CFP vs. CPA: What’s the Difference and Who Should You Hire?

Lot of overlap with both, but generally the CPA is "past focused" while the CFP is "future focused".

In either case, there is a new type of approach/certification that many adhere to - being a Fiduciary. Whichever you go for, err on the side of someone that is a Fiduciary (A CFF certification is one way to tell ... generally if they are registered with the SEC they adhere to a fiduciary standard .. etc)

A Fiduciary is obligated legally and ethically to act in the client's BEST interests. A non-fiduciary CFF or CPA won't do anything against your interests (i.e., do no harm), but has a lower bar of what they can do (must act in a way that is 'suitable' to the client's interest).

An example would be two financial courses of action. Both will be of benefit to the client, but the first will be a better option for the client while the second would be better for the CPA/CFP (maybe he has a better commission out of it or has incentives to push clients that way). As long as the second meets a 'suitable' standard, the non-fiduciary can recommend it. A fiduciary is obligated, both legally and ethically, to steer the client towards the first option.