In New Zealand, most people are familiar with the title “Chartered Accountant” or CA. It’s often seen as the gold standard in the accounting world. But there’s another equally qualified and globally respected designation that not everyone talks about as often: the Certified Public Accountant, or CPA.
At Aurora Financials, we work with CPA-qualified accountants every day. And we’re often asked by clients: “Is a CPA accountant as qualified as a CA?” The short answer is: Yes. Absolutely.
Let’s unpack what makes CPA accountants just as capable, trustworthy, and qualified to manage your business finances and why we’ve built our firm around them.
What Is a CPA and Why Does It Matter?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a qualified and regulated expert in accounting, auditing, and business advisory. While the title “Chartered Accountant” is more common in countries like New Zealand, the CPA designation is globally respected, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
At its core, both CPA and CA qualifications cover similar ground – rigorous education, in-depth training, and ethical responsibility. The main difference lies in where the designation originates and is regulated.
Why this matters for you: Choosing a CPA doesn’t mean compromising on quality. You’re still working with a highly trained, regulated, and experienced professional that is compliant with New Zealand requirements.
Understanding the CPA Qualification
CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. In New Zealand, many CPA accountants hold their designation from CPA Australia, a globally recognised professional body with over 170,000 members worldwide.
To become a CPA, one must:
- Complete a recognized accounting degree
- Fulfil at least three years of supervised professional experience
- Pass a rigorous CPA Program with exams covering accounting, finance, audit, taxation, ethics, and strategy
This means CPA accountants go through the same level of academic and practical training as Chartered Accountants. They’re qualified to offer the full range of accounting and assurance services – just like a CA.
CPA vs CA: What’s the Real Difference?
While CPA and CA come from different professional bodies (CPA Australia vs. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand), their roles and competencies are largely the same.
Here’s how they compare:
| Area | CPA | CA |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s + CPA exam + practical experience | Bachelor’s + CA programme + practical training |
| Practical Experience | Yes (3 years) | Yes (3 years) |
| Professional Exams Needed | Yes | Yes |
| Global Recognition | Strong in the U.S., Australia, and Asia-Pacific | Strong in Commonwealth countries |
| Public Practice Eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Ongoing CPD | Yes | Yes |
In other words, both are fully qualified accountants who can prepare financial statements, offer business advice, handle compliance, and conduct audit work if licensed.
At Aurora Financials, our CPA accountants operate to the same ethical, professional, and technical standards as any CA firm.
Why We Work With CPA Accountants at Aurora Financials
We didn’t choose CPA-qualified professionals by accident. We chose them because they’re technically sound, globally trained, and aligned with our modern, remote-first approach to accounting and assurance.
Here are some key reasons we trust our CPA team:
1. Rigorous Training
The CPA Program includes advanced subjects in financial reporting, audit and assurance, ethics, and strategic performance. It’s designed to prepare accountants to think critically, solve business problems, and communicate clearly.
We see this every day in how our team handles client queries, breaks down complex standards into plain language, and provides proactive solutions.
2. Real-World Experience
Just like CA-qualified professionals, CPA accountants complete years of hands-on work before becoming fully qualified. That means when you work with us, you’re not just getting a paper qualification – you’re getting someone who’s been tested in real business scenarios.
3. Ethics and Accountability
CPA members must follow a strict code of ethics, including integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality. They also undergo annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to keep their knowledge current.
Whether we’re preparing a set of accounts or reviewing internal controls for an audit, you can trust that our CPAs operate with professionalism and transparency.
4. Modern Approach for Modern Businesses
CPA Australia embraces technology, innovation, and remote work. That fits perfectly with Aurora Financials’ – helping businesses across New Zealand with smart, cloud-based remote accounting services.
Our CPA team isn’t stuck in the old ways of working. They’re trained for today’s business environment.
Why Businesses Choose Aurora’s CPA-Led Services
Many of our clients across New Zealand choose us not just because we’re qualified – but because we understand their business needs in a fast-moving financial landscape. Here’s why they trust us:
- Remote Convenience: We serve clients across cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Hamilton without needing local offices.
- Fixed-Fee Transparency : No billing surprises. You’ll always know what you’re paying for.
- Industry Experience: From non-profits to growing businesses, we’ve handled audits and advisory services for a range of industries.
Debunking the “Title Bias”
We understand that many clients are more familiar with the CA title – especially in traditional business circles. But that’s starting to change.
Globally, CPA is gaining recognition for its broad, flexible approach. In fact, many multinational firms and public sector bodies now recruit both CA and CPA professionals interchangeably.
So when people ask, “Isn’t a CA better?”, our honest response is: “Not at all – it’s about the person, not the title.”
The truth is, accounting is a regulated profession in New Zealand, and all qualified accountants must:
- Follow NZ accounting and tax laws
- Meet professional standards
- Be subject to disciplinary procedures if things go wrong
So whether you work with a CA or a CPA, the legal and ethical obligations are the same.
What Matters More Than a Title
Here’s what really matters when choosing an accountant:
- Do they understand your industry?
- Do they explain things clearly?
- Are they responsive and reliable?
- Do they help you stay compliant, without overwhelming you?
At Aurora Financials, we’ve built our reputation on those values. And our CPA-qualified team delivers them every day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for expert accounting, audit preparation, or compliance support in New Zealand, don’t get stuck on the title. Whether it’s CPA or CA, both are backed by global standards, deep knowledge, and strong ethics.
At Aurora Financials, we proudly work with CPA-qualified professionals who bring all the credibility of a CA – and a forward-thinking approach that suits today’s business world.
Let the quality of the work speak louder than the letters after the name.
Need professional accounting or audit support?
Get in touch with our team of qualified CPA accountants today. We’re ready to help you with clear, compliant, and reliable financial solutions – wherever you are in New Zealand.
FAQs
1. Is a CPA as qualified as a CA in New Zealand?
Yes. A CPA is equally qualified as a CA, though the certifications come from different regulatory bodies. CPAs meet global education and ethical standards and are recognized in New Zealand for accounting and auditing work.
2. Can a CPA do audits for New Zealand-based charities and businesses?
Absolutely. CPAs at Aurora Financials perform independent audits across industries. Our knowledge of New Zealand’s regulations ensures full compliance and accurate reporting.
3. What’s the benefit of hiring a CPA-led firm like Aurora Financials?
You get access to top-tier financial expertise, personalised service, and transparent pricing. Plus, we operate entirely remotely, giving you flexible and responsive support wherever you are.
