Top 10 Account Administrator Certifications

Certifications for an account administrator are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They indicate to employers that the individual has taken the time to learn and develop their skills in order to properly manage accounts, which is essential for any business. Certifications also provide an assurance of quality to employers, as they can be sure that the individual is up-to-date on the latest industry standards, regulations, and best practices. Finally, certifications may help an account administrator stand out from other applicants when applying for a position, as they show that they have gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Account Administrators and explains how they can help to advance an account administrator's career.

What are Account Administrator Certifications?

Account administrator certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to demonstrate a person's knowledge and proficiency in the field of accounting. It is typically awarded by professional organizations or universities after an individual has successfully completed a series of tests or courses related to accounting principles, processes, and procedures. Account administrator certification can provide an individual with the credentials needed to be considered for positions in the accounting field and can also help them stand out from other applicants. This type of certification may also provide assurance to employers that an individual has the skills necessary to handle complex financial tasks such as managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing financial statements, auditing records, and developing financial strategies. In addition, having account administrator certification may also allow individuals to access higher-level positions within their organization or industry as they are seen as more reliable and knowledgeable than those without such credentials.

Pro Tip: If you are an account administrator, make sure to keep up with industry certifications that demonstrate your technical knowledge and skill. These certifications will help ensure you are able to provide the best quality service and support for your clients.

Related: What does an Account Administrator do?

Top 10 Account Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Account Administrators today.

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have met the education, experience, and examination requirements set by their state's Board of Accountancy. CPAs are licensed by the states in which they practice and are held to a high ethical standard.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must first complete 150 hours of college coursework in accounting and related topics, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and obtain one year of work experience in public accounting or related fields. The 150 hours of college coursework must include at least 30 semester hours in accounting-related topics such as auditing, taxation, financial reporting, cost accounting, and other areas. In addition to this educational requirement, most states require applicants to have passed the AICPA Ethics Exam before they can be licensed.

The length of time it takes to become a CPA varies from state to state but typically ranges from six months to two years depending on the individual's background and experience. The cost for taking the CPA exam also varies from state to state but generally ranges between $800-$1,500 per section. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining licensure such as application fees or continuing education requirements.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of accountants in the field of management accounting. The CMA credential demonstrates an individual’s ability to analyze financial data, use technology to optimize business processes, and develop strategies that help organizations reach their goals.

To become a Certified Management Accountant, one must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing two exams administered by the IMA. The exams cover topics such as financial reporting and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement and control systems, cost management systems, corporate finance, decision analysis and risk management.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for the CMA certification. During this time period, candidates must complete the required coursework and pass both exams with a score of at least 70%. After successfully completing these requirements, candidates will be awarded their CMA certificate.

The cost for obtaining the CMA certification varies depending on several factors such as which exam preparation materials are used and if any additional courses or seminars are taken. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD for all associated fees including application fees, exam fees and study materials.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in internal auditing, control, and risk management. It is administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA designation is recognized worldwide as the standard for internal audit professionals.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, one must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam and have at least two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields. The exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – The Internal Audit Basics; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing.

The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam and results are available within 48 hours after completion.

The cost to take the CIA exam varies depending on where you take it and whether or not you are a member of the IIA. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 to take the exam, plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additional study materials may also need to be purchased separately.

Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their official CIA certification from the IIA. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years with continuing education credits earned through approved activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to internal auditing topics.

4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in auditing, control, and security of information systems.

The CISA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of cumulative professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as IT Governance and Management; Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation; Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Support; Protection of Information Assets; Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning.

In order to get the CISA certification, you must first apply for the exam with ISACA. Once your application has been approved, you can register for the exam. The registration fee is $575 USD for members of ISACA and $760 USD for non-members. You will then need to pass the exam in order to become certified. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit proof of your professional experience in order to receive your certification. This includes submitting copies of job descriptions or letters from employers that verify your experience in information systems auditing, control or security. After all requirements are met, you will be awarded your CISA certificate within 6-8 weeks.

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in management accounting and financial management.

It takes approximately 5-6 months to get the CGMA designation, depending on the individual's experience and background. To become a CGMA, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as financial reporting, cost management, strategic planning, risk management, performance measurement and corporate governance.

The cost for obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on the country where you are located. In the United States, it costs $1,500 to take the exam and $300 for annual membership fees. Other countries may have different costs associated with obtaining the CGMA designation.

Overall, obtaining the CGMA designation is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in management accounting and financial management and can open up new career opportunities in these fields.

6. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). The CGFM program was established to recognize and promote excellence in government financial management. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers the full range of topics related to government finance, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and internal controls.

To receive the CGFM designation, an individual must pass three examinations: Governmental Environment; Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting; and Governmental Financial Management and Control. Each exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for each exam is $250 for AGA members and $400 for non-members. In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements. Applicants must have two years of professional-level experience in governmental accounting or financial management within the past five years prior to submitting their application.

In total, it usually takes between six months to one year to complete all three exams and receive the CGFM designation.

7. Certified Professional Accountant (CPAc)

Certified Professional Accountant (CPAc) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the rigorous standards of education, experience, and examination set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The CPAc designation is recognized as the gold standard for accounting professionals.

To become a CPAc, an individual must meet certain requirements, including passing the Uniform CPA Examination and completing 150 semester hours of college-level coursework, which includes a bachelor’s degree. In addition to these requirements, individuals must also complete continuing professional education courses each year to maintain their certification.

The entire process from start to finish can take anywhere from one to three years depending on how quickly an individual completes their coursework and passes the exam.

To get started on becoming a CPAc, individuals should first research their state's specific requirements for certification. After meeting all educational requirements and passing the exam, they will then need to apply for licensure in their state of residence.

The cost of becoming a CPAc varies depending on factors such as the number of courses taken and whether or not an individual chooses to take any additional classes or seminars. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD in total fees associated with taking the exam and obtaining licensure.

8. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Financials

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Financials is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to help organizations manage their financial operations. It combines powerful financial management capabilities with the flexibility of the cloud to deliver an integrated solution that helps organizations run their business more efficiently.

It takes about 4-6 weeks to get Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Financials up and running. It includes setting up the environment, configuring the system, testing, training users, and deploying the solution.

To get Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Financials you need to purchase a license from Microsoft or a partner. The cost of the license will depend on your organization’s specific needs. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200 per user/month to $500 per user/month depending on the features you need.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Financials is an excellent choice for organizations looking to streamline their financial operations while taking advantage of all the benefits that come with using cloud technology.

9. Oracle E-Business Suite Financials R12

Oracle E-Business Suite Financials R12 is an integrated suite of financial applications that provides a comprehensive set of tools to help organizations manage their financial operations. It includes modules for general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, cash management and treasury, project accounting and asset lifecycle management. The suite also offers a powerful analytics engine with real-time access to financial data.

It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to get Oracle E-Business Suite Financials R12 up and running in an organization. The installation process involves setting up the software, configuring the database, setting up users and roles, establishing security policies and deploying the application. Additionally, there may be some customization required depending on the organization's specific requirements.

Organizations can purchase Oracle E-Business Suite Financials R12 directly from Oracle or through authorized resellers. Pricing depends on the number of users and other factors such as support contracts and additional services. Generally speaking, the cost of purchasing this software ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the size of the organization.

10. SAP ERP Financials

SAP ERP Financials is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution that helps organizations manage their financial processes. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools and features to help companies streamline their financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. SAP ERP Financials also supports the automation of key finance processes such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and taxation.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to implement SAP ERP Financials. This timeframe can vary depending on the size of the organization and its specific needs. The implementation process involves assessing the organization’s current financial processes, customizing the system to meet those needs, training users on how to use it effectively, and testing it before going live.

The cost of implementing SAP ERP Financials depends on several factors such as the number of users who will be using it, the complexity of the system configuration needed for your business processes, and any additional services or support you may need. Generally speaking, costs can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In addition to implementation costs, there are ongoing maintenance fees associated with running SAP ERP Financials in order to ensure that it remains up-to-date with new features and security updates.

Do You Really Need a Account Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and needs. If you want to pursue a career in accounting, or if you plan to manage accounts for yourself or for others, then an Account Administrator Certificate could be beneficial. This certificate provides specialized training in the field of accounting and can help increase your skills and knowledge about accounting principles, processes, and software.

Having an Account Administrator Certificate may also be beneficial when it comes to finding employment. Employers often prefer job candidates who have a certain level of education or experience in the field they are hiring for. An Account Administrator Certificate can provide employers with proof that you have received specialized training in the area of accounting, which can give you an edge over other job applicants who do not have any formal training in the field.

In addition, having an Account Administrator Certificate may also provide you with access to special resources and networking opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable without the certification. Many professional organizations offer exclusive benefits such as discounts on books and seminars, invitations to conferences and events, or even access to job postings available only to certified members.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Account Administrator Certificate depends on your own individual goals and needs. However, if you are interested in a career related to accounting or account management, then obtaining this certificate could provide many potential benefits that could help further your career aspirations.

Related: Account Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is an Account Administrator Certification?

A1. An Account Administrator Certification is a credential that proves the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a company's accounts, financial services, and other related accounting duties. It is awarded by professional organizations such as the Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (ICPA) or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Account Administrator Certification?

A2. Obtaining an Account Administrator Certification provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition in the field of accounting. It also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and enhances credibility with clients and employers.

Q3. How do I become certified as an account administrator?

A3. To become certified as an account administrator, you must pass a certification exam administered by a recognized professional organization such as ICPA or AICPA. The exam covers topics such as financial management, auditing principles, taxation law, and business ethics.

Q4. What qualifications do I need to be eligible for certification?

A4. To be eligible for certification, you must have at least two years of experience working in accounting or finance-related roles and hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance-related fields from an accredited university or college. In addition, some certifications may require additional education or experience in specific areas of accounting or finance-related fields before they can be obtained.

Q5 How long does it take to get certified?

A5 The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on your individual circumstances but typically ranges from 6 months to 1 year depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying for the exam and meeting any additional requirements for certification eligibility