Quailified means officially recognized to do a job. You can search the CPA database in your jurisdiction.   Now whether the accountant is quailified to do your particular job depends on experience.  Like any other profession, the person or company should demonstrate via past experience.  Also, what are others saying about his or her ability to handle your job?  Just because you are asking this question means you have doubt.  If that is the case, then go with your instinct and not use the person.   By the way, just because a person is a CPA does not mean they can handle any type of accounting/financial job.  Experience and a sharp thinker is everything.