Top 11 Account Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for an account clerk in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and knowledge in the accounting field. This can be attractive to potential employers, as it shows that the candidate has taken the initiative to hone their skills and gain additional qualifications. Certifications also provide evidence of experience and proficiency in particular areas, such as data analysis or bookkeeping, which may give an account clerk a competitive edge over other candidates who don’t have certifications. Finally, certifications can help to build trust with employers and clients by showing that the accountant is committed to their career and willing to invest time and resources into developing their professional skills.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Account Clerks and explains how they can help enhance an account clerk's career prospects.

What are Account Clerk Certifications?

Account Clerk Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in accounting, finance and bookkeeping. It is designed to help individuals who are looking to advance their career in the accounting field or obtain entry-level positions as an accountant or bookkeeper. The certification program focuses on the fundamentals of accounting such as double-entry bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing and financial statement preparation.

The certification provides employers with the assurance that the individual has a strong understanding of the principles of accounting and can successfully perform a variety of essential tasks related to accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll processing. Certification also provides job seekers with an edge when applying for jobs since it shows potential employers that they have acquired important skills necessary for success in the field. Additionally, account clerk certification can help individuals increase their earning potential by demonstrating mastery of key concepts related to accounting.

Pro Tip: To become an account clerk, it is important to have a working knowledge of basic accounting principles and the ability to accurately record financial transactions. Additionally, certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper or Certified Professional Bookkeeper can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field.

Related: What does an Account Clerk do?

Top 11 Account Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification program administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The CB designation is widely recognized as the gold standard for bookkeeping professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform bookkeeping tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

To become a Certified Bookkeeper, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as financial statement preparation, payroll processing, accounts receivable and accounts payable management, cash flow analysis, tax compliance, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to prepare for the CB exam. You can prepare for the exam by studying on your own or taking an online course or in-person class offered by AIPB or other organizations. Additionally, AIPB offers study materials such as practice tests and flashcards to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Bookkeeper varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. The cost of taking an online course or in-person class can range from $500-$1,000 while self-study materials may cost around $100-$200. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the CB exam which currently costs $250.

2. Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational and experience requirements set forth by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). This certification demonstrates that the individual has achieved a level of expertise in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial reporting.

The CPB credential requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time work experience in bookkeeping or accounting, pass an exam administered by the AIPB, and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. The exam covers topics such as financial statements, payroll taxes, accounts receivable and payable, cost accounting principles, and QuickBooks software.

To become a CPB, you must first register with the AIPB and pay a fee. The registration fee is $325 for members or $425 for non-members. After registering with the AIPB, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams. Once you are ready to take the exam, you will need to pay an additional fee of $195 for members or $295 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from the AIPB. You will then be eligible to use the CPB designation after your name on business cards and other documents related to your profession.

In total, it can take up to six months from start to finish to become a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB).

3. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential bookkeeping functions of a business. It is issued by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and is the only bookkeeping certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The CPB exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as accounting principles, financial statement preparation, payroll management, taxation, and QuickBooks. To obtain the CPB certification, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam can be taken online or in person at an approved testing center.

It typically takes about four weeks to prepare for the CPB exam. You can find study materials from AIPB or other sources such as books or online classes.

The cost of taking the CPB exam varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or in person. In general, it costs between $200 and $400 USD for members of AIPB and between $300 and $500 USD for non-members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CPB certificate within six to eight weeks. You will also receive a digital badge that you can use to showcase your credentials on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.

4. Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) is a professional qualification offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It is aimed at those who want to develop their accounting skills and knowledge in order to pursue a career in finance or accountancy. The CAT qualification provides an entry route into the ACCA Qualification, as well as providing an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue a career in finance or accountancy.

The CAT qualification takes approximately 12-18 months to complete, depending on the individual's level of commitment and prior experience. To get the CAT qualification, individuals must first register with ACCA and then complete four exams: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Law & Taxation and Performance Management.

The cost of the CAT qualification varies depending on which country you are studying in and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Generally speaking, it will cost around £1,000 - £2,500 to get the CAT Qualification.

5. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in payroll administration. The CPP designation is granted by the American Payroll Association (APA). It indicates that the holder has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of payroll management.

To become a Certified Payroll Professional, applicants must pass an exam administered by the APA. The exam covers topics such as payroll law, accounting, taxation, benefits, and other related areas. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPP exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in payroll administration or have completed an approved course in payroll administration from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience or educational background along with their application for examination.

The cost to take the CPP exam is $395 for APA members and $495 for non-members. This fee includes the cost of the exam and all materials needed to take it. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 to maintain your certification status.

Overall, becoming a Certified Payroll Professional requires dedication and commitment but can be incredibly rewarding in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased job security.

6. Certified Accounts Payable Specialist (CAPS)

Certified Accounts Payable Specialist (CAPS) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of accounts payable professionals. CAPS is offered by the Institute of Financial Operations, a professional organization dedicated to advancing the accounts payable profession.

The CAPS program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an online exam. The online course covers topics such as accounts payable processes, best practices, financial analysis, internal controls, and more. It takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete the course.

To become certified, you must pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the exam is $250 USD for members and $350 USD for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your Certified Accounts Payable Specialist certificate in 4-6 weeks.

7. Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS)

Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of accounts receivable professionals. The CARS program is offered by the Institute of Financial Operations and endorsed by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM).

The CARS program consists of three courses: Accounts Receivable Fundamentals, Advanced Accounts Receivable Management, and Professional Practices. Each course requires a passing score on an exam in order to receive certification. The courses can be taken online or in-person at an approved training center.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three courses and exams required for certification. The cost of the program varies depending on which option you choose – online or in-person – but generally ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

8. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in government financial management. The CGFM certification is an internationally recognized credential for those engaged in public sector financial management.

It typically takes three to five years to obtain the CGFM designation, depending on the individual's background and experience. To become certified, applicants must pass three examinations: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered by Prometric Testing Centers.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Applicants must also adhere to the AGA Code of Ethics for Certified Public Accountants.

The cost of obtaining the CGFM designation varies depending on a number of factors such as exam fees, membership fees, study materials, etc. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to become certified.

9. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize management accountants who demonstrate excellence in their field.

The CGMA designation requires an individual to pass the CGMA Exam, which tests knowledge in areas such as financial reporting, cost management, performance measurement and risk management. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical application portion. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online. The practical application portion consists of case studies and scenarios that require the candidate to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CGMA Exam. During this time, candidates should review relevant materials, practice with sample questions, and become familiar with the exam format.

To get the CGMA designation, individuals must first become members of the AICPA. Membership requires passing an ethics exam and paying annual dues. After becoming an AICPA member, individuals can register for the CGMA Exam through their MyCGMA portal on the AICPA website.

The cost of taking the CGMA Exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AICPA member. For non-members, it costs $1,500 USD; for members it costs $750 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with registering for and scheduling your exam appointment ($125 USD) as well as retake fees ($150 USD).

10. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABV)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABV) is a professional designation issued by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). The ABA/ABV designation is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of experienced business accountants and advisors.

To obtain the ABA/ABV designation, candidates must have at least five years of experience in business accounting, finance or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by ICMA. The exam covers topics such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing, management accounting and financial analysis.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the location of the test center and other fees associated with registering for the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 to take the exam.

It typically takes around four weeks to receive results from ICMA after taking the exam. If a candidate passes the exam, they will be awarded their ABA/ABV designation.

11. Institute of Management Accountants’ Credential in Management Accounting (CMA).

The Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Credential in Management Accounting (CMA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and skills of management accountants. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to apply knowledge and skills in the areas of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete all requirements for the CMA. The process includes completing two exams, meeting the required work experience requirement and passing a background check. The two exams are divided into four parts: Financial Planning, Performance & Control; Financial Decision Making; Strategic Financial Management; and Professional Ethics. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as essay questions that require written responses.

In order to be eligible for the CMA, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college and two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. They must also be members of IMA or become members before they can take the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CMA credential varies depending on whether you are already a member of IMA or not. If you are an existing member, it will cost $250 per part plus any applicable taxes; if you are not a member then it will cost $350 per part plus any applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with study materials such as textbooks or online courses that may need to be purchased in order to prepare for the exams.

Do You Really Need a Account Clerk Certificate?

An account clerk certificate can be a valuable asset for those who are looking to break into the accounting profession. It provides evidence of one’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of accounting, as well as demonstrating that the individual has taken additional steps to become certified in their field.

Having an account clerk certificate may make you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers often view certifications as evidence that an individual is serious about their career and willing to go the extra mile to gain qualifications and expertise. Having a certification also shows potential employers that you have already developed some skill in this area, which can give you an edge over applicants without one.

However, there are certain circumstances where having an account clerk certificate is not necessary. For example, if you already have experience in accounting and a good understanding of the field, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certification. Additionally, some positions may not require applicants to possess any specific certifications or qualifications; instead they may prefer someone with experience and relevant skills. In these cases, having a certification would not necessarily give you an advantage over other candidates.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an account clerk certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are interested in advancing your career within the accounting profession then having a certification could be beneficial; however if you already have experience and relevant skills then it may not be necessary for achieving your goals.

Related: Account Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Clerk Certifications

1. What is an Account Clerk Certification?

Answer: An Account Clerk Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and proficiency in accounting principles, procedures, and practices. It is awarded to individuals who have completed a certain number of hours of study and passed an examination.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Account Clerk?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Account Clerk provides job security, increased salary potential, and the ability to work with more responsibility in the field. It also allows for greater career opportunities within the accounting profession.

3. How long does it take to become certified as an Account Clerk?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified varies depending on the individual’s experience level and the specific requirements of the certification program they choose. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all necessary courses and exams for certification.

4. What qualifications do I need to become certified as an Account Clerk?

Answer: The specific qualifications vary depending on the certification program chosen; however, most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math skills, basic computer skills, and some prior accounting experience or coursework in accounting principles and practices.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as an Account Clerk?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen; however, many programs offer discounts for those who pay for their entire course up front or for those who qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Generally speaking, most programs range from $200-$1000 USD depending on their duration and scope of coverage.