1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Small Business: Canada

CGA

By , About.com Guide

Definition:

CGA stands for Certified General Accountant. A CGA is a professional accountant who has acquired his or her education through and is a member of the Certified General Accountants Association.

There are also CAs (Chartered Accountants) and CMAs (Certified Management Acountants).

All of these are professional accountants who will be able to provide business guidance and advice as well as tax preparation services.

From a business point of view, the distinction to be kept in mind is not between types of accountants, but between accountants and bookkeepers. A bookkeeper literally keeps your books, handling the daily financial transactions of your business. An accountant deals with the bigger picture; his or her main function is business planning.

Common Misspellings: Certified General Acountant, Ceritifed General Accountent.
Examples:
Liam incorporated his small business after discussing the advantages and disadvantages with a CGA.
Explore Small Business: Canada
About.com Special Features

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Year End Tax Planning

Discover financial planning opportunities with these three tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Small Business: Canada
  4. Business Management
  5. Accounting & Bookkeeping
  6. CGA Definition - Accountants>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.