<human>:  What exactly is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?
<bot>: The primary difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper is that an accountant typically has a college degree or some other type of professional certification and has a deeper understanding of financial topics, such as taxation and financial analysis. A bookkeeper, on the other hand, often has less formal training and may focus on recording financial transactions and maintaining accurate records. An accountant is typically responsible for more complex aspects of financial management, such as preparing and analyzing financial statements, advising on tax planning, and developing financial strategies for a company.