Several certifications can help you advance your career and earn more money. So, how do you select one that will get you noticed and hired the fastest by employers?
Expert knowledge in your chosen accounting niche makes you all the more productive and attractive to prospective hirers. It also shows your devotion to your craft and that you are driven, dedicated, and committed to your work.
Let’s explore the top accounting certifications employers love.
The Best Accounting Certifications That Employers Love
Here are three accounting certifications that employers love. Getting one of these accreditations will help you establish yourself as an expert accountant.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
A CPA accreditation is typically the prerequisite for most other types of accounting qualifications. Accountants, tax preparers, auditors, and others in related fields can all benefit from earning this qualification.
Requirements
In most states, you also need a master’s degree, or at least the credit hours equal to a master’s degree, and a year of experience working under a CPA to complete your bachelor’s degree.
There are four national exams that you need. Then each state usually has its laws and regulations exam. Hence, the requirements for CPA may vary from state to state.
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate and graduate degrees and are otherwise qualified to sit for the CPA exam, you should expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for a 16-hour exam.
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
This accreditation is essential if you work in the financial or investment industry. Most people need at least two years to complete the three tests in this program.
Requirements
Four years of relevant work experience and a bachelor’s degree are required. To obtain a CFA designation, one must apply and be accepted by the CFA institute. There are three exams or stages in this program.
The candidates can only sit in the next CFA exam once they pass the previous one. These exams last for a total of 18 hours. You should expect to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 to pass the CFA exam.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
This certification is for anyone who wants to specialize in management accounting. Most people will get their CPA before they pursue this qualification. Although it’s not usually the case, this applies primarily to management accounting, which means you’re handling the accounting internally at a company. Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) grants this.
Requirement
Two years of relevant work experience and a bachelor’s degree are prerequisites. You’ll have to clear two exams in this one that lasts 8 hours and costs roughly $2,000.
Conclusion
Accountants have a variety of education options. However, the ideal certification for one accountant could not be suitable for another. Your career path, area of specialization, level of education, and other factors will determine the best accounting certificate for you. Additionally, each certification has eligibility requirements.
Whether you’re a candidate seeking a new career opportunity, or an employer looking for top talent to fill a vacancy, our team of staffing and recruiting experts is here to help. Please use the form below to submit your questions, comments or suggestions, or contact Whitney at 937-439-7703.
