{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cpa","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/cpa","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"cpa","term":"CPA","aka":"Certified Public Accountant","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A CPA is a licensed accounting professional who can prepare financial statements, file taxes, and provide financial advice. They are essential for verifying a business's financial health.","what_it_means":"Your CPA will be critical during due diligence, helping you scrutinize the seller's financial statements and tax returns. They'll advise on add-backs, business valuation, and the financial structure of the acquisition. Choose one with M&A experience.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cpa","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"audited-financial-statements","term":"Audited financial statements","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/audited-financial-statements"},{"slug":"tax-returns","term":"Tax returns","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/tax-returns"},{"slug":"adjusted-ebitda","term":"Adjusted EBITDA","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/adjusted-ebitda"},{"slug":"due-diligence","term":"Due diligence","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/due-diligence"}],"related_questions":[]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — CPA","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cpa","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}