--- title: Should I Hire an Accountant or a CPA? description: Is there really a difference between a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) an an accountant? Absolutely! A CPA has more stringent licensing, continuing education, and taxation requirements, making her professional services invaluable to your small business in Bellingham, MA. image: https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-683410450.jpg --- ![icon-phone](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-469552994-png/images/icon-phone.png)508-533-5700 **Call today to book your appointment!** [![Ann M. Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-480654324-png/images/circle-logo4.png?width=630&height=168&name=circle-logo4.png "Ann M. Irons")](https://www.ironscpa.com/) Hopkinton MA, CPA [Contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Ann+M.+Irons,+CPA,+17+Main+St+Suite+1,+Hopkinton,+MA+01748/@42.2283595,-71.5220826,17.25z/data=!3m1!5s0x89e470559903948b:0xba338aa31b2a0f29!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e46e7ca0d1d73b:0x531938b62807ebe1!2m2!1d-71.5200665!2d42.2284497!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) # The Bean Counter with Ann M Irons, CPA --- [![Tax Year 2024 Business/Individual Tax Returns](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de) --- ## [Should I Hire an Accountant or a CPA? ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-i-hire-an-accountant-or-a-cpa-in-bellingham) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Apr 29, 2014 4:04:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![cpa-bellingham-accountant](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-683410450.jpg?width=350&name=file-683410450.jpg)One of the most common misconceptions about CPAs, or certified public accountants, is that a [CPA ](https://www.ironscpa.com/cpa-in-bellingham)really isn't so different from any other accountant. It's an easy mistake to make, but it could cost major headaches for your small business further down the road. Ann Irons, CPA, answers clients' questions about what it takes to become a CPA and why you shouldn't trust your small business finances to just any **accountant in Bellingham, MA. ** ## **Different Title, Different Requirements** *Accountant* is a blanket term for someone who works in finance or with taxes, using guidelines set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. A CPA, too, must follow these guidelines, but with an added qualification. To become a CPA, an accountant must take and pass a licensing examination in one of the 50 states. Anyone can call themself an accountant, but it takes a formal commitment to become a CPA. Ann Irons possesses an in-depth knowledge of all statewide requirements for income and small business taxes and reporting standards. ## Why Should You Use a CPA for Your Small Business? **Because nobody knows taxes like a CPA.  **The licensure process emphasizes knowledge of current tax codes, and Irons takes continuing education very seriously. Of course, her master's degree in taxation certainly helps. **Because being audited by the IRS is a major ordeal. **Few things are more stressful for a small business owner than learning of an impending audit. An accountant cannot legally represent your business before the IRS, and has only limited eligibility to represent you in other financial matters. This also applies to [individual income taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/tax-preparation). Enlisting the services of a CPA for your personal income taxes affords greater protection in the event of an audit.  **Because financial statements provide invaluable insight...if you know how to read them. **An overwhelming number of small business owners have only a vague understanding of [financial statement analysis](https://www.ironscpa.com/financial-reports), with many unsure of accounting principles beyond debits and credits. As part of each state's licensing requirements, a CPA must demonstrate a solid comprehension of complex financial and accounting concepts, how best to apply those concepts, and what each one means for the health of a company. If you value your business, you'll see the value in a CPA. To learn more about small business accounting and tax services in Bellingham, MA, or to request a meeting with [Ann Irons, CPA, LLC](https://www.ironscpa.com/meet-ann-irons), [contact ](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us)our office at 508-966-0700. We welcome individuals and business owners in and around Bellingham, Woonsocket, Medway, Milford, Franklin, and the surrounding areas. Topics: [Small Business Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) ## About **Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC** ![Ann](https://www.ironscpa.com/hubfs/images/Ann.jpg)Ann has spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, and accounting and advisory services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search by Topic Search ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Small Business Accounting (24)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) - [Individual Income Taxes (18)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes) - [International Tax (17)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) - [Accounting for Lawyers (11)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/accounting-for-lawyers) - [Escrow Accounting (10)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) - [Foreign Investment Tax (8)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax) - [Family Business (6)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/family-business) - [Bookkeeping (5)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/bookkeeping) - [Personal Finance (4)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Client Stories (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/client-stories) - [Payroll Processing (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/payroll-processing) - [Small Business Tax (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-tax) - [Starting Your Own Law Firm (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/starting-your-own-law-firm) - [Words of Wisdom (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/words-of-wisdom) [see all](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-i-hire-an-accountant-or-a-cpa-in-bellingham#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! Please call us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and determining how we can best serve you. ![Map Irons CPA Hopkinton](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png?width=305&height=167&name=Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png)   ### OUR LOCATION: 17 Main Street, Suite 1 Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-533-5700 Fax: 888-922-2242 ## About Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC Ann Irons’ personal philosophy focuses on strong experience, integrity, and commitment to service above all else.  [Learn More](https://www.ironscpa.com/meet-ann-irons) ## Navigation ## Recent Blog Posts ## [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![G+](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-815314232.png)](https://plus.google.com/b/100124969766767305083/100124969766767305083/about)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) ## Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC © 2025. All rights reserved.   ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/951439776/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)