Certified Public Accountants are accredited through testing and training. They must maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism. Most state boards of accountancy require a requisite number of hours of continuing professional education. Missouri requires 40 hours annually. CPA’s are recognized by their accreditation, to perform financial statement engagements including audits, reviews and compilations. Banks, bonding companies and for public owned companies, the Securities and Exchange Commission, rely on these financial reports to evaluate the financial position and performance of the companies submitting CPA prepared reports.