Top 11 Accounting Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for accounting technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a higher level of professional knowledge and experience. Accounting technicians with certifications have increased credibility and can be more competitive in the job search process. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire those with certifications due to the assurance that they are knowledgeable in their field. Certifications also show potential employers that the individual is committed to their profession and has taken the time to invest in additional training. Ultimately, certifications can help an accounting technician stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of getting hired.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Accounting Technicians and explains how these certifications can help advance an accounting technician's career.

What are Accounting Technician Certifications?

Accounting technician certification is a professional certification that is designed to help individuals who are involved in accounting-related activities to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the field. It demonstrates that they have attained a certain level of expertise in the area of accounting, and it can be used as an indicator of their commitment to the profession.

Certification as an accounting technician typically requires passing an examination administered by a recognized organization, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam tests one’s knowledge and understanding of various accounting topics, such as financial statements, taxation, auditing, budgeting, and more. Once certified, individuals may be eligible for higher-level positions or promotions within their organizations.

Having this certification can help individuals demonstrate their competence in the field of accounting and increase their chances of securing employment opportunities. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire those who possess this certification because it indicates that they have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the area. Furthermore, some employers may offer higher salaries or other benefits to those who hold this certification. Finally, having this certification can also provide individuals with access to more specialized training courses or seminars related to their job role which can further enhance their skillset and knowledge base.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an accounting technician, it is important to research the various certification options available. Different certifications have different requirements and levels of expertise. Each certification may be specific to a certain area or type of accounting, so make sure to check the requirements for each one before choosing which one is right for you.

Related: What does an Accounting Technician do?

Top 11 Accounting Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) is a globally recognized qualification which provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work in an accounting or finance role. The CAT qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The CAT qualification consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Professional. It typically takes two to three years to complete all three levels.

To get the CAT qualification, you must first register with ACCA as a student member. You will then need to complete a series of exams and assessments for each level of the course. Once you have completed all three levels, you will be eligible to apply for certification from ACCA.

The cost of registering for the CAT qualification varies depending on which country you are studying in and your individual circumstances. Generally, it costs around £1,000-£2,000 per level plus exam fees and other associated costs such as study materials and registration fees.

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to accountants who have met certain educational and work experience requirements and have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. CPAs are licensed by their state boards of accountancy, which are responsible for regulating the practice of public accounting in their respective states.

It typically takes four years to become a CPA. The process begins with obtaining an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing the degree program, individuals must complete at least 150 semester hours of college credit before they can sit for the CPA exam. Once all educational requirements are met, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The cost to become a CPA varies depending on where you live, but typically includes fees for registration and examination, course materials and study aids, continuing education courses, and membership dues. In addition, most states require that applicants complete an ethics exam prior to becoming certified as a CPA.

Overall, it will take approximately four years of post-secondary education and studying to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The cost associated with becoming a CPA can vary greatly depending on location and other factors.

3. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world’s leading professional body for management accountants. It is a global organisation that provides qualifications, training and support to members in over 180 countries. CIMA offers a range of qualifications designed to equip its members with the skills and knowledge to become successful business leaders.

It typically takes three years to complete the CIMA qualification. The first year involves studying for the Certificate in Business Accounting, which covers basic accounting principles and techniques. The second year involves studying for the Diploma in Management Accounting, which covers more advanced topics such as budgeting, financial analysis and performance measurement. Finally, the third year involves studying for the Professional Qualification in Management Accounting, which covers strategic planning and decision-making.

To get started on your CIMA journey you will need to register with CIMA as a student member. This costs £90 per year or £270 if you pay upfront for three years. Once registered you will be able to access study materials and resources online and take advantage of discounts on exam fees. You can also join local study groups or attend lectures at one of CIMA’s approved learning partners around the world.

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on where you are taking it but typically ranges from £80-£150 per exam paper plus an additional fee for registering with CIMA prior to taking each exam. In addition, there is an annual subscription fee of £90 payable each year while you are studying towards your qualification.

4. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is an international professional body that offers qualifications and certifications in the fields of accountancy, finance, and business. It is one of the largest and most prestigious accounting bodies in the world. ACCA was founded in 1904 and has more than 200,000 members and 500,000 students in 180 countries.

To become a fully qualified ACCA member, you must complete 14 exams over a period of three to five years. The exams are divided into two levels: Knowledge Level and Skills Level. The Knowledge Level consists of nine papers covering topics such as financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, auditing and assurance services. The Skills Level consists of five papers covering topics such as financial management, performance management, corporate law and professional ethics.

To get started with ACCA qualification process you need to register with the ACCA website. Registration fees vary depending on your country of residence but typically range from $90 to $200 per paper. You will also need to pay an annual subscription fee which is currently set at $180 per year for members outside the UK or EU.

Once you have registered with the ACCA website you can begin studying for your exams using study materials provided by ACCA or through self-study methods such as online courses or textbooks purchased from bookstores or online retailers. You can also attend classes offered by tuition providers who specialize in preparing students for their ACCA exams.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $120 to $300 per paper plus any additional costs associated with tuition providers or other study materials such as textbooks or online courses. Once you have passed all 14 exams you will be eligible for full membership with ACCA which requires an additional fee of around $100 per year for non-UK/EU members.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an internationally recognized certification for internal auditors. It is a professional designation granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to individuals who have met the required standards of competency and knowledge in the field of internal auditing. The CIA designation demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of excellence in their profession and has the skills necessary to perform internal audit activities effectively.

It typically takes two years to complete all requirements for the CIA certification. The first year involves completing a minimum of 120 hours of professional education, passing four exams, and meeting experience requirements. The second year involves completing an additional 40 hours of professional education, passing two additional exams, and meeting experience requirements.

In order to get certified as a CIA, individuals must first become members of the IIA by submitting an application and paying the membership fee. Once accepted into the IIA, individuals can then register for their first exam and begin preparing for it. After completing all four exams and meeting all other requirements, individuals will be eligible to receive their CIA certification.

The cost to become certified as a CIA varies depending on which country you are located in and whether or not you are a member of the IIA. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD per year for tuition fees plus any additional fees associated with taking exams or joining the IIA.

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification in the field of management accounting. It is granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) to individuals who have met specific educational and experience requirements, and have passed two rigorous exams.

The CMA program requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing scores on two exams. The program is designed to provide professionals with an understanding of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

The CMA program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exams. It is recommended that you spend at least 150 hours studying for each exam.

To get your CMA designation you must first become a member of the IMA and then register for the CMA program. You will need to submit proof of your bachelor’s degree as well as proof of your two years of work experience in order to be accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program you will need to pay an exam fee which varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD per exam.

Once you have successfully completed both exams and received your passing scores you will receive your CMA designation from the IMA and can begin using it professionally.

7. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). The CFP certification is a mark of excellence that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to financial planning and their ability to provide competent and ethical financial advice.

In order to become a Certified Financial Planner, individuals must complete the following requirements:

1. Education: Candidates must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in financial planning or related fields such as accounting, taxation, estate planning, and insurance.

2. Experience: Candidates must have at least three years of full-time professional experience in personal financial planning activities or two years of full-time professional experience with an additional 30 hours of approved education in financial planning topics.

3. Examination: Candidates must pass the CFP Certification Examination administered by the CFP Board. The exam consists of two parts and covers topics such as insurance planning, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management.

4. Ethics: Candidates must agree to adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and complete continuing education requirements every two years to maintain their certification status.

The entire process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year depending on how quickly candidates can complete all the requirements listed above. The cost for taking the exam is $695 for members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and $895 for non-members. Additional fees may apply for other items such as application processing fees or ethics courses.

8. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) is a professional organization that serves the accounting and bookkeeping industry. It is dedicated to helping individuals become certified bookkeepers and to advancing the profession through education, certification, and advocacy.

To become an AIPB Certified Bookkeeper, you must pass the AIPB’s Certification Exam. The exam consists of four sections: Accounting Principles, Bookkeeping Processes & Procedures, Business Law & Taxation, and Financial Reporting. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats.

To get started on your path to becoming an AIPB Certified Bookkeeper, you must first register for the exam by visiting the AIPB website. Once registered, you will receive a study guide with detailed information about what topics are covered on the exam. You can then begin studying for the exam using books or online resources.

The cost of registering for the AIPB Certification Exam is $299 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers all four sections of the exam as well as any additional materials needed for test preparation such as study guides or practice tests.

Once you have successfully passed all four sections of the AIPB Certification Exam, you will be eligible to receive your official AIPB Certified Bookkeeper certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after completing your exams.

9. National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is a professional organization that provides education, resources, and support to tax professionals. It is the largest non-profit association dedicated exclusively to tax preparation and tax professionals.

To become an NATP member, you must have at least one year of experience as a paid income tax preparer or have completed a recognized tax course. The application process takes approximately 2-4 weeks to complete. To apply for membership, you must fill out the online application form and submit it along with the applicable fees.

The cost of NATP membership depends on the type of membership you choose. There are three types: Professional Membership ($165/year), Student Membership ($50/year), and Associate Membership ($90/year). All memberships include access to educational materials, discounts on products and services, networking opportunities, and other benefits.

In addition to becoming an NATP member, you may also need to obtain credentials in order to become a qualified tax preparer in your state or locality. This may require additional courses or exams depending on your location.

10. International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)

The International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) is a professional body that provides qualifications, training and support to bookkeepers and accounting professionals. It was established in the United Kingdom in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading bookkeeping organisations.

The IAB offers a range of qualifications from entry-level certificates through to advanced diplomas. The qualifications are designed to give bookkeepers the knowledge and skills they need to work in different types of businesses, from small sole traders to large corporations.

To get an IAB qualification, you will need to complete an online application form and submit it with supporting documents such as references, proof of identity and educational qualifications. Depending on the level of qualification you are applying for, you may also be required to take an assessment test or attend an interview. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a study pack which contains all the materials needed for your course.

The cost of IAB qualifications depends on the level you are studying at. Entry-level certificates typically cost around £50–£100, while more advanced diplomas can cost up to £500 or more. All fees must be paid before you can start studying for your qualification.

Once you have completed your coursework and passed all assessments, you will receive an official certificate from the IAB confirming that you have achieved your chosen qualification. This certificate is recognised by employers worldwide as evidence that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge required for working as a professional bookkeeper or accountant.

11. QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification is an accreditation program designed to help QuickBooks Online users get the most out of their software. It is offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks.

The certification requires a minimum of 20 hours of training and assessment in order to become certified. This includes learning how to use the software, understanding its features, and mastering its functions. The certification is valid for two years from the date it is earned.

To get certified as a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, you must first register with Intuit’s ProAdvisor Program. Once registered, you will be able to access all the necessary training materials and assessments needed to become certified.

The cost of becoming a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it typically costs around $299 USD per year for access to the program and materials needed for certification.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Technician Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need an Accounting Technician Certificate to be a successful accountant. While having a certificate of this type can certainly help open doors and provide access to jobs that may not have been available without it, there are other paths one can take to become a successful accountant.

For those who have the ambition and drive to make accounting their career, there are several options available. Education is key in any profession, and obtaining a degree in accounting from a college or university is usually a requirement for most positions. Many people choose to pursue higher-level degrees such as master’s and doctorate programs in order to further specialize their knowledge and skillset. In addition to formal education, many employers also look for applicants with experience in the field. This can be gained through internships or other volunteer opportunities related to accounting.

In some cases, taking an Accounting Technician Certificate course may be beneficial if you want to gain specialized knowledge or learn certain skills quickly. However, it is important to note that these courses alone do not make someone qualified for an accounting position; they should still pursue formal education and gain experience in order to be truly prepared for the career path ahead.

Related: Accounting Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Technician Certifications

1. What is an Accounting Technician Certification?

Answer: An Accounting Technician Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in accounting principles, practices, and procedures. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has met a certain level of competence in the field.

2. How do I become certified as an Accounting Technician?

Answer: To become certified as an Accounting Technician, you must complete a recognized course of study approved by the relevant professional body and pass the relevant examinations. You may also need to have some relevant work experience in order to qualify for the certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an Accounting Technician?

Answer: Becoming an Accounting Technician can provide numerous benefits, including increased job security, higher salary potential, and greater prestige within the accounting profession. Additionally, having a certification can help you stand out from other applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers.

4. What types of jobs can an Accounting Technician be qualified for?

Answer: An Accounting Technician may be qualified for various jobs related to accounting such as bookkeeping, financial analysis, auditing, tax preparation and other related positions in finance or business management.

5. How long does it take to become certified as an Accounting Technician?

Answer: The time required to become certified as an Accounting Technician varies depending on your level of education and experience; however, typically it takes between two and four years to complete all necessary requirements for the certification.