What is the difference between an accountant and a CPA?

Many people use the terms accountant and CPA as if they were interchangeable. However, the two terms do not refer to the same level of training, supervision or professional responsibility.

Understanding this difference will help you make the right choice, both for your personal finances and for your business.

Accountant and CPA: the differences

What is an accountant?

The term accountant generally refers to a person who performs tasks related to accounting for a business or individual. It is a generic designation, which is not protected by law in Quebec. In practice, anyone can call themselves an accountant, regardless of their level of training or skills.

The day-to-day tasks of an accountant generally include :

• The bookkeeping;

• Entering accounting transactions;

• Preparing simple tax returns;

• Monitoring invoices and payments.

On the other hand, as the term "accountant" title is not protected, the level of competence, experience and reliability can vary considerably from one accountant to another. There is no compulsory professional body, no oversight by independent trustees, no imposed code of ethics, and no requirement for professional liability insurance.

What is a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant)?

A CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) is a highly qualified professional whose designation is strictly regulated and supervised. Only members of the Ordre des CPA du Québec may use this designation.

To obtain and retain the CPA designation, you must :

• Undergo rigorous university training;

• Complete a supervised work placement;

• Passing a professional exam;

• Comply with a continuous training obligation;

• Adhere to a strict code of ethics.

CPAs work in advanced areas of expertise, including :

• Taxation (personal and corporate);

• Certification, including the audit of financial statements and other financial and non-financial information;

• Corporate finance;

• Strategic advice and support for managers.

In addition to their technical skills, CPAs are required to practise their profession with integrity, independence, rigour and ethics, in compliance with the standards and obligations that govern their practice. They also carry professional liability insurance, offering protection in the event of error or omission in the performance of their mandates.

Comparison table: accountant vs CPA

To help you understand the real differences between an accountant and a CPA, here is a comparison table that highlights the differences in training, supervision and services offered.

Accountant or CPA: which should you choose?

The choice between an accountant and a CPA depends above all on your support needs, the complexity of your business and your medium- and long-term objectives. Here are a few pointers to help you make the right choice.

When an accountant is enough

In certain simple situations, the services of an accountant can meet your needs:

• Self-employed or self-employed professional with few complex accounting operations;

• Very small business with limited, uncomplicated activities;

• Simple bookkeeping, with a low volume of transactions;

• Few tax issues, no special planning or certification obligations.

In these cases, an accountant can provide effective support for basic tasks, provided that the activities are kept simple and well supervised.

When a CPA is highly recommended

As soon as the financial situation becomes more complex or strategic, the use of a CPA becomes a real advantage:

• SME or growing business, with several employees or sources of revenue;

• More complex taxation, including incorporation, tax planning or consumption taxes;

• Financial statements required for partners, investors or financial institutions;

• Need strategic advice to support decision-making, profitability or growth;

• Compliance or financing issues, where the rigour and credibility of financial information are essential.

In these situations, the CPA acts as a business partner, able to go well beyond basic accounting to secure and optimise your finances.

How can I check if someone is really a CPA?

The most reliable way is to consult the public register of the Ordre des CPA du Québec. This official register allows you to confirm:

• if the person is a member in good standing of the Order;

• its professional status (active, suspended, struck off);

• and, where applicable, where it is practised.

This approach reinforces professional transparency and ensures that the CPA complies with obligations relating to continuing education, professional ethics and professional liability insurance.

It is also important to be vigilant about misleading designations. Terms such as financial adviser, chartered accountant or simply accountant may cause confusion, but in no way guarantee membership of the Ordre des CPA. Only the explicit use of the CPA title constitutes proof of legal recognition.

If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask for confirmation or carry out the check yourself. It's a simple measure that can avoid a lot of financial risk.

Make the right choice for your finances

Ultimately, the choice between a CPA and an accountant depends above all on your situation, your objectives and the degree of complexity of your activities.

At Mallette, our CPA accompany businesses at every stage of their growth. With their expertise in accounting, taxation, assurance and strategic advice, they act as true business partners to help you make the best decisions and secure your financial future.