Top 10 Accounting Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important competitive advantage in the job market for accounting administrators. They demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide employers with assurance that the administrator has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job well. Additionally, certifications can help an accounting administrator stand out from other candidates as they show employers that they have met rigorous standards and have proven expertise in their field. Certifications also provide recognition of a job applicant's dedication to learning and staying up-to-date on current accounting practices, which is invaluable when it comes to filling positions within the industry.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Accounting Administrators and explains how they can contribute to an accounting administrator's career growth.

What are Accounting Administrator Certifications?

Accounting Administrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and proficiency of accounting administrators. This certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence and demonstrates that the individual has achieved mastery in certain aspects of accounting administration. This certification can help individuals by providing them with the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to be successful in their chosen profession. It can also help employers to identify qualified candidates who possess the necessary qualifications for various positions in accounting administration. Furthermore, having this certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization or when seeking new employment opportunities elsewhere.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the requirements for accounting administrator certification in your area before beginning the process. Depending on the state, different certifications may be required, so it’s important to understand what you need and how to obtain it. Additionally, consider taking additional courses or training programs to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the accounting field and are well-prepared for certification exams.

Related: What does an Accounting Administrator do?

Top 10 Accounting Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are licensed to provide financial services such as auditing, taxation, and financial planning. CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet other state-specific requirements in order to be certified.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time required to become a CPA varies from state to state, but generally takes between one and two years. This includes completing an accredited college degree program in accounting with 150 semester hours of coursework, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and meeting any additional requirements set forth by the individual state board.

How to get it?

In order to become a CPA, individuals must complete an accredited college degree program in accounting with at least 150 semester hours of coursework. After completing their degree program, they must pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the AICPA. The exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Financial Accounting & Reporting; Regulation; and Business Environment & Concepts. Once they have passed all four sections of the exam, they must also meet any additional requirements set forth by their individual state board before being certified as a CPA.

How much does it cost?

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on several factors including tuition costs for educational programs, fees associated with taking the exam, and any additional fees required by individual states for certification. Generally speaking, individuals can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 in total costs associated with becoming a CPA.

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 measure the knowledge and skills of those working in management accounting, financial planning, analysis, and decision-making. The CMA credential is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence and commitment to the profession.

It takes approximately 18-24 months to complete the CMA program. To become certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing a comprehensive exam.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on your situation. The IMA offers several different packages that include study materials, exam fees, and membership dues. Depending on which package you choose, the total cost can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

In addition to the cost of becoming certified, you must also maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every three years.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of internal auditors in the areas of risk management, control, and governance. The CIA designation is globally recognized as a mark of excellence in internal audit, assurance, and compliance.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), you must meet certain requirements set forth by the IIA. These include having at least two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields; passing an exam that covers topics such as ethics, risk management, corporate governance, financial statement analysis, and other relevant topics; and completing an approved program of study.

The exam consists of four parts that are taken over two days. Each part must be passed with a score of at least 70%. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $600 - $1,000 USD.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for the CIA designation you will receive your certificate from the IIA. This certificate will serve as proof that you have achieved this prestigious designation and can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in internal auditing.

4. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the field of government financial management. The CGFM certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional growth and development, as well as their expertise in the field.

To become certified, applicants must pass three examinations that cover topics such as budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal control systems, and financial management systems. To be eligible for the CGFM program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management.

The CGFM program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants should allow sufficient time for studying for each exam before taking them. The cost of the CGFM program varies depending on whether you take all three exams at once or separately. The total cost can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD depending on your location and other factors.

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 professionals who have demonstrated expertise in financial management, strategic planning, risk management, and decision-making.

It typically takes about two years to obtain the CGMA designation. Candidates must complete a minimum of three years of relevant work experience and pass an exam. The exam consists of four parts: Financial Reporting & Analysis; Strategic Business Management; Risk & Control; and Professionalism & Ethics.

To get the CGMA designation, candidates must first join AICPA or CIMA, which requires an annual membership fee. After joining one of these organizations, applicants must then register for the exam. The cost for the exam is $1,200 USD per part. Additionally, there are fees associated with obtaining the required work experience and taking any necessary courses or training sessions.

Overall, it can cost up to $5,000 USD to obtain the CGMA designation.

6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. The CISA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to audit, control, monitor and assess information technology and business systems.

It typically takes 3-6 months of preparation to pass the CISA exam. To get certified, you must first apply for the CISA exam through ISACA's website. After that, you'll need to pass the exam with a score of at least 450 out of 800 points.

The cost of taking the CISA exam varies depending on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $650-$800 USD for US residents or $450-$600 USD for non-US residents. Additionally, there are also fees associated with maintaining your certification each year which range from $45-$85 USD depending on your ISACA membership status.

7. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional designation awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential demonstrates expertise in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence. It is one of the most respected credentials in the anti-fraud profession.

To become a CFE, individuals must have at least two years of professional experience in fraud examination or a related field, such as accounting, law enforcement, or auditing. They must also pass an extensive four-hour exam that covers topics such as financial transactions and fraud schemes, investigation techniques, and legal elements of fraud.

The entire process to obtain the CFE credential typically takes between six to nine months. This includes completing the application process and passing the exam.

The cost to become a CFE varies depending on whether you are an ACFE member or non-member. For members, it costs $350 for the application fee and $400 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $450 for the application fee and $500 for the exam fee.

8. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP/ABA)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP/ABA) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The ABAP/ABA designation is a mark of excellence for business advisors and accountants who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, experience, and skill in providing accounting and financial services to businesses.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the requirements for the ABAP/ABA designation. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in business accounting or advising, pass an exam administered by the AICPA, and complete continuing education courses.

To get the ABAP/ABA designation, candidates must first apply online through the AICPA website. After submitting their application and paying an initial fee, they will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will then be eligible to become an accredited business accountant or advisor.

The cost of obtaining the ABAP/ABA designation varies depending on whether you are taking it as part of a degree program or independently. Generally speaking, taking it independently will cost more than if you were taking it as part of a degree program due to additional fees such as registration fees and exam fees. However, there are also discounts available for certain groups such as veterans or students enrolled in certain programs.

9. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CFSA designation is a globally recognized credential for financial services professionals who specialize in auditing and assurance services. The CFSA provides assurance to stakeholders that an auditor has the knowledge and skills needed to perform financial services audits in accordance with global standards.

The CFSA program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. To qualify for each level, applicants must have a certain amount of experience in financial services audit engagements, as well as pass the corresponding exam. Each level requires additional education, training, and experience to qualify.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete all three levels of the CFSA program, depending on individual circumstances. To get started on the path to becoming a CFSA, applicants must first submit an application form with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email from IIA confirming their eligibility for the program.

The cost of obtaining the CFSA designation varies depending on which level you are applying for and if you are taking any courses or attending any seminars related to the program. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

10. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada).

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada) is a professional designation for accountants in Canada. It is the highest standard of accounting education and experience available in the country, and it is recognized by employers, governments, and regulators worldwide.

To obtain the CPA designation, you must complete a rigorous educational program that includes both a university degree and a professional qualification program. The CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) consists of four modules: Financial Reporting, Assurance, Management Accounting & Decision Support, and Taxation. The PEP takes an average of two to three years to complete depending on your prior education background.

In addition to completing the PEP, candidates must also meet certain work experience requirements before they can become a Chartered Professional Accountant. This includes at least two years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a CPA or other qualified professional accountant.

The cost of obtaining the CPA designation varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, tuition fees for the PEP range from $3,000 to $7,000 per module depending on which province you are located in. In addition to tuition fees, there are also registration fees for each module as well as examination fees for each module upon completion.

Overall, becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant requires dedication and commitment but can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and financially.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and his or her particular situation. For some, an accounting administrator certificate may be essential for career advancement and success in their chosen field. For others, the certificate may not be necessary but can serve as a valuable asset in the job market.

For those considering a career in accounting, obtaining an accounting administrator certificate is often seen as a way of boosting one’s resume and standing out from the competition. An accounting administrator certificate demonstrates to employers that an individual has received formal training in key areas such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, taxation, and more. It is also often required by employers for certain positions related to accounting and finance.

In addition to offering potential employment opportunities, having a certification can also give individuals greater confidence when performing their duties. Those who have obtained an accounting administrator certificate are more likely to have a better understanding of the basics of accountancy principles and practices which can help them make informed decisions when faced with complex tasks or challenges. This can be especially beneficial for those who are new to the profession or looking to move up within their organization.

On the other hand, there are many individuals who do not need an accounting administrator certificate in order to be successful in their chosen field. It is important to consider all factors before making any decisions regarding whether or not it would benefit you professionally or personally. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what one hopes to gain from pursuing such certification.

Related: Accounting Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Administrator Certifications

1. What is an Accounting Administrator Certification?

Answer: An Accounting Administrator Certification is a certification that demonstrates mastery of accounting principles and practices. It is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in financial administration or accounting.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Accounting Administrator Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining an Accounting Administrator Certification include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater credibility with employers, and better overall knowledge of accounting principles and processes.

3. How much does it cost to obtain an Accounting Administrator Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Accounting Administrator Certification will vary depending on the program you choose and any applicable fees associated with it. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$3000 USD.

4. How long does it take to obtain an Accounting Administrator Certification?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for an Accounting Administrator Certification.

5. What are the eligibility requirements for becoming certified as an Accounting Administrator?

Answer: Eligibility requirements vary by program but typically include having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, passing certain exams related to accounting principles and practices, completing approved coursework related to accounting administration, and/or demonstrating relevant work experience in the field of accounting administration.