Qualifications
Quite frankly, the qualifications are a pain in the butt. Or around there, anyway. You can't just go on CraigsList, look up listings for 'CPA' and interview. You need to get yourself a degree in accounting, pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, and meet additional state education requirements in order to become certified (source) which is like being on the on-deck-circle and then hoping to get the Good Housekeeping Seal Gold Star thing on your forehead.
You must then become licensed in your state of residency. Once employed, you'll likely be asked to continue your education. But then all of your time and hard work will finally be worth it, because you'll get to bill clients hundreds of dollars an hour, buy a nice home or maybe two, pay for your kids' colleges, and so on.