Top 11 Accounting Associate Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for accounting associates in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill. Employers look for certified professionals who have the necessary qualifications to succeed in their roles. Certified accounting associates are more likely to be considered for positions, as they have proven their commitment to the profession and mastery of its principles. Certification also helps employers identify qualified candidates quickly and easily, making it easier to fill open positions with qualified individuals. Additionally, certifications can help accounting associates stand out from the competition when applying for jobs because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence and dedication to their profession.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Accounting Associates and explain how they can contribute to an accounting associate's career growth.

What are Accounting Associate Certifications?

Accounting Associate Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles and practices. This certification is offered by organizations such as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Earning an Accounting Associate Certification provides added value to those seeking an entry-level job in accounting or finance, or those already working in these fields who want to advance their career.

Having an Accounting Associate Certification indicates to employers that the individual is knowledgeable and competent in their field. It also shows potential customers that this individual has a level of expertise and professionalism that they can trust. This credential can give employers peace of mind when hiring someone for an accounting role, as it demonstrates that the individual has been tested on their ability to effectively apply accounting principles and practices.

For those already working in accounting or finance, earning this certification can be beneficial when looking for job promotions or new opportunities. It can also help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs, as many employers prefer to hire candidates with certifications. Furthermore, having an Accounting Associate Certification may help individuals qualify for higher salaries, as certified professionals are often compensated more than those without credentials.

Pro Tip: Taking the time to complete an accounting associate certification can be a great way to strengthen your resume and demonstrate your knowledge of financial principles. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within the field and help you stand out from other job applicants.

Related: What does an Accounting Associate do?

Top 11 Accounting Associate Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and examination requirements set by the state in which they plan to practice. CPAs are licensed by their respective states and must adhere to a code of professional ethics. They provide a variety of services such as auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, providing advice on business matters, and maintaining records for businesses and individuals.

It typically takes between two to four years of college education plus an additional one or two years of experience in the field before you can become eligible to take the CPA exam. The exam consists of four parts: Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Business Environment & Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).

To become a CPA, you must meet the requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. These requirements vary from state to state but usually include completing 150 semester hours of college education, passing the CPA exam with a score of 75 or higher on each section, having at least one year of relevant work experience in accounting or auditing, and meeting any additional requirements set forth by the state board.

The cost for taking the CPA exam varies depending on where you live; however, it typically costs around $800-$1,000 per section. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with becoming a CPA such as application fees and continuing education costs.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is an advanced professional certification for accountants and financial professionals. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

It usually takes approximately one year to complete the CMA program. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the IMA. These include having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and passing two exams.

The cost of the CMA exam varies depending on the country in which you are taking it. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD to take both parts of the exam. This includes registration fees and study materials such as textbooks and practice tests. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as tutoring services or test prep courses.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an internationally recognized certification for internal auditors. It is issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the internal audit profession. The CIA designation is widely accepted as the global benchmark for internal auditing excellence.

To obtain the CIA certification, candidates must pass three examinations: Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on your country or region. Generally, it costs between $400-$500 USD per exam, plus a one-time application fee of $50 USD.

In total, it can take up to two years to complete all three exams and earn the CIA designation. Once you have passed all three exams, you will be eligible to apply for membership in the IIA and receive your official CIA certificate.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation in the field of management accounting that is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of finance professionals who are involved in decision-making, strategy, and performance improvement.

It typically takes about two years to become eligible for the CGMA designation. To be eligible, you must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in accounting or related fields, as well as five years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management roles. You must also pass a rigorous exam administered by AICPA/CIMA.

To obtain the CGMA designation, you must register with AICPA/CIMA and pay an application fee. Once your application has been approved, you will need to complete their online learning program and pass their CGMA exam. After successfully completing both requirements, you will receive your CGMA certification from AICPA/CIMA.

The cost to obtain the CGMA designation varies depending on which route you choose to take. The standard registration fee is $495 USD plus applicable taxes; however, there are discounts available for members of certain organizations such as CPA Australia or IMA (Institute of Management Accountants). Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or study materials costs.

5. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in fraud prevention, detection, deterrence, and investigation.

The CFE credential requires applicants to pass an exam that covers four main areas: financial transactions and fraud schemes; law; investigation; and criminology. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 75%. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible for the CFE credential, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in fraud examination or a related field. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in accounting or law enforcement.

The cost of obtaining the CFE credential varies depending on the country you live in and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the credential and maintaining it over time.

6. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in government financial management. The program is administered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

The CGFM designation is designed to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, budgeting/finance, and internal controls. It is intended for individuals who work in or aspire to work in government financial management positions.

It typically takes about two years to complete the CGFM program. To become certified, applicants must pass three comprehensive exams: Governmental Environment; Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting & Budgeting; and Governmental Financial Management & Control. Applicants must also meet experience requirements and adhere to the AGA’s Code of Professional Conduct.

The cost of taking the CGFM exams varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam plus an additional fee for registration.

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skills in information systems auditing, control, and security. CISA certification is widely accepted as the global standard for IS audit, control, and security professionals.

To get CISA certified, you must pass an exam administered by ISACA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering five domains: The Process of Auditing Information Systems; Governance and Management of IT; Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation; Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Support; Protection of Information Assets.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CISA exam. It is recommended that you have at least 5 years of experience in the field before attempting the exam. You can also take courses or training programs offered by ISACA to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CISA exam varies depending on where you take it. In most countries it costs around $700 USD for members of ISACA and $900 USD for non-members. Additionally there may be other fees associated with registering for the exam such as late registration fees or rescheduling fees.

8. Accredited Business Valuator (ABV)

Accredited Business Valuator (ABV) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of practice in the field of business valuation. The ABV credential is awarded by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).

An ABV must have a minimum of five years of experience in business valuation and must pass an exam administered by the ASA. The exam tests knowledge in areas such as financial statement analysis, economic theory, and business valuation techniques. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and ethical practices.

It typically takes between six months to a year to become an Accredited Business Valuator (ABV). This time frame includes studying for and taking the exam, completing any additional requirements set forth by the ASA, and obtaining references from industry professionals.

To become an Accredited Business Valuator (ABV), you must first meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the American Society of Appraisers. These include having at least five years of experience in business valuation and holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. You must then register for and pass the ABV examination administered by the ASA. Finally, you must submit three professional references from individuals who can attest to your qualifications as a business valuator.

The cost of becoming an Accredited Business Valuator (ABV) varies depending on where you take the exam and other associated fees. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified as an ABV.

9. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada)

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the education, experience and examination requirements set out by CPA Canada. It is the highest standard of accounting in Canada and is recognized by employers, governments and other organizations around the world.

The process of becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant takes approximately five years to complete. To become a CPA, an individual must first obtain an undergraduate degree in accounting or business from an accredited university. They must then complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), which consists of two components: the Common Final Examination (CFE) and 30 months of practical experience. The CFE is a three-day exam that tests candidates on their knowledge of accounting principles, professional values and ethics, financial reporting, assurance services and taxation.

The cost to become a CPA varies depending on where you live. In Ontario, for example, it costs approximately $2,000 to write the CFE plus additional fees for course materials and registration with CPA Ontario. Additionally, there are annual membership fees associated with maintaining your designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Overall, becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding for those interested in pursuing this career path.

10. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is a professional certification for individuals who provide financial planning services to clients. The CFP® designation is granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). A CFP® professional must meet certain educational, experience and ethical standards in order to be certified.

To become a CFP®, an individual must complete the following steps:

1. Education: Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus complete coursework in financial planning that meets the CFP Board’s requirements.

2. Exam: Pass the comprehensive 10-hour CFP Certification Examination administered by the CFP Board.

3. Experience: Accumulate three years of full-time personal financial planning experience or equivalent part-time experience prior to applying for certification; or have two years of full-time personal financial planning experience and have completed an approved master’s degree program in financial planning prior to applying for certification.

4. Ethics: Agree to abide by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards, as well as complete a background check and pay applicable fees.

The cost of obtaining the CFP® designation varies depending on factors such as education costs and exam fees but can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD including all associated expenses such as registration fees, study materials and exam prep courses. It typically takes between one to three years to complete all of the requirements for becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

11. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA® )

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) is a professional certification offered by the CFA Institute. It is a globally recognized credential that is highly sought after in the investment industry. The CFA program provides a comprehensive knowledge of financial analysis, portfolio management and ethical standards to help practitioners make informed decisions in their respective fields.

The CFA Program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires passing an exam and takes approximately 300 hours of study time to complete. To become a Chartered Financial Analyst, you must pass all three exams within four years and meet the required work experience requirements.

To get started on the CFA Program, you must first register with the CFA Institute and pay an enrollment fee of $450 USD. After registering, you will have access to study materials and practice exams for each level of the program. Additionally, there are review courses available from third-party providers for an additional cost.

Once you have completed all three levels of the program and met the required work experience requirements, you will receive your CFA charter from the CFA Institute. The total cost for completing all three levels of the program can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD depending on what type of study materials or review courses you choose to use.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Associate Certificate?

Deciding whether or not to pursue an Accounting Associate Certificate is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. On the one hand, having an Accounting Associate Certificate can open up many doors of opportunity in the accounting field. It provides employers with evidence that you have a basic understanding of accounting principles, as well as a commitment to further your education and professional development. Additionally, it may be helpful in securing entry-level positions in the field, as well as providing a foundation for further studies.

On the other hand, an Accounting Associate Certificate may not be necessary for those who already possess some experience and knowledge in the field. In some cases, work experience alone may be sufficient to secure a position in accounting. Furthermore, depending on the type of job being sought after, there may be other certifications that are more appropriate than an Accounting Associate Certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Accounting Associate Certificate depends upon your individual goals and needs. If you are looking for an entry-level position or want to demonstrate your commitment to furthering your education and professional development, then obtaining such a certificate could be beneficial. However, if you already possess some knowledge and experience in the field or are seeking out a more specialized role, then it may not be necessary to obtain this certification. Ultimately, it is important to carefully consider all factors before making any decision about pursuing such a certification.

Related: Accounting Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Associate Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounting Associate Certification?

A1. An Accounting Associate Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in basic accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and other related topics. The certification provides evidence of expertise to employers and can help individuals advance their careers in the field of accounting.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Accounting Associate?

A2. To become certified as an Accounting Associate, you must pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Additionally, some states may require additional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain an Accounting Associate Certification?

A3. The amount of time it takes to obtain an Accounting Associate Certification varies depending on the individual's background and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming an Accounting Associate?

A4. Becoming certified as an Accounting Associate offers numerous benefits including increased job security, higher salaries, and more opportunities for career growth within the accounting field. Additionally, holding a certification demonstrates a commitment to professionalism which can open doors to new roles within organizations or even launch your own business as a consultant or advisor in the industry.

Q5. What resources are available to help me prepare for my Accounting Associate Certification exam?

A5: There are several resources available to help you prepare for your Accounting Associate Certification exam including practice tests, study guides, online courses, and tutoring services from accredited institutions or professionals in the field of accounting and finance. Additionally, many universities offer courses specifically designed to prepare students for these exams so be sure to check with your local college or university for availability if interested in taking this route towards certification preparation!