What is the difference between an accountant and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? An accountant usually majors in accounting in college. In order to become a Certified Public Accountant, the accountant needs to work for an accounting firm for a few years, acquire five hundred hours of auditing time, and pass a test from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as from their state. A CPA also must take 120 hours of contin » Read more: Who Can Prepare Audited Financial Statements?
