Top 10 Accounting Assistant Certifications

Certifications for an accounting assistant in the job market are important for a number of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job successfully. Employers want to hire employees who have demonstrated their commitment to their field and have the appropriate qualifications. Additionally, certifications can make an accounting assistant more attractive to potential employers as they provide evidence that they have been able to pass rigorous exams and maintain their knowledge in a particular area. Finally, certifications may be required by some employers or used as a way to differentiate candidates from others when applying for certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Accounting Assistants, and to demonstrate how these certifications can help to advance their career.

What are Accounting Assistant Certifications?

Accounting assistant certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial record-keeping. The certification is awarded by organizations such as the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). The certification process involves passing a series of examinations and completing continuing education courses to ensure that those who hold the designation are up-to-date on industry best practices.

Having an accounting assistant certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in the field. It also demonstrates that they have the necessary skills to accurately maintain financial records and produce meaningful reports. A certified accounting assistant can be trusted to handle important tasks with accuracy and integrity, which makes them invaluable to employers. Furthermore, having this credential may open doors for career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: Consider taking an online accounting assistant certification course to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of accounting. This type of certification can be a great way to develop a strong foundation in accounting and increase your chances of success in the field.

Related: What does an Accounting Assistant do?

Top 10 Accounting Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of bookkeeping skills and knowledge. The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge in areas such as accounting principles, financial statements, payroll and taxes.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CB exam. Preparation typically involves studying textbooks and taking practice exams. There are also online courses available that provide instruction on the topics covered in the exam.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application along with proof of education, experience, and references. Once accepted into the program, applicants must take and pass the CB exam within two years of their application date.

The cost of becoming a Certified Bookkeeper varies depending on the type of preparation used. Textbooks can range from $50-$100 while online courses can be more expensive. The cost of taking the exam itself is $399 as of 2020.

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to an individual who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination, met additional state education and experience requirements, and has been licensed by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are responsible for providing financial advice, preparing tax returns, auditing financial statements, and performing other accounting services.

It typically takes four or five years of college-level coursework in accounting to become a CPA. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation; Business Environment and Concepts; Financial Accounting and Reporting; and Regulation.

To become a licensed CPA, you must meet the requirements set forth by your state’s board of accountancy. This may include passing an ethics exam as well as completing continuing education courses throughout your career. Each state sets its own fees for obtaining a license which can range from $50-$1,000 depending on the state.

Once you have obtained your license, you will need to maintain it by meeting any additional requirements set forth by your state’s board of accountancy such as completing continuing education courses or filing annual reports.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed for management accountants and financial professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA program provides a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as strategic planning, budgeting, cost management, internal controls, performance measurement and reporting.

The CMA program consists of two parts: Part 1 focuses on financial planning, performance measurement and analysis; Part 2 focuses on decision support and corporate finance. To become certified, candidates must pass both parts of the exam. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the entire CMA program.

In order to get certified as a CMA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; having at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management; and passing the CMA exam with a score of 75% or better on each part.

The cost of becoming a Certified Management Accountant varies depending on your country/region. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 for the application fee plus exam fees for both parts of the exam. You may also need to pay additional fees for study materials and other resources related to preparing for the exam.

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized and respected audit certification in the world. The CIA designation demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, knowledge, and ethical standards in internal auditing.

In order to obtain the CIA certification, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass a three-part exam. The exam covers topics such as risk management, control systems, information technology, governance, financial management, operations management, and audit processes.

It typically takes between six months to two years to prepare for the exam depending on an individual’s background experience. To get started with studying for the exam, individuals can purchase study materials from IIA or use online resources such as practice tests or online courses.

The cost of obtaining the CIA certification varies depending on where you are located and what type of study materials you purchase. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 - $2,000 for all three parts of the exam.

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved excellence in management accounting.

The CGMA designation is awarded after a rigorous assessment process that tests an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement, risk management, decision analysis, and strategic planning. The assessment process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

To become a CGMA, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set by AICPA/CIMA. These include having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in accounting or finance; two years of relevant work experience; passing the CGMATM Assessment; and meeting other criteria set by AICPA/CIMA. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the CGMA designation through the AICPA/CIMA website.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation depends on several factors including country of residence and type of membership chosen. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to register for the CGMATM Assessment plus an additional fee for membership with AICPA/CIMA.

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 designation is a mark of excellence for those in the field of government financial management. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and expertise in government financial management.

To obtain the CGFM designation, applicants must pass three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting; and Governmental Financial Management and Control. All three exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost to take each exam is $250 USD, making the total cost of obtaining the CGFM designation $750 USD. It typically takes six months to one year to complete all three exams, depending on an individual’s availability and study schedule.

In order to maintain the CGFM credential, individuals must earn continuing education credits every two years by participating in approved activities such as attending conferences or completing online courses related to government finance topics.

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is an internationally recognized designation that demonstrates expertise in IT auditing, control, and security. The CISA certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to assess vulnerabilities, report on compliance, and institute controls within an organization’s information systems.

To obtain the CISA certification, individuals must meet certain requirements including having five years of professional experience in IS audit control, assurance, or security. If they do not have the required experience, they may substitute relevant education for up to three years of experience. Once the requirements are met, applicants must pass a rigorous exam that covers 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.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. It costs $575 for ISACA members or $760 for non-members to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam and meeting all other requirements for certification (such as paying an annual fee), individuals will be awarded their CISA designation.

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

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in business accounting and financial management. It is issued by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of accounting, taxation, and related services.

In order to obtain the ABA/ABA designation, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, including having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and completing at least 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). In addition, individuals must pass an exam administered by ACAT. The exam covers topics such as financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing, cost accounting, and more.

The process of obtaining the ABA/ABA designation typically takes between one to two years depending on the individual’s prior experience and qualifications. During this time period, individuals must complete all required CPE courses and pass the ACAT exam.

The cost of obtaining the ABA/ABA designation varies depending on the individual’s specific situation. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more for tuition fees associated with CPE courses and other related expenses such as registration fees for the ACAT exam.

Overall, obtaining the ABA/ABA designation is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in business accounting and financial management and increase their value in the job market.

9. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to detect, investigate, and prevent fraud.

The CFE credential requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in fraud examination or related field, or a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice or law. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers four areas: financial transactions and fraud schemes; law; investigation; and criminology and ethics.

It usually takes about 6-12 months to complete the CFE program depending on how much time you are able to devote to studying for the exam. The ACFE offers self-study materials such as books, practice exams and online courses that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CFE credential varies depending on your chosen study materials and if you choose to take any additional courses offered by the ACFE. The cost of the exam itself is $400 USD for members of the ACFE ($450 USD for non-members).

10. Professional Bookkeeper Certification (PBC)

Professional Bookkeeper Certification (PBC) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform bookkeeping tasks. It is offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), a professional association for bookkeepers in the United States.

The PBC program consists of two exams: the Certified Bookkeeper Exam and the Advanced Certified Bookkeeper Exam. The Certified Bookkeeper Exam covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statements, payroll, taxes, and QuickBooks. The Advanced Certified Bookkeeper Exam covers more advanced topics such as business law, auditing, investments, and budgeting.

It typically takes about six months to complete both exams and receive your certification. In order to qualify for the certification, you must have at least two years of experience working as a bookkeeper or accountant. You must also pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of the PBC program varies depending on which exam you take first and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. The cost for each exam ranges from $150-$200 depending on whether you are an AIPB member or not. Additionally, there is an annual recertification fee of $50 due every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the level of experience you have in accounting. If you have a background in accounting, or are currently studying for an accounting degree, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to gain entry-level employment in the field of accounting, then a certificate in accounting can be beneficial.

Having an accounting assistant certificate shows employers that you possess the knowledge and skills required for basic accounting duties such as bookkeeping, data entry, accounts receivable and payable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. It also demonstrates that you understand the principles of financial reporting and can competently use accounting software programs.

In addition to providing a competitive edge when applying for positions related to accounting, having an accounting assistant certificate can open up other opportunities outside of the traditional roles within finance departments. For example, many organizations are now seeking individuals with an understanding of basic financial concepts who can help them with budgeting and forecasting tasks. Having a certificate in accounting provides evidence that you have acquired these skills through formal education or training.

Overall, if your goal is to work in the field of finance or gain entry-level employment related to financial management then having an accounting assistant certificate may be beneficial for you. It will provide proof that you possess the knowledge required for basic financial tasks and demonstrate your commitment to advancing your professional qualifications.

Related: Accounting Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounting Assistant Certification?

A1. An Accounting Assistant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and proficiency in accounting principles and practices. It is typically awarded by a professional association or other organization, and can help individuals stand out in the job market as having advanced skills in the field of accounting.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Accounting Assistant Certification?

A2. Obtaining an Accounting Assistant Certification can provide individuals with a number of benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater credibility within the profession. Additionally, it can demonstrate to employers that the individual has taken initiative to become educated and proficient in their field.

Q3. What topics are covered in an Accounting Assistant Certification?

A3. Topics covered in an Accounting Assistant Certification typically include financial reporting, accounting principles, taxation, auditing standards, financial analysis techniques, communication skills, customer service skills and more.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain an Accounting Assistant Certification?

A4. The time it takes to obtain an Accounting Assistant Certification varies depending on the program and individual circumstances; however, many programs offer accelerated courses which may enable individuals to complete their certification within as little as 6 months or less.

Q5. How much does it cost to obtain an Accounting Assistant Certification?

A5. Costs associated with obtaining an Accounting Assistant Certification will vary depending on the program chosen; however most programs range from $500-$2000 USD for tuition costs alone (additional fees such as books or materials may also be required).