Dictionary of Accounting Terms: independent accountant
independent accountant
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in public practice having no financial or other interest in the client whose financial statements are being examined. The CPA must be completely objective and impartial to conduct the attest function properly. Note that the term applies to an external auditor as distinguished from an internal auditor on the client's staff. An external auditor who has been involved with the client as an underwriter, promoter, trustee, or officer is not independent.
