Accounting is a more varied field than some business owners realize, and not every accountant is qualified to take on every task. A bookkeeper or tax preparer may not be an accountant at all, yet for business owners seeking financial services, the distinction isn’t always clear. A CPA goes through years of education, rigorous testing, and ongoing coursework to maintain the title. They also have experience with handling an organization’s most sensitive data, including personnel files and financial information.