There are hundreds of accounting certificates available that financial professionals can use to advance their professions, gain promotions, and boost their income.
Each of these accounting titles differs somewhat and has a distinct career focus. As a result, some of these credentials may be ideal for you, while others may not. Similarly, having more than one of these certificates under your name may benefit you.
Financial professionals can use various accounting certifications to advance their profession, get promotions, and increase pay. Each of these accountant titles is different and has a clear career focus.
As a result, depending on your career goals, some of these credentials may be perfect for you, while others may not.
This article has compiled a comprehensive list of accounting certifications that can help you build a long-term accounting career.
Public Accountant Certification
The public accountant qualification comes first on our list of accounting certifications. Whether you work for a substantial public corporation or a small or medium-sized business, these accounting qualifications improve your multi-client experience, giving you more access to diverse business operations.
First and foremost, it is the highest accounting certification. This means that if you wish to pursue a career in accounting, you must obtain a CPA.
Certificate of Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
One of the most prestigious accounting designations is a Certified Manager Accountant. This certification is for business accounting. It is a subject that isn’t even covered in the CPA exam. With this accounting certificate, you will be able to take on internal management and leadership positions in firms. You may even be qualified to be an excellent COO or CFO.
It is a valuable qualification if you want to work as a senior executive for a Fortune 500 business. This accreditation, however, is not appropriate for public accounting. It doesn’t teach you how to conduct audits, make reports, or do tax work. It is solely a managerial issue.
Internal Auditor Certification (CIA)
Internal auditors who earn the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) accreditation have demonstrated experience in risk and control, information technology, and working with internal and external customers.
This accreditation is required if you wish to pursue a career in auditing as an audit manager or chief executive officer. This accounting certificate allows you to undertake audit processes and support independent auditors in large organizations.
It’s vital to remember that passing all three parts of the CIA exam, which takes 6.5 hours, is required to get this certification. You must also have a bachelor’s degree and two years of internal auditing experience.
Certified Public Accountant (ACCA) Certification
The Chartered Certified Public Accountant (ACCA) qualification is final in the top 10 accounting designations. It is a worldwide recognized accounting credential that includes financial management, reporting, taxation, auditing, leadership, and ethics.
Because it focuses on IFRS rather than US GAAP, ACCA is more internationally recognized and applicable than CPA. Due to GAAP, ACCA is less relevant in the United States. CPA exam exemptions are also no longer valid.
There are three levels (modules) and up to 13 examinations in ACCA accounting. The accreditation takes roughly three years and costs around $2,000. Pass rates in ACCA can vary due to many tests.
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Certification
CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) is one of the most well-known alternative investment accountants. This financial certification is for those who want to work in the hedge fund and wealth management industries.
CAIA’s topics include hedge funds, private equity, real estate, asset allocation, structured products, risk management, and ethics. CAIA is essential in specific fields of finance, particularly in managing alternative investments such as real estate, even though it is not as comprehensive as other certifications.
CAIA is divided into two levels, each with two exams. CAIA costs $3,000 and takes one to two years to complete. The pass rate for CAI is very high.
The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) (CIMA) is a joint venture between the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Certified Institute of Management Accountants.
It’s a worldwide recognized accounting certificate developed by two of the World’s oldest accounting organizations. If you are a CIMA member, you are automatically qualified for the CGMA, and you can use the designation label if you are a voting member of the AICPA.
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