Top 11 Accounts Payable Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for an accounts payable coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and proficiency in the field. Employers prefer to hire individuals with certifications as they can provide assurance that the employee is well-trained and knowledgeable in their role. Certifications also help to set an individual apart from other applicants, as they provide a tangible proof of expertise. Additionally, certifications may qualify individuals for higher pay or more advanced positions due to their demonstrated knowledge and experience.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Accounts Payable Coordinators and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Accounts Payable Coordinator Certifications?

Accounts payable coordinator certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage accounts payable processes. It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of accounts payable fundamentals, including accounting principles, financial management, and compliance with applicable regulations. This certification can help individuals in the accounts payable field by validating their expertise and providing employers with assurance that they possess the necessary qualifications for the job. With this credential, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional development in the field and gain an edge when seeking employment or promotions. Additionally, it provides them with a greater understanding of accounting practices and procedures which can help them better manage their accounts payables operations.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an Accounts Payable Coordinator, consider getting certified. Certification will give you a competitive edge and help demonstrate your knowledge of the field. Additionally, many employers require certification for this position, so obtaining it can increase your chances of landing a job in accounts payable.

Related: What does an Accounts Payable Coordinator do?

Top 11 Accounts Payable Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) is a professional certification program that focuses on the accounts payable process. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of accounts payable. The certification is administered by the Institute of Financial Operations and is open to individuals with at least two years of experience in accounts payable.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as accounts payable processes, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CAPP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of the Institute or not. For non-members, the fee is $495 USD; for members, it is $395 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $95 USD for members and $195 USD for non-members.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility criteria including having a minimum of two years’ experience in accounts payable or related fields and completing at least 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years. To maintain certification status, holders must also comply with ethical standards set by the Institute.

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 and promote excellence in government financial management. The CGFM program consists of three exams that test knowledge of government financial management, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and other related topics.

To become certified as a CGFM, an individual must pass all three exams within five years. Each exam has its own set of prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam. These include having a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in government financial management and completing at least 24 hours of continuing professional education in government finance-related topics.

The cost for the CGFM program includes the application fee ($100), exam fees ($125 per exam), and study materials (varies depending on which materials are purchased). The total cost can range from approximately $400 to $600 or more depending on the number of exams taken and the type of study materials used.

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain educational and experience requirements, passed the Uniform CPA Examination, and been licensed by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are experts in accounting and financial reporting. They provide assurance services, such as audits and reviews of financial statements; tax services, such as preparing individual, corporate, partnership, trust and estate tax returns; consulting services related to business processes; and other services such as fraud prevention.

It typically takes five years to become a CPA. This includes earning at least 150 semester hours of college credit (typically 30 more than the traditional bachelor’s degree), passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and meeting any additional requirements set by the state board of accountancy where you intend to practice.

To become a CPA you must meet the educational requirements set by your state board of accountancy. This usually includes earning at least 150 semester hours of college credit with a concentration in accounting or a related field. You may also need to complete an internship or other professional experience requirement. After completing your education and meeting any other requirements set by your state board of accountancy, you must pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on which state you are applying in. Generally speaking, costs can range from $500-$1,500 for application fees plus exam fees that range from $200-$800 per section taken. Additionally there may be fees for continuing education courses required for licensure renewal every three years.

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform internal audit services.

The CIA certification requires passing three exams: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing, and Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. The exams are offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats. Each exam requires approximately four hours to complete.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, you must meet certain educational requirements and have a minimum of two years of professional experience in internal auditing, control, or related activities. You must also pass all three exams within five years after submitting your application to the IIA.

The cost of obtaining the CIA certification varies depending on how many exams you take at once and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for all three exams plus any additional study materials or courses you may need.

5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is an advanced professional certification in the field of management accounting. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA designation is designed to demonstrate mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To become a CMA, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass two rigorous exams administered by the IMA. The exams are divided into four parts: Financial Planning, Performance and Control; Financial Decision Making; Strategic Financial Management; and Professional Ethics.

The educational requirements for the CMA include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours in accounting-related courses. You must also have two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CMA exam. This includes studying for the exam and gaining relevant work experience.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on how you choose to pursue the certification. The IMA offers several different packages that range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD depending on your needs and budget. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the costs associated with obtaining a CMA certification.

6. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of management accountants who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge in their field. The CGMA designation is recognized globally as a mark of excellence for those in the field of management accounting.

To become a CGMA, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by AICPA and CIMA. To qualify, you must have either a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or at least five years of professional experience in public accounting, internal auditing, finance, or business management. You will also need to complete two years of qualifying work experience within the past 10 years prior to applying for the exam.

The CGMA exam consists of four parts: Financial Reporting & Analysis; Strategic Business Management; Decision Analysis & Risk Management; and Professional Ethics & Responsibilities. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $400 USD for AICPA members and $500 USD for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CGMA designation. This process typically takes about six weeks from when your application was submitted until when your certificate arrives in the mail. There is no additional cost associated with receiving your CGMA designation once you have passed the exam.

7. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA) is a professional designation awarded by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT). This designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, proficiency, and experience in the areas of accounting, taxation, auditing, financial planning and consulting. The ABA/ABA designation is granted to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in these disciplines.

The process of obtaining the ABA/ABA designation typically takes between 18-24 months depending on an individual’s background and experience. To become an ABA/ABA, applicants must meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester hours in accounting courses. Additionally, applicants must pass two examinations administered by ACAT: the National Accreditation Exam (NAE) and the Certified Professional Accountant Examination (CPAE).

Applicants must also complete ACAT’s Professional Development Course (PDC), which covers topics such as ethics, business law, taxation fundamentals and financial statement analysis. After completing all of these requirements, applicants can apply for their ABA/ABA designation through ACAT’s online application system.

The cost to obtain the ABA/ABA designation varies depending on an applicant’s academic background and experience level. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 to become an ABA/ABA including examination fees and other related expenses.

8. Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification

Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Dynamics GP to manage accounts payable. The certification covers the configuration, maintenance, and use of the Accounts Payable module within Microsoft Dynamics GP.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess a candidate’s knowledge of the topics covered in the course material. The exam is designed to test a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around two weeks to prepare for the certification exam. Candidates should review the course material and practice with sample questions before taking the exam.

The cost for the Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounts Payable Certification exam varies depending on where you take it, but it generally costs around $150 USD. It can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric.

9. Oracle E-Business Suite Accounts Payable Certification

Oracle E-Business Suite Accounts Payable Certification is an online certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage, configure, and implement Oracle E-Business Suite Accounts Payable. This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the features and functionality of Oracle E-Business Suite Accounts Payable, as well as best practices for its use.

The duration of the course typically takes around 10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as setting up accounts payable, creating invoices, processing payments, reconciling transactions, and more. After completing the course successfully, you will receive a certificate from Oracle that certifies your proficiency in using Oracle E-Business Suite Accounts Payable.

You can get this certification by enrolling in an online training program or attending a classroom training program offered by authorized training partners of Oracle. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for an online course and about $1000-$2000 USD for a classroom training program.

10. SAP Accounts Payable Certification

SAP Accounts Payable Certification is a certification program offered by SAP SE, the world’s leading provider of enterprise software solutions. The certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and skills in managing accounts payable processes with SAP software. It is an internationally recognized certification that can help to enhance career opportunities and increase earning potential.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as general ledger accounting, accounts payable processing, payment processing, and reporting. The practical exam focuses on how to use the SAP Accounts Payable module to manage accounts payable processes.

To obtain the certification, candidates must pass both exams within 12 months of starting the program. Candidates must also complete at least one project using the SAP Accounts Payable module before taking either exam.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it and what type of preparation materials you purchase for study purposes. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for all associated fees including registration fees, course materials, and examination fees.

In order to get started with your SAP Accounts Payable Certification journey, you should first review the official website for more information about eligibility requirements and other details related to the program. You should also consider enrolling in an online or in-person training course if you need additional guidance on how to successfully complete the exams.

11. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Accounts Payable Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Accounts Payable Certification is a certification offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks. It is designed to help individuals understand and use the features of QuickBooks for accounts payable processes. It covers topics such as setting up vendors, entering bills, and making payments.

The certification takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken online or in person. To get certified, you must pass an exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the certification is $99 USD.

To prepare for the exam, Intuit offers study materials such as practice exams, tutorials, and other resources. Additionally, there are several online courses available to help you prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Payable Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need an Accounts Payable Coordinator Certificate to be an accounts payable coordinator. While having a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, it is not necessary to qualify for the position. In some cases, employers may prefer a candidate with a certificate, but it is not always required.

The most important skills and experience needed to be an effective accounts payable coordinator are knowledge of accounting principles and practices, experience in financial operations and software systems such as QuickBooks, Excel and/or Access, strong organizational skills, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently or as part of a team and the ability to meet deadlines. If you possess these skills and can demonstrate them through prior work experience or education, then you have all the qualifications necessary for this job.

Having an Accounts Payable Coordinator Certificate may give you an edge over other candidates who don’t have one; however, consider if the cost of obtaining the certificate is worth it for your particular situation. It could be beneficial if there are multiple qualified applicants for the same position or if you are looking to advance your career within the field. Ultimately though, whether or not you decide to pursue a certificate should depend on your individual career goals and objectives.

Related: Accounts Payable Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Payable Coordinator Certifications

1. What is an Accounts Payable Coordinator Certification?

An Accounts Payable Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in accounts payable operations, such as invoice processing, payment reconciliation and vendor management.

2. How Do I Become Certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator?

To become certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator, you must complete the required training program or course offered by a recognized accreditation body or institution. You will also need to pass the relevant certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge of accounts payable operations.

3. What Are the Benefits of Being Certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator?

Being certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator provides numerous benefits, including increased job security, greater recognition from employers and potential salary increases. It can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the accounting field.

4. How Long Does it Take to Get Certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator?

The length of time it takes to become certified as an Accounts Payable Coordinator depends on which accreditation body or institution you choose and how much time you dedicate to studying for the certification exam. Generally speaking, most people are able to complete their certification within six months to one year.

5. Is Certification Necessary to Work as an Accounts Payable Coordinator?

No, certification is not necessary to work as an Accounts Payable Coordinator; however, having a professional certification can be beneficial when it comes to career advancement opportunities or negotiating higher salaries with employers.