Top 11 Accounts Payable Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for an accounts payable administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and mastery of certain skills related to the job. They also show potential employers that the applicant is committed to continuing their education and keeping up with industry trends, which can make them more attractive candidates. Certifications also help to set an individual apart from other applicants by showing a level of expertise and experience in the field. Finally, certifications can help an accounts payable administrator earn higher pay, since employers may be willing to pay more for someone who has proven proficiency in their chosen field.

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

What are Accounts Payable Administrator Certifications?

Accounts Payable Administrator Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the accounts payable field. It is designed to help ensure that those who work in this field are up-to-date with current industry standards, have a thorough understanding of accounting principles, and can effectively manage the accounts payable process.

The certification covers topics such as accounts payable fundamentals, financial statement analysis, accounts receivable management, cash flow management, and internal control systems. It also provides training on best practices for managing vendor relationships, processing payments accurately and efficiently, and monitoring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional development in the accounts payable field.

Having an Accounts Payable Administrator Certification shows employers that an individual has the necessary skills to perform at a high level of proficiency in the accounts payable area. This certification can also open doors to career advancement opportunities since it serves as evidence of an individual’s dedication to learning and mastering industry standards. In addition, it may give individuals access to specialized training programs or allow them to pursue higher-level positions within the organization.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become an accounts payable administrator, consider getting certified. Certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field and make you more attractive to employers. Look for certifications that are recognized by professional organizations such as the Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (ICPA) or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Related: What does an Accounts Payable Administrator do?

Top 11 Accounts Payable Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Financial Operations. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of accounts payable professionals. The certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of excellence in the field of accounts payable and is committed to ongoing professional development.

The CAPP certification requires passing an exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as accounts payable processes, internal controls, fraud prevention, technology, compliance, and ethics. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center and typically takes 3 hours to complete.

To qualify for the CAPP certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in accounts payable or related activities within the past five years. They must also submit proof of their education and/or training in accounts payable or related activities.

The cost for taking the CAPP exam is $395 USD for members of the Institute of Financial Operations and $495 USD for non-members. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements every three years.

2. Certified Accounts Payable Manager (CAPM)

Certified Accounts Payable Manager (CAPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to excel in the field of accounts payable. The CAPM certification is offered by the Institute of Financial Operations, a global professional organization dedicated to advancing the financial operations profession.

The CAPM program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Accounts Payable, Advanced Accounts Payable Management, and Professional Practices for Accounts Payable. Each course includes an exam that must be passed in order to obtain certification. The entire program takes approximately 6-9 months to complete depending on individual study habits and other commitments.

In order to get the CAPM certification, you must first join the Institute of Financial Operations as a member. Membership fees vary depending on your country of residence and type of membership chosen. Once you are a member, you can purchase the three courses needed for certification at an additional cost.

The cost for all three courses combined is approximately $1,500 USD (plus applicable taxes). This fee covers all course materials and access to online learning resources such as webinars, practice exams and study guides.

3. 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 knowledge and expertise in government financial management. The CGFM designation is widely recognized as the premier credential for government financial managers.

To obtain the CGFM designation, an individual must pass three examinations: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States. Each exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a two-hour time limit.

The cost of taking the CGFM exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally, it costs around $200 per exam or $600 for all three exams. It typically takes about six months to complete all three exams, but this can vary depending on an individual's study habits and availability of test centers.

Once an individual passes all three exams, they will receive their CGFM certificate from AGA. This certificate must be renewed every five years by completing continuing professional education credits or retaking one or more of the examinations.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to an individual who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met all other state requirements for licensure. CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy, and must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. They are responsible for providing financial advice, preparing tax returns, auditing financial statements, and performing other accounting-related services.

To become a CPA, you must first complete 150 semester hours of college education in accounting or related fields, pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and meet any additional requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. Depending on the state you live in, these additional requirements may include passing an ethics exam or completing a certain number of hours of supervised work experience.

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies from person to person depending on their educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to four years to complete all the necessary steps for licensure.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA also varies depending on factors such as where you live and what type of study materials you use. The cost typically includes fees for registering for the exam, taking the exam itself, applying for licensure in your state, and purchasing study materials such as textbooks or online courses. All told, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000+ to become a CPA.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a standard of excellence in internal auditing and demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practices of internal auditing. To become certified, an individual must meet the requirements established by the IIA, which include passing three examinations.

The CIA examination process takes approximately nine months to complete. Candidates must first register with the IIA and pay an application fee. Once registered, candidates must then study for and pass all three parts of the exam: Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. After passing all three exams, candidates will be required to submit a work experience verification form before receiving their certification.

The cost to obtain a CIA certification varies depending on the country in which you are located. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD to complete all three parts of the exam. This amount does not include any additional costs associated with study materials or preparation courses that may be necessary for successful completion of the exam.

In addition to passing all three exams, candidates must also adhere to strict ethical standards as outlined by the IIA in order to maintain their certification status.

6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed for financial professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in management accounting, financial planning and analysis, cost management, and strategic decision-making. The CMA credential is highly respected in the business world and can help individuals advance their careers.

It typically takes two to four years to complete the CMA program. To become certified, you must pass two exams that cover topics such as financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement, internal control systems, corporate finance and investments, risk management, managerial economics, and strategic planning.

To get started on your CMA journey, you must first become a member of IMA. This requires an application fee of $225 plus applicable taxes. You will then need to purchase study materials from IMA or another provider. After studying for the exams and passing them both successfully within a three-year period, you will receive your CMA certification.

The total cost of earning a CMA certification varies depending on the study materials you choose and other factors such as exam fees ($415 per part), membership fees ($225), etc. In total it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or more depending on how long it takes you to prepare for the exams.

7. 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 professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in management accounting, financial management, and strategy.

To become a CGMA, you must meet certain educational requirements as well as pass an exam. The educational requirement includes either a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited university or college, or a master’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited university or college. In addition, you must have at least two years of professional experience in accounting-related roles such as financial analyst, controller, auditor, etc.

The CGMA exam consists of two parts: the Financial Reporting and Analysis section and the Strategic Business Management section. Each part consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies related to management accounting topics such as cost analysis, budgeting, performance measurement, strategic decision making, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CGMA exam depending on your previous knowledge and experience. To get started with your preparation process you will need to register with AICPA/CIMA online and pay the registration fee which is currently $450 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered you will gain access to study materials including practice tests that can help guide your preparation process.

In total it will cost around $500 USD plus applicable taxes to obtain the CGMA designation. This cost includes registration fees for both AICPA/CIMA as well as the exam fees which are currently $250 USD plus applicable taxes per part ($500 USD plus applicable taxes for both parts).

8. Institute of Financial Operations Accounts Payable Certification Program

The Institute of Financial Operations Accounts Payable Certification Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage accounts payable operations. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of accounts payable processes and best practices, as well as the ability to evaluate, analyze, and improve existing processes.

The program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an online examination. The self-study course covers topics such as accounts payable principles, systems, procedures, internal controls, legal requirements, and more. It takes approximately five hours to complete the self-study course. Once you have completed the self-study course, you can register for the online exam which is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To get certified in Accounts Payable through the Institute of Financial Operations, you must pass both the self-study course and the online examination with a minimum score of 70%. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will receive your official certificate from the Institute of Financial Operations.

The cost for this certification program is $450 USD which includes access to both parts of the program (self-study course and online exam).

9. American Payroll Association's Fundamentals of Accounts Payable

The American Payroll Association’s Fundamentals of Accounts Payable (FAP) is a comprehensive training program designed to provide payroll professionals with the fundamental skills needed to manage accounts payable. The FAP program is offered in two parts: Part 1 covers the basics of accounts payable and Part 2 covers advanced topics.

Part 1 of the FAP program takes approximately 8 hours to complete, while Part 2 takes an additional 6 hours. The FAP program is available online or through self-study materials that can be purchased from the American Payroll Association website.

The cost for the FAP program depends on whether you choose to take it online or via self-study materials. For online courses, prices range from $100 - $200 per part. For self-study materials, prices range from $50 - $125 per part.

Overall, the American Payroll Association’s Fundamentals of Accounts Payable provides a comprehensive training program that will equip payroll professionals with the skills they need to manage accounts payable effectively and efficiently.

10. Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification

Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the use of Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable. This certification program is designed to help organizations identify qualified individuals who can effectively work with the Accounts Payable module of Microsoft Dynamics GP, as well as demonstrate their understanding of the system’s features and functionality.

The certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as setting up accounts payable, entering invoices, creating payments, managing vendor information, and reconciling accounts payable. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70%.

To get certified in Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable, you must first purchase an exam voucher from a Microsoft partner or from Pearson VUE. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $125 and $150 USD. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for an exam date at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification certificate via email within two weeks. With this certification, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in working with the Accounts Payable module of Microsoft Dynamics GP and show potential employers that you are knowledgeable about its features and functionality.

11. Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Accounts Payable Certification

Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Accounts Payable Certification is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of individuals in using Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Accounts Payable. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the software, including setting up and managing accounts payable processes.

It typically takes between one to three months to complete the certification process. To get certified, candidates must take an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as creating and maintaining vendors, entering invoices, processing payments, and reconciling accounts payable transactions. After completing the course, candidates must pass a multiple choice exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for the Oracle E-Business Suite R12 Accounts Payable Certification can vary depending on where you purchase it from. Typically, it costs around $500 USD for access to the online course and exam.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Payable Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on individual circumstances. For some, an Accounts Payable Administrator Certificate might be a helpful addition to their credentials and skillset when applying for jobs or promotions within the field of accounting. On the other hand, others may already have sufficient knowledge and experience in accounts payable administration that they do not need additional certification.

For those who are looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in accounts payable administration, an Accounts Payable Administrator Certificate can be beneficial. The coursework associated with this certification provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in accounts payable management. This includes topics such as accounts receivable management, financial statement preparation, vendor relations, tax compliance, and more. Having a certificate may also demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has a formal education in this area and is knowledgeable about the latest trends and best practices.

In conclusion, whether or not someone should pursue an Accounts Payable Administrator Certificate depends on their individual goals and needs. Those seeking to gain additional knowledge or demonstrate their commitment to the profession may find it beneficial to pursue this certification; however, those who are already knowledgeable in accounts payable administration may find it unnecessary.

Related: Accounts Payable Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Payable Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounts Payable Administrator Certification?

A1. An Accounts Payable Administrator Certification is a designation that demonstrates an individual's expertise in managing accounts payable processes, such as invoicing, payments, and reconciliation. It typically requires the completion of a course or program that covers topics related to accounts payable functions and best practices.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Accounts Payable Administrator?

A2. To become certified as an Accounts Payable Administrator, you must complete a training program or course that covers topics related to accounts payable functions and best practices. You may also need to pass an exam in order to be certified.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming an Accounts Payable Administrator?

A3. Becoming an Accounts Payable Administrator can provide individuals with increased job security and career opportunities, as well as the ability to command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skillset in this field. Additionally, it can help employers improve the efficiency of their accounts payable processes by having someone knowledgeable of the latest industry trends and best practices in place.

Q4. Is there any financial assistance available for those pursuing certification?

A4. Yes, there are some organizations that offer financial assistance for those interested in obtaining certification as an Accounts Payable Administrator. These organizations may include professional associations, educational institutions, or even employers offering tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking additional certifications or qualifications in their field of work.

Q5 What type of jobs can I pursue with my certification?

A5 With your certification as an Accounts Payable Administrator, you will be qualified for a variety of positions within finance departments such as accounts payable specialist, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, financial analyst or auditor. Additionally, you may be able to pursue other roles such as project manager or operations manager depending on your experience level and skillset acquired through your certification program/course