After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you may find that earning a professional certification is beneficial for your career. A wide range of accounting certifications is available, allowing you to select a certification program that best aligns with your professional strengths and interests. When deciding whether to pursue an accounting certification, it is essential to do your own research and determine which option may be best for your personal and professional goals.
Benefits of Earning an Accounting Certification
It is common for accountants to pursue an accounting certification after they have earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, largely because these certification programs allow them to develop specialized skills and advanced knowledge that can equip them with the qualifications needed to pursue niche positions in accounting.
Some of the benefits of earning an accounting certification include:
- Increased number of job opportunities available
- Possibility of increasing earning potential over the course of your career
- Increased level of professional credibility
- Expanded access to industry networks
Some certifications are required for specific careers in accounting. For example, professionals who want to work in public accounting will have to earn their Certified Public Accountant credential. By identifying your career goals and leveraging your strengths in accounting, you can choose an accounting certification program that is best for you.
Accounting Certifications to Consider
There are multiple certifications available for accountants, with each program catering to different specialties within the field. These are a few of the accounting certifications that you can consider. It is important to do your due diligence and determine which program would provide you with the credentials and qualifications needed to pursue your career goals.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The Certified Public Accounting license is defined by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as the highest standard of competence in the public accounting field. Individuals who want to pursue a career as a public accountant will need this credential.
To earn your CPA license, you will need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree program in a related field.
- Earn professional experience in the accounting industry.
- Pass the Uniform CPA exam, which is designed to evaluate your knowledge and competency in the field.
- Complete all other requirements established by the state where you intend to practice.
The CPA is widely considered a symbol of high achievement in the accounting profession, and is widely respected within the profession and by members of the public who are looking to hire a qualified and skilled accountant.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The Certified Management Accountant credential, commonly referred to as CMA, is designed for those who want to become management accountants and expand their skills in financial management. According to the Institute of Management Accountants, the CMA credential is recognized worldwide and allows accountants to pursue career advancement opportunities.
To earn your CMA credential, you will need to:
- Join the Institute of Management Accountants and enroll as a CMA candidate.
- Register for the CMA exams. There are two parts to the CMA exam, and you will have to pass both parts to become certified.
- Verify that you meet both the educational requirements as well as the professional experience requirements associated with this certificate program.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The Chartered Financial Analyst credential, typically referred to as CFA, is designed for accounting professionals who want to explore career opportunities as financial analysts. The CFA is a globally recognized credential, and there are more than 200,000 chartered financial analysts who provide their clients and employers with exceptional financial analysis services. This credential is considered a mark of distinction in the financial services sector, and it can open up the door to new opportunities in accounting.
To become a CFA, you will need to:
- Pass all three levels of the CFA program exams, as well as the skill-building modules that are required.
- Complete related work experience, specifically dealing with the investment decision-making process.
- Apply for membership and become a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Accounting professionals interested in specializing in the auditing field will want to pursue the Certified Internal Auditor, or CIA, credential. The CIA certification is offered through The Institute of Internal Auditors and is considered the only globally recognized internal audit certification.
The eligibility requirements for the CIA certification include:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field.
- Gaining 5 years of professional experience in internal auditing, quality assurance, risk management, compliance, external auditing, or internal control. It’s important to note that at least two years of related professional experience must have been completed within the last three years.
- Completing and passing all three parts of the CIA exam.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
With an emphasis on emerging technologies, the Certified Information Systems Auditor certification program provides accountants with an opportunity to specialize in auditing, monitoring, and assessing information technology and business systems. The CISA certification is available through ISACA, and it is a globally-recognized credential.
In order to earn your CISA certification, you will need to:
- Take and pass the CISA certification exam.
- Submit an application to confirm eligibility requirements.
- Adhere to ethical standards.
- Adhere to the continuing education policy established by ISACA.
- Remain in compliance with Information Systems Auditing Standards.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is available through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Those earning the CFE credential can prevent, detect, and investigate fraud, giving them a valuable skill set that can be applied in various professional settings. Throughout this certification program, you will develop a deeper understanding of complex financial transactions, learn investigative techniques, and learn how to design effective anti-fraud solutions for organizations.
You can become a CFE by first joining the ACFE, applying for and completing the CFE exam, and, as a result, becoming certified by the ACFE’s Certification Committee.
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Awarded by the Association of Government Accountants, the Certified Government Financial Manager credential allows you to enhance your accounting skills and develop the advanced skills required to practice governmental accounting at the local, state, or national level. Key competencies covered throughout the CGFM certification program include governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and budgeting.
You can become a CGFM by:
- Agreeing to the code of ethics established by the AGA.
- Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Passing all three CGFM exams.
- Earning at least two years of related work experience in governmental financial management.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Certification
The Association for Financial Professionals offers the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) credential. Accountants who pursue this credential can establish themselves as financial experts who can provide strategic insight. The FP&A credential is recognized worldwide, with more than 4,000 candidates across more than 60 countries having earned this certification.
To earn the FP&A certification, you will need to meet all education and work experience requirements, and pass both parts of the FP&A certification exam.
Which Certification Is Right for You?
Choosing the right certification program for your accounting career is a highly personal decision. It is vital to research certifications to verify their accredited programs. In addition, you will want to explore your options to understand the scope of the certification program, the cost associated with it, and the outcomes that you can expect. By doing your due diligence and considering the various accounting certifications available, you can make the right choice for your career in accounting.
Develop a Strong Foundation in Accounting at Johnson & Wales University
Accounting certifications can give you the ability to specialize in a particular area and expand your skill set, but before you pursue a certification, you will need to establish a foundation in the best accounting principles and practices. At Johnson & Wales University, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree that offers a comprehensive curriculum, allowing you to cultivate key expertise in accounting. Areas of study that are covered as part of this degree program include financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].