Top 10 Accounts Payable Accountant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for accounts payable accountants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. They can be used as a way to differentiate themselves from other job applicants and show potential employers that they are qualified and have the necessary skills to succeed in the job. Certifications can also help potential employers assess an applicant’s competency level and trustworthiness. Additionally, certifications often provide access to exclusive resources, such as networks of professionals with similar interests or trainings that are only available through certified organizations.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Accounts Payable Accountants and explain how they can help advance an accounts payable accountant's career.

What are Accounts Payable Accountant Certifications?

Accounts payable accountant certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of accounts payable. It is typically offered by organizations that specialize in accounting or finance, such as the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The certification process usually involves taking an exam, which tests your understanding of accounts payable processes and procedures. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a certificate to demonstrate your competence in this area.

Having an accounts payable accountant certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle their company's accounts payables. It also indicates to employers that you are dedicated to your profession and have taken the initiative to become certified in this field. In addition, having an accounts payable accountant certification can open up new job opportunities for you and provide access to more advanced positions within a company or organization. It may also help you negotiate higher salaries when applying for new positions or promotions within your current organization. Finally, having an accounts payable accountant certification can give you greater confidence in performing your duties since it shows that you understand the complexities of this field.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become an accounts payable accountant, consider obtaining a certification from a professional organization such as the Institute of Certified Accounts Payable Professionals (ICAPP). This certification will demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in accounting for accounts payable and show employers that you are committed to the field.

Related: What does an Accounts Payable Accountant do?

Top 10 Accounts Payable Accountant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Accounts Payable Accountants today.

1. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Financial Operations. It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated expertise in accounts payable operations.

The certification process requires applicants to pass an online examination that covers various topics related to accounts payable, such as invoice processing, payment methods, dispute resolution, and internal controls. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for CAPP certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites such as having at least three years of experience in accounts payable operations or a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Additionally, candidates must agree to adhere to the Institute of Financial Operations Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The cost of the CAPP certification exam is $395 USD plus applicable taxes. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for maintaining the certification status.

2. 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 individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Management. To become certified, applicants must pass all three exams within a five-year period. The exams are offered twice a year in May and October.

To qualify for the CGFM program, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in government financial management or related fields. They must also meet educational requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or having completed 30 hours of college-level courses in accounting, finance, economics, public administration or other related fields.

The cost to apply for the CGFM program is $150. This fee covers the application processing fee and exam fees for all three tests. Additional fees may be charged for retakes and late registrations.

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the education, examination, and experience requirements set by their state board of accountancy. In order to become a CPA, an individual must pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on each individual’s educational background and experience. Generally, it takes approximately two years of full-time study to complete the 150 credit hours required for licensure in most states. This includes completing courses in accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, and other related areas.

In order to take the Uniform CPA Exam, individuals must first apply for a license from their state board of accountancy. Each state has its own requirements for licensure which vary slightly from one another. Requirements typically include passing the exam as well as meeting certain educational and experience requirements.

The cost of becoming a CPA depends on several factors such as tuition costs for college courses or review courses needed to prepare for the exam, registration fees for taking the exam itself, and any other associated costs such as travel expenses or materials needed to study. The total cost can range anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 depending on these factors.

4. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA credential is designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Pass two exams administered by the IMA
• Complete at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management
• Agree to adhere to the IMA Code of Professional Conduct.

The CMA exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers Financial Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2 covers Financial Decision Making. Each part takes four hours to complete and can be taken separately or together. The cost for each part is $415 for members of IMA and $555 for non-members.

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 the expertise of management accountants in areas such as financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance measurement, cost management, and decision support.

It typically takes two years to complete the CGMA program. You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in accounting or finance and pass an exam administered by CIMA. In addition, you must also complete a series of online courses and assessments.

The cost of the CGMA program varies depending on your country of residence and which assessment route you choose. The AICPA offers three assessment routes: self-study, instructor-led training, and online learning. The cost for each route ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

The CGMA designation is highly valued by employers in both public accounting firms and private businesses. It demonstrates that you have the skills necessary to provide strategic guidance to organizations in areas such as financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance measurement, cost management, and decision support.

6. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and is widely recognized as the standard of excellence in the field. It demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality and ethical practice, as well as their knowledge and experience in the field of internal auditing.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, one must pass three exams: Exam I – The Internal Audit Basics; Exam II – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Exam III – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The total time required to complete all three exams can vary based on individual study habits, but it typically takes between six months and two years to become certified.

In order to take the CIA exams, you must first register with IIA Global. This involves completing an online application form and paying a registration fee which varies depending on your region. After registering, you will be able to purchase study materials from IIA Global or other providers such as Wiley or Kaplan. Once you have completed all three exams, you will receive your certification from IIA Global.

The cost associated with becoming a Certified Internal Auditor depends on your region and can range from $1,000-$2,000 USD including registration fees, exam fees, and study materials.

7. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

A Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in auditing financial services organizations. The CFSA designation is issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a global professional association dedicated to advancing the practice of internal auditing.

The CFSA program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an examination. The self-study course takes approximately 40 hours to complete, depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. The course covers topics such as financial services regulations, risk management, internal controls, and audit techniques. Once the self-study course is completed, candidates must pass a three-hour exam in order to earn their CFSA designation.

In order to be eligible for the CFSA program, individuals must have at least five years of relevant work experience in financial services or auditing, or hold a recognized accounting qualification such as CPA, CA or CMA. Candidates must also submit proof of their qualifications when applying for the program.

The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

8. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification awarded by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved proficiency in the field of auditing, control and security of information systems.

The CISA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in information systems audit, control or security. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as IT governance, risk management, system acquisition and development, system operations and maintenance, service delivery and support, protection of information assets, business continuity planning and compliance.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The fee for the exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will need to submit a formal application to ISACA which includes proof of experience as well as references from two CISA certified professionals. After this application has been approved by ISACA, the applicant will receive their CISA certification.

Overall it takes approximately 6 months to complete all steps required to obtain a CISA certification.

9. Institute of Management Accountants Certification in Accounts Payable (IMA-CAP)

The Institute of Management Accountants Certification in Accounts Payable (IMA-CAP) is a professional certification program for accounts payable professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the accounts payable field. The IMA-CAP provides a comprehensive review of accounts payable processes and procedures, as well as best practices for managing accounts payable operations.

The IMA-CAP consists of three levels: Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), Advanced Certified Accounts Payable Professional (ACAPP), and Master Certified Accounts Payable Professional (MCAPP). Each level requires completion of an exam that covers topics such as accounts payable systems, documentation management, invoice processing, payment terms, vendor relations, internal controls, audit compliance and more.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the IMA-CAP program depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. To get started with the IMA-CAP program, individuals must first become a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). After becoming an IMA member, individuals can register for the CAPP exam through their local chapter or online at www.imanet.org/certification/accounts_payable_certification/.

The cost to take each level of the IMA-CAP exam varies depending on whether you are an IMA member or nonmember. For members it costs $150 per exam while nonmembers pay $250 per exam.

10. Association for Financial Professionals Certificate in Accounts Payable (AFP-CAP).

The Association for Financial Professionals Certificate in Accounts Payable (AFP-CAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of accounts payable professionals. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the accounts payable process, from invoice processing to payment disbursement. The AFP-CAP also covers topics such as internal controls, fraud prevention, and compliance with federal regulations.

The AFP-CAP program consists of four courses: Accounts Payable Fundamentals, Accounts Payable Processes and Controls, Accounts Payable Automation and Technology, and Accounts Payable Fraud Prevention. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online in approximately 10 hours. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates will receive the AFP-CAP certificate.

To get the AFP-CAP certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of accounts payable experience or one year of accounts payable experience plus an associate degree or higher in accounting or finance. Once these requirements are met, applicants may register for the program online through the Association for Financial Professionals website.

The cost for the AFP-CAP program is $1,495 USD for members of the Association for Financial Professionals and $1,795 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all four courses as well as exam fees and a one-year membership to the Association for Financial Professionals upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Payable Accountant Certificate?

Accounts payable accounting is a critical component of any business, and it’s important for those who work in that area to be well-trained and knowledgeable. An accounts payable accountant certificate can provide the training and knowledge necessary to do the job effectively.

A certificate program typically covers topics such as accounts receivable, credit management, budgeting, cash flow, financial analysis, and more. These courses can help you understand the fundamentals of accounts payable accounting so that you have a better understanding of how it works within the context of your organization’s overall financial picture. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of how accounts payable works, these courses also offer hands-on experience with various software programs used in this field. This can give you an edge when it comes to working with different types of software used in this area.

Getting an accounts payable accountant certificate can also open up career opportunities and help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may view someone with a certificate as having demonstrated their commitment to learning about this field and having taken steps to improve their skillset. Having an official credential like this on your resume may make you more attractive to potential employers because they know you have invested time and money into learning about accounts payable accounting.

Overall, getting an accounts payable accountant certificate is worth considering if you are looking for ways to gain a better understanding of this field or want to demonstrate your commitment to learning about it. With the right training and knowledge, you will be able to handle all aspects of accounts payable accounting with confidence and accuracy.

Related: Accounts Payable Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Payable Accountant Certifications

Q1: What is an Accounts Payable Accountant Certification?

A1: An Accounts Payable Accountant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder has acquired the knowledge and skills to perform accounts payable functions such as processing invoices, preparing payments, reconciling vendor statements and monitoring accounts receivable.

Q2: How do I become certified in Accounts Payable Accounting?

A2: To become certified in Accounts Payable Accounting, you must complete a recognized certification program or pass an exam administered by an accredited institution. The requirements for each program vary, so it’s important to research the specific program you are interested in to ensure you meet all of the necessary qualifications.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining an Accounts Payable Accountant Certification?

A3: Obtaining an Accounts Payable Accountant Certification can demonstrate expertise in accounting principles and best practices related to accounts payable operations. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire individuals with certifications as they have demonstrated their commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Accounts Payable Accountant Certification?

A4: Most programs require applicants to have some prior experience with accounts payable operations, typically at least one year of full-time employment in this field. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to take additional courses or exams prior to taking the certification exam. It’s important to review the requirements for each certification program before applying.

Q5: How long does it take to obtain an Accounts Payable Accountant Certification?

A5: The length of time required varies based on the specific certification program being pursued; however, most programs can be completed within six months or less if all prerequisites are met and exams are passed successfully.