Q. What is a CPA?   A. CPAs are innovative and strategic thinkers who are well respected for their integrity and commitment to excellence.  They are dedicated to each client and work to satisfy their business and financial needs.   A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a professional who has: completed a minimum of a four-year degree in accounting passed a rigorous exam consisting of questions exploring all areas of accounting and audit had a minimum of three years of accounting/audit experience In addition, CPAs are required to take 40 hours of continuing professional education each year to retain their CPA designation.   Q. What is an audit?   A. The object of an audit is to provide a reasonable basis for expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statements taken as a whole are presented fairly and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  It is the highest level of service that can be performed by a CPA under their professional standards.   Management is responsible for the content of its financial statements regardless of an organization's size or form.   Q. What is a review?   A. A review involves inquiries and analytical procedures that provide a basis for expressing limited assurance by CPAs that no material modifications should be made to the financial statements.   Q. What is a compilation?   A. The object of a compilation is to present information that is the representation of management in the form of financial statements, without expressing assurances of those statements. It is the minimum level of service that can be performed under the professional standards of CPAs.