Certified Public Accountants or CPA’s perform a range of Accounting Services for businesses and individuals. From preparing annual financial statements to acting as key adviser’s on long term estate planning, CPAs offer a range of services to their clients and must meet strict federal licensing requirements before becoming certified. CPAs often specialize in one or more of the following areas:

·         IRS Audits

·         Financial Reporting

·         Small Business Accounting

·         Savings and Investment Strategies

Bookkeepers perform many of the same functions as a Certified Public Accountant such as maintaining complete financial records and overseeing various data management procedures for individuals and organizations. Bookkeepers typically aren’t involved in tax preparation, but commonly oversee daily Accounting operations such as:

·         Daily Ledger Entries

·         Data Systems Audits

·         Invoice Tracking and Verification

·         Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

Tax Accountants are usually either Enrolled Tax Agents who have passed stringent federal tests to become certified in complex Tax law or CPAs who specialize in federal and state tax regulations. These tax preparation experts typically work as freelance consultants or in retail tax preparation offices. Tax Attorneys often work closely with CPAs and other taxation specialists, and are available to assist businesses and individuals in sorting through confusing returns procedures or when legal representation is necessary to resolve tax disputes.