Public and private accountants

Russian: I'm sure you know that we are engaged in developing the accounting profession in our country at the moment. In this context we would like to know how the members of the accounting profession are classified in your country.

American: They can be classified by the type of organization they work for. The accounting profession in market economy consists of public and private accountants. Public accountants are independent professionals who provide services for a fee. Accountants who are employed by business firms are known as private accountants.

R.: The changes in our economy along market lines have given a boost to the creation of public accounting firms. What forms of business organization seem preferable to your public accountants?

Am.: Well, some practice alone. Many have formed partnerships with other accountants, and a few have formed professional corporations. I'd say that partnerships are the main form of business organization in the accounting profession.

R.: What explains the popularity of the form, from your point of view?

Am.: The answer, surprisingly, is very simple. Public accountants try to avoid limited liability because they believe that professionals should take full responsibility for their judgements.

R.: What does the title certified public accountant imply?

Am.: The title refers to the holder of a license to practice public accounting.

R.: We are introducing a similar practice into our life, too. In this connection I'd like to know what bodies in your country are authorized to grant licenses.

Am.: The license is granted by a state government. But I'd like to stress that the license is granted to people who meet educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. All American certified public accountants are expected to keep their knowledge up to date and to maintain the highest standards of integrity, professional independence and confidentiality. I hope you also try and do your best to keep up high professional standards.

R.: Certainly. For many years our accountants were held in very low esteem in our country, now the situation is changing for the better.

Am.: I'm glad to hear that. What services do your public accountants offer? I think we have much in common here.

R.: Yes, sure. The main service is auditing. Besides, public accounting firms offer consulting services, some accountants are also active in tax planning and preparation of tax returns. And what about your private accountants? Their work must differ greatly from what our accountants employed by business firms do.

Am.: No wonder, you are only entering a market economy. Accountants who work for US business firms have wide responsibilities. Their duties include cost accounting, capital budgeting, budgeting for current operations, tax planning, they must know how to design financial information systems, and do many other things.

R.: I see, we'll have to go a long way before we create a strong and respected professional body of accountants in Russia.

Am.: But it's worth while the effort.