Accounting is a broad-based education that in additions to focusing specifically on the mechanics of accounting, covers (some in a great deal of depth) other business topics such as business management, economics, finance, etc.  CPAs (usually synonymous with accountants) have a college degree (a five year program in most states), pass the extensive Certified Public Accountant Exam, and have considerable professional experience.  I’d say that accountants would make excellent financial accountants.  There are the “scorekeepers” of the business world, trained and experienced at interpreting data that might be beyond most of us.  They certainly know how to convert data into information that can help decision makers choose wisely.   I’d also say that accountants have the perfect skill set, experience, world-view, and aptitude needed by financial consultants.