Top 11 Accounting Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are very important for an accounting supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of accounting. Certifications provide employers with assurance that a potential employee has a certain level of knowledge, understanding, and skill related to accounting principles, processes, and practices. Additionally, certifications may provide an edge over other candidates applying for the same position since they demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development. Certifications also provide recognition from professional organizations, which can be beneficial when seeking promotions or other career opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Accounting Supervisors and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Accounting Supervisor Certifications?

Accounting supervisor certification is a professional certification that provides recognition of an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of accounting operations, financial reporting and control systems. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their competence to employers, clients and other stakeholders. It can also be used to advance careers by giving holders the opportunity to qualify for higher-level positions within the accounting field.

Accounting supervisors are responsible for overseeing a team of accounting staff, as well as managing day-to-day operations such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll processing. The certification helps ensure that those who hold it have received training in these areas and understand the principles of good financial management. It also provides assurance to employers that supervisors have the necessary competencies required for the job.

By having an accounting supervisor certification, individuals can gain access to specialized training programs and career advancement opportunities that may not be available without it. Additionally, many organizations prefer to hire certified professionals due to their increased level of expertise and commitment to excellence in the field. Finally, this type of credentialing can provide holders with greater credibility when seeking out new roles or responsibilities in their current organization or when applying for jobs elsewhere.

Pro Tip: Becoming a certified accounting supervisor can help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge in the job market. It is important to research the specific requirements for certification in your area, as these may vary depending on state or local regulations. Additionally, look for continuing education courses to keep up with changing industry trends and stay up-to-date on best practices.

Related: What does an Accounting Supervisor do?

Top 11 Accounting Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have passed the CPA exam and met all other requirements for licensure. A CPA is an accountant who has been licensed by their state board of accountancy to provide financial services, such as tax preparation, auditing, and consulting. CPAs are required to adhere to a strict code of professional ethics and must complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their license.

The process of becoming a CPA varies from state-to-state but generally requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination, meeting educational requirements, having relevant work experience, and passing an ethics exam. The amount of time it takes to become a CPA depends on the individual’s background and how quickly they can meet all the necessary requirements. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.

To become a CPA, you must first meet the educational requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. This typically includes obtaining at least 150 credit hours from an accredited college or university with coursework in accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, finance, and other related areas. Once you have completed your educational requirements you must then pass the Uniform CPA Examination which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Financial Accounting & Reporting; Regulation; and Business Environment & Concepts. After successfully passing all four sections of the exam you will need to apply for licensure with your state board of accountancy in order to obtain your license as a Certified Public Accountant.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA varies depending on where you live but generally includes costs associated with obtaining your educational credits (tuition), taking the Uniform CPA Exam (application fees), and applying for licensure (licensure fees). In total these costs can range anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 depending on what type of program you choose and how many courses you need to take in order to fulfill your educational requirement.

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 recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA designation is a valuable asset for accounting and finance professionals looking to advance their careers.

To get the CMA designation, you must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also pass the CMA exam, which consists of two parts: Part 1 covers Financial Reporting, Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2 covers Financial Decision Making.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To prepare for the exam, you should review IMA's self-study materials and take practice exams. Additionally, some universities offer courses specifically designed to help candidates prepare for the CMA exam.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on your location and study materials used. The total cost typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD including registration fees ($250-$400), study materials ($200-$600), and exam fees ($400-$1000).

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to individuals who have met the required standards for knowledge, experience, and ethics in internal auditing. The CIA is one of the most widely recognized certifications for internal audit professionals.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam administered by the IIA, and agree to abide by the IIA's Code of Ethics.

The CIA exam consists of three parts: Part 1 focuses on the fundamentals of internal auditing; Part 2 covers topics related to assurance services; and Part 3 covers topics related to consulting services. Each part has a duration of four hours and consists of multiple-choice questions.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all three parts of the CIA exam. The amount of time it takes varies depending on an individual's prior experience and preparation methods.

To get started with the CIA program, you will need to register with the IIA online or through their customer service department. Registration fees vary depending on your membership status with the IIA but typically range from $100-$400 USD. After registering you will be able to access study materials, practice exams, and other resources that can help you prepare for each part of the exam.

4. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Management. Each exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of the core principles and practices of government financial management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three exams and become certified. To get started, candidates must first register with the AGA and pay the $225 registration fee. After registering, they can purchase study materials from the AGA or other vendors to prepare for each exam.

Once they are ready to take an exam, they must pay an additional fee of $250 per exam. After passing all three exams, candidates will receive their CGFM certificate. The total cost for becoming certified is approximately $975.

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). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in management accounting, financial management, and business strategy.

To become a CGMA, you must pass an exam administered by AICPA and CIMA. The exam consists of two parts: the Strategic Case Study Exam and the Management Accounting Exam. The Strategic Case Study Exam tests your knowledge of business strategy and decision-making, while the Management Accounting Exam tests your understanding of financial management and reporting.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. You will need to register for the exam with AICPA or CIMA before taking it. The cost for registering for the exam is $395 USD. Once you have passed both parts of the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CGMA designation.

In addition to passing the exams, you must also meet certain experience requirements in order to become a CGMA. These include having at least three years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management roles, as well as completing at least 150 hours of continuing professional education related to management accounting or financial management topics within five years prior to applying for certification.

Once all requirements are met, you can apply for certification through AICPA or CIMA's online application system. The cost for applying is $150 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will be awarded your CGMA designation.

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification granted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is the world’s leading anti-fraud certification and has become the standard for fraud prevention and detection in organizations. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to detect, investigate, and deter fraud.

The CFE credential requires passing a four-hour exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge of fraud examination techniques, including financial transactions, investigative procedures, interviewing skills, legal elements of fraud, and reporting methods. Candidates must also meet certain educational and/or work experience requirements before taking the exam.

The CFE credential typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on an individual’s prior education or experience. To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), individuals must first become a member of the ACFE by paying an annual membership fee. After becoming a member, individuals can then register for the CFE Exam Preparation Course which provides an overview of topics covered in the exam as well as practice exams to help prepare for it.

The cost of becoming a CFE varies depending on whether you are an ACFE member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,495 USD ($1,295 USD if paid in full before registering) which includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as the actual four-hour exam itself. For members of the ACFE, it costs $895 USD ($795 USD if paid in full before registering).

7. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of accounting and business advisory services. The ABAP designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To be eligible for the ABAP designation, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, demonstrate a minimum level of professional experience, and pass an examination administered by the AICPA.

The process to obtain the ABAP designation typically takes between one to two years, depending on an individual’s prior education and experience. In order to become an ABAP, individuals must first complete at least 150 hours of college-level coursework in accounting and related topics. They must also have at least two years of professional experience in accounting or related fields. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the ABAP exam with the AICPA.

The cost to take the ABAP exam varies depending on when it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 for registration fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam online or through a testing center. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying for and taking the exam such as books or review courses.

Once an individual has successfully passed the ABAP exam, they will receive their official certificate from the AICPA recognizing them as an Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP). This certification demonstrates that they possess a high level of expertise in accounting and business advisory services that can help organizations achieve their financial goals.

8. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The CISA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of information systems auditing, control, and security.

The CISA exam is a 200-question multiple choice test that covers five domains of knowledge: Auditing Information Systems, Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation, Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Support, and Protection of Information Assets.

To become certified as a CISA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the job practice areas covered by the CISA exam. You must also pass the CISA exam with a score of at least 450 out of 800 points.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CISA exam. It is recommended that you take an ISACA approved training course or use self-study materials to help prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CISA exam varies depending on your country/region but typically ranges from $450 to $650 USD.

9. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to audit financial services organizations. The CFSA designation is administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a global leader in internal auditing education and certification.

To become certified as a CFSA, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and maintain the required continuing professional education credits. The educational requirements for the CFSA include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of relevant experience in financial services auditing or related fields, and completion of the IIA's Global Internal Audit Professional Education Program.

The CFSA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as financial statement analysis, internal control systems, risk management and fraud prevention. The exam is administered twice each year at locations around the world. It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CFSA designation varies depending on your location and whether you are taking advantage of any discounts offered by the IIA or other organizations. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000 USD to take the CFSA exam plus additional fees for study materials and membership dues with the IIA.

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 qualification in the country and is recognized by employers, governments, and financial institutions worldwide.

To become a CPA Canada, you must complete an accredited university degree program in accounting or business administration, as well as pass the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). The PEP consists of three parts: the Common Final Examination (CFE), the Capstone 1 and 2 modules, and the practical experience requirements. Depending on your academic background, it can take up to five years to complete all of the requirements for CPA Canada.

The cost of becoming a CPA Canada varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, tuition fees for PEP range from $2,000-$4,000 per module plus additional costs such as exam fees and study materials.

In addition to completing the educational requirements, applicants must also meet other criteria such as passing a criminal record check and having at least two years of relevant work experience. Once all these requirements have been met, applicants can apply for their CPA Canada designation through their provincial or territorial institute/ordre des comptables agréés du Québec (CAQ).

11. Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA).

Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CCSA certification provides assurance that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform a control self-assessment.

Control self-assessment is a process used by organizations to evaluate their internal controls and identify areas for improvement. It involves assessing the effectiveness of existing controls, identifying any gaps or weaknesses, and developing recommendations for improvement.

The CCSA certification requires individuals to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the principles, practices, and tools used in performing control self-assessments. It also requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply these principles and practices in various organizational contexts.

The CCSA certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course typically takes about 20 hours to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. The exam is administered through IIA's testing centers worldwide and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

To obtain the CCSA certification, applicants must successfully complete both the online course and the exam within one year of registering for the program. Upon successful completion of both requirements, applicants will receive their CCSA certificate from IIA.

The cost for obtaining the CCSA certification varies depending on where you are located; however, it typically costs around $1,000 USD for both parts of the program (online course + exam).

Do You Really Need a Accounting Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to advance in the field of accounting, then a certificate may be a good option to consider. A certificate will provide you with the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in the field of accounting and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to further your education, which can help set you apart from other applicants.

On the other hand, if you already have a degree or relevant experience in accounting, then a certificate may not be necessary for advancement. You could instead focus on gaining additional experience or taking on more challenging roles in order to demonstrate your abilities. Ultimately, it is important to assess your current situation and determine what makes sense for you before deciding whether or not an Accounting Supervisor Certificate is right for you.

Related: Accounting Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Supervisor Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounting Supervisor Certification?

A1. An Accounting Supervisor Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in accounting principles, financial management and the ability to supervise the accounting staff. The certification is offered by various organizations, such as the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).

Q2. Who should consider obtaining an Accounting Supervisor Certification?

A2. Any individual who wishes to advance their career in accounting and demonstrate their expertise in the field should consider obtaining an Accounting Supervisor Certification. This certification is beneficial for individuals who are looking to become supervisors or managers in the accounting field.

Q3. What types of topics are covered in an Accounting Supervisor Certification?

A3. Topics typically covered in an Accounting Supervisor Certification include financial statement analysis, cost-benefit analysis, budgeting and forecasting, internal control systems and organizational skills.

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

A4. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all of the requirements for an Accounting Supervisor Certification depending on how quickly you work through the material and how much time you dedicate to studying each topic area.

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

A5. The cost of obtaining an Accounting Supervisor Certification varies depending on which organization you choose to pursue your certification through; however, typical costs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on course materials and exam fees associated with the program you choose.