Top 11 Accounting Auditor Certifications

Certifications are important for accounting auditors in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and give employers assurance that the auditor has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job. Certification also helps auditors stand out in a competitive job market. It is a mark of distinction that can open doors, increase job opportunities, and make it easier to find higher-paying positions. Additionally, certifications can be used to show potential clients that an auditor is qualified to handle their financial matters in an ethical and competent manner.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Accounting Auditors and explain how they can help advance an accounting auditor's career.

What are Accounting Auditor Certifications?

Accounting auditor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise and knowledge in the field of auditing. It is awarded by organizations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or Certified Public Accountants (CPA). This certification allows accountants to demonstrate their competency in auditing financial statements, internal control systems, and operational processes.

Having an accounting auditor certification can help in many ways. It provides assurance to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform an audit. It also helps build credibility with clients, as they know they are dealing with a qualified individual who has achieved this level of expertise. Finally, having an accounting auditor certification may provide access to more job opportunities, since employers may be more likely to hire someone with this type of qualification.

Pro tip: When selecting an accounting auditor, always make sure that they are certified by a recognized professional accounting body. This will ensure that the auditor has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide an accurate and reliable audit opinion.

Related: What does an Accounting Auditor do?

Top 11 Accounting Auditor Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is the highest standard of competence in the field of accounting and finance, and signifies that an individual has met rigorous educational and experience requirements.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and complete a specified amount of work experience in public accounting. The educational requirements vary by state but generally include completing 150 semester hours of college coursework with a concentration in accounting or related fields. This typically requires five years of full-time study.

The Uniform CPA Exam is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). It consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. The exam takes approximately 14 hours to complete and costs $1,000-$1,500 depending on the state.

Once all the necessary requirements have been met, individuals can apply for licensure through their state board of accountancy. The cost for this varies from state to state but usually ranges from $50-$200. After receiving their license, CPAs must adhere to ethical standards set forth by AICPA as well as continuing education requirements established by their state board in order to maintain their credentials.

2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is a globally recognized certification for internal auditors. It is issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a professional association dedicated to enhancing the practice of internal auditing. The CIA credential demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of internal auditing and provides assurance that they have met the highest standards of knowledge and experience.

To become a CIA, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum of two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields. They must also pass three exams administered by the IIA, which cover topics such as risk assessment, control systems, and fraud prevention. The exams are offered four times each year at various locations around the world.

The cost to pursue the CIA designation varies depending on where you take the exams and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 USD to $2,500 USD or more to complete all three exams.

Once an individual has passed all three exams and met all other eligibility requirements, they will be awarded their CIA credential. This process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification in the field of management accounting. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA credential demonstrates an individual’s expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

It takes approximately one to two years to complete the CMA program. To become a CMA, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by IMA. These include completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and having at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the CMA exam with IMA. You will need to pay a fee for registration and for each part of the exam that you take. The total cost of taking all four parts of the exam is approximately $1,000 USD.

Once you have successfully passed all four parts of the exam, you will receive your CMA certification and be eligible to use the designation “CMA” after your name.

4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is an international standard of competence for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals. The CISA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in auditing, control and security of enterprise IT systems.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CISA exam. To get it, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least 5 years of experience in information systems auditing, control or security. You must then register for the exam with ISACA and pay the associated fees.

The cost to take the CISA exam varies depending on your country and region. In general, it costs around $700-$800 USD to take the exam.

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation for management accountants, granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and practice in management accounting.

The CGMA designation is obtained through an exam-based process that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as financial reporting, strategy, risk management, performance management, technology/data analytics, and ethics. To obtain the CGMA designation, individuals must pass a two-part exam administered by the AICPA and CIMA. The first part is the CGMATM Exam which covers topics such as financial reporting, strategy, risk management, performance management, technology/data analytics, and ethics. The second part is the CGMATM Professional Competency Exam which assesses competencies related to business acumen, communication skills, problem solving/decision making skills, leadership skills and global mindset.

It typically takes up to six months to prepare for the CGMA exams. Applicants should plan on taking at least 10-12 hours per week studying for each exam. The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on location but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for both parts of the exam.

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is the highest standard of achievement in the field of fraud examination. The CFE credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud.

To become a CFE, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics. To qualify for the CFE credential, you must have at least two years of professional experience in fraud prevention or investigation, or a related field such as accounting or law enforcement. You must also complete at least 75 hours of anti-fraud training from an ACFE-approved provider.

The CFE exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover four major areas: financial transactions and fraud schemes; legal elements of fraud; investigation; and fraud prevention and deterrence. The exam takes about four hours to complete and is offered twice per year at locations around the world.

The cost for taking the CFE exam varies depending on your country/region but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once you pass the exam, there is an annual renewal fee ranging from $50-$100 USD to maintain your certification status.

7. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of advanced investment analysis and portfolio management skills. The CFA Program is administered by the CFA Institute, which sets the standards for the program and awards the designation to those who successfully complete it.

The CFA Program consists of three levels of exams that are offered once each year. To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass all three levels of exams and have four years of professional work experience in the investment decision-making process. It typically takes between two and five years to complete all three levels of exams.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFA charterholder, candidates must first register with the CFA Institute and pay an application fee. Once registered, they can then purchase study materials from the Institute or from third-party providers, such as textbooks or online courses. Candidates should also plan to spend at least 300 hours studying for each level exam over a period of several months leading up to the exam date.

The total cost for taking all three levels of exams varies based on factors such as whether you are a member of the CFA Institute or not, but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD for non-members. This includes registration fees, exam fees, and study materials costs.

8. Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)

Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of auditors who work in government organizations. The CGAP certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in performing audits that are compliant with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS).

The CGAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk assessment, audit planning, audit execution, reporting, and quality assurance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the CGAP certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. You must have at least three years of experience in internal auditing or related fields; at least two years of experience in government auditing; and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also pass the CGAP exam.

The cost for taking the CGAP exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it typically costs between $400 and $600. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with obtaining your certification, such as application fees and renewal fees.

9. Accredited Business Valuator (ABV)

Accredited Business Valuator (ABV) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of competency in the field of business valuation. The ABV credential is recognized by the American Society of Appraisers and has become an industry standard for appraising businesses.

The ABV credential requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as financial statement analysis, market analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, and other valuation techniques. Applicants must also demonstrate their experience and knowledge in the field by submitting a portfolio of their work.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the requirements for the ABV credential. Applicants must first register with the American Society of Appraisers and complete an application form. They must then pass a qualifying exam and submit a portfolio of their work. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program.

The cost to apply for the ABV credential varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are a member of any professional organizations related to business valuation. In general, it costs between $500-1,000 USD to apply for the ABV credential.

10. Enrolled Agent (EA)

Enrolled Agent (EA) is a type of tax professional that is licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Enrolled Agents are authorized to provide advice on tax matters, prepare returns, and represent taxpayers in audits, collections, and appeals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become an Enrolled Agent. The process includes passing an IRS-administered exam known as the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), completing a background check, and submitting Form 23 for enrollment with the IRS.

The cost of becoming an EA varies depending on the study materials you use, but it can range from $500-$1,000 or more. The cost of taking the SEE exam is $179 for each part. Additionally, there may be fees associated with completing the background check and submitting Form 23 for enrollment with the IRS.

11. 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 professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in government financial management.

The CGFM Program consists of three examinations that measure knowledge and understanding of government financial management practices. The examinations are:

1. Governmental Environment – covers the legal, economic and political environment in which public sector organizations operate;

2. Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Budgeting – covers the accounting principles, standards, and practices used by governments; and

3. Governmental Financial Management – covers the management of public sector resources including financial planning, budgeting, debt management, investments, and performance measurement.

It typically takes approximately 18 months to complete all three exams and become certified as a CGFM. To get started on the path to becoming a CGFM you must first register for the program with AGA. You will then need to purchase study materials for each exam from AGA or other approved providers. After studying for each exam you can register to take it at an approved testing center. Once you have passed all three exams you will be eligible for certification as a CGFM.

The cost of the CGFM Program varies depending on how many exams you are taking at once and what study materials you purchase but generally ranges from $600-$1000 USD total.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Auditor Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on the context and purpose of the certificate. Generally speaking, an accounting auditor certificate can be beneficial for individuals who are looking to pursue a career in accounting or auditing. This type of certification is usually offered by professional organizations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) or the Association of Certified Public Accountants (ACPA).

In some cases, employers may require you to have an accounting auditor certificate in order to be considered for hire. Having this type of credential can demonstrate your commitment to the field and give you an edge over other applicants. It can also help you stand out when applying for higher-level positions or promotions within your current job.

Even if you don’t need an accounting auditor certificate for employment purposes, it can still be beneficial in terms of continuing education and professional development. The courses required to obtain a certificate often cover topics such as internal auditing, financial statement analysis, and risk management that are essential skills in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate your dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry and help you build relationships with other professionals in the field.

In summary, obtaining an accounting auditor certificate may not always be necessary but it can be beneficial depending on your individual circumstances and career goals.

Related: Accounting Auditor Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Auditor Certifications

1.Q: What is an Accounting Auditor Certification?

A: An accounting auditor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise in conducting financial audits. The certification is typically granted by a national or international accounting organization, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

2.Q: What qualifications do I need to become an Accounting Auditor?

A: To become an accounting auditor, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, plus significant experience working in public accounting or internal auditing. You may also need to obtain additional certifications from certain organizations, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

3.Q: How much does an Accounting Auditor Certification cost?

A: The cost of obtaining an Accounting Auditor Certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification and any additional certifications you may need to obtain. Generally speaking, most certifications cost between $500 and $2,000 USD.

4.Q: How long does it take to get an Accounting Auditor Certification?

A: It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for an Accounting Auditor Certification, depending on your experience level and how quickly you can complete any required courses or examinations.

5.Q: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Accounting Auditor Certification?

A: Yes, most professional certifications require ongoing education and/or re-certification every few years in order to maintain your certification status. The specific requirements vary by organization but typically include attending seminars or workshops, completing online courses and/or taking exams related to current auditing standards and practices.