Top 11 Accounts Payable Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way to demonstrate a level of expertise in the accounts payable industry. They show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn and understand the best practices of accounting, as well as how to manage and oversee accounts payable processes. Certifications also provide proof that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in this area, which can be invaluable when it comes to landing a job or advancing your career. In addition, certifications can help distinguish yourself from other applicants who may not have the same qualifications or experience.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Accounts Payable Managers, and explains how they can help to advance an accounts payable manager's career.

What are Accounts Payable Manager Certifications?

Accounts payable manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of accounts payable management. It indicates that the holder has successfully completed a course of study and passed examinations covering topics such as accounting principles, accounts payable processes, internal controls, and financial reporting. This certification can help to demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and provide employers with an assurance of the individual’s knowledge and skill set. Furthermore, it can be used to distinguish oneself from other candidates in a competitive job market and may even lead to higher salaries or promotions. Additionally, this type of certification typically provides access to professional resources such as publications, events, and networking opportunities which can help individuals stay up-to-date on the latest trends in accounts payable management.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming an Accounts Payable Manager, it is important to obtain certification. This will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, as well as help you stand out from other applicants. Certification can be obtained through various professional organizations, such as the Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (ICPA). Additionally, many employers require that their Accounts Payable Managers possess a certain level of certification in order to qualify for the position.

Related: What does an Accounts Payable Manager do?

Top 11 Accounts Payable Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Accounts Payable Managers 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 CAPP certification program is intended to provide an industry standard for accounts payable professionals by demonstrating their competency in areas such as invoice processing, payment processing, vendor relations, compliance and internal controls.

The CAPP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of accounts payable experience or equivalent education. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics related to accounts payable operations and processes. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the CAPP designation, applicants must first register with the Institute of Financial Operations and pay the registration fee which is currently $295 USD for members or $395 USD for non-members. After registering, applicants must then prepare for the exam by studying relevant materials provided by the Institute of Financial Operations. Finally, applicants must take and pass the exam in order to become certified as a Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP).

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the education, experience and examination requirements set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). A CPA is a trusted financial advisor who has expertise in taxation, auditing, and other areas of finance. CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy and must adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

To become a CPA, you need to fulfill four main requirements:

# Education: You must complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework, including specific courses in accounting and business-related topics.

# Examination: You must pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The exam consists of four sections—Auditing & Attestation, Business Environment & Concepts, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and Regulation—and takes approximately 16 hours to complete.

# Experience: You must gain at least one year of relevant work experience under an active CPA license or supervised by a qualified supervisor. This can include public accounting or other related fields such as government or industry.

# Licensure: You must apply for licensure through your state board of accountancy. Each state has its own requirements for licensure so be sure to check with your local board for more information.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA varies depending on where you live and which courses you take. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,500-$5,000 to cover all expenses related to taking the exam and obtaining licensure.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to measure the knowledge and skills of financial professionals in areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA designation is recognized globally and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in management accounting.

To become a CMA, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. In addition, you must pass a rigorous two-part exam that covers topics such as financial statement analysis, cost management, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement, strategic planning and decision-making.

The CMA exam takes approximately 4 hours per part and consists of multiple choice questions as well as essay questions. The exam fee for both parts is $415 USD for IMA members ($515 USD for non-members). After passing both parts of the exam within three years, you will be awarded the CMA designation.

4. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification for financial managers in the public sector. It is offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). The CGFM designation indicates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of government financial management and can apply this knowledge to solve complex financial problems.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the requirements for the CGFM certification, depending on an individual's prior experience and training. To become certified, individuals must pass three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control.

To take the exams, individuals must first join AGA as a member, which costs $95/year. Exam fees are $175 per exam or $425 for all three if taken at once. There are also study materials available through AGA that can be purchased separately.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must have two years of professional-level experience in government financial management within five years of submitting their application.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in internal auditing, control, and risk management. It is designed to provide assurance to employers and other stakeholders that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform internal audit activities in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, individuals must meet certain requirements set forth by the IIA. These include having at least two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields; passing three examinations administered by the IIA; completing continuing professional education credits each year; and adhering to the Code of Ethics established by the IIA.

The process of becoming a Certified Internal Auditor typically takes about two years. During this time, individuals must complete all requirements listed above as well as submit their application for certification. After submitting their application, individuals will have to wait for approval from the IIA before they can be officially certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Internal Auditor varies depending on where you live and which examination package you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for all three exams plus registration fees.

6. 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 demonstrated an understanding of global business and finance, as well as their ability to apply management accounting principles in a global context.

It typically takes two years to complete the CGMA program. The program consists of three parts: a self-study course, an online exam, and a practical experience requirement. The self-study course covers topics such as financial reporting, cost analysis, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement, strategic management accounting, and risk management. The online exam tests your knowledge of these topics. Finally, you must demonstrate practical experience in order to receive the designation.

The cost of becoming a CGMA varies based on your location and other factors. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,500 to become a CGMA in the United States or Canada. This includes the cost of the self-study course materials, exam fees, and any additional resources you may need to complete the program.

To become a CGMA you must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of professional experience in management accounting or related fields; holding an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution; passing the online exam; and demonstrating practical experience in management accounting principles. Once you have met all these requirements you can apply for certification through AICPA or CIMA’s website.

7. Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a professional association for management accountants and financial professionals. It provides members with education, certification, networking opportunities, and career resources.

To become an IMA member, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and meet the organization’s experience requirements. Once you are accepted into the program, it takes approximately two to three years to complete the certification process.

The first step in obtaining IMA certification is to pass the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. This exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics; Part 2 covers financial statement analysis, corporate finance, decision analysis, investment decisions, and risk management. After passing both parts of the CMA exam, you will receive your CMA designation from IMA.

The cost of becoming an IMA member varies depending on your location and membership type. The basic membership fee is around $200 USD per year; however there are additional fees for taking the CMA exam as well as other educational materials you may need to purchase in order to prepare for it.

Overall, becoming an IMA member can be a great way to enhance your career prospects in the field of management accounting or finance as it offers access to valuable resources such as continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

8. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the national professional organization for certified public accountants in the United States. It was founded in 1887 and is one of the world's largest accounting organizations. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the accounting profession and provides guidance on auditing, taxation, financial planning, and other areas of practice.

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an individual must meet certain educational requirements, pass a rigorous exam, and have at least one year of experience in public accounting. Once these criteria are met, an individual can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the AICPA. The exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Business Environment & Concepts; Financial Accounting & Reporting; and Regulation.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on which state you live in but typically ranges from $200-$800 per section. The exam takes approximately 16 hours to complete and can be taken over two days or spread out over several months if desired. After passing all four sections of the exam, individuals must also complete additional requirements such as continuing professional education credits before they can receive their CPA license from their state board of accountancy.

In summary, becoming an AICPA-certified CPA requires meeting certain educational requirements, passing a rigorous exam that costs between $200-$800 per section and takes about 16 hours to complete, and completing additional requirements such as continuing professional education credits before receiving your license from your state board of accountancy.

9. Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is a global professional association and the premier source of financial education, training, and networking opportunities for finance professionals. AFP was founded in 1987 to help members become better financial decision-makers and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry.

To become an AFP member, you must have a minimum of three years' experience in the finance profession. You can join either as an individual or as part of an organization. There are no prerequisites or exams required to join.

Membership fees vary depending on your membership type and level of involvement with AFP. The basic individual membership fee is $325 per year, while corporate memberships start at $1,000 annually. There are also discounts available for students and early career professionals.

Once you become a member of AFP, you'll gain access to exclusive resources such as online courses, webinars, research reports, and networking events. You'll also be able to take advantage of discounts on conferences and certifications offered by AFP. Plus, you'll receive regular updates on industry news and trends through newsletters and other publications.

10. National Association of Credit Management (NACM)

The National Association of Credit Management (NACM) is a professional organization that provides education, training, and resources to credit professionals. It was founded in 1896 as the National Association of Credit Men and has since grown to become the largest association of its kind in the United States.

NACM offers a variety of services such as credit reports, collections, legal services, and more. It also provides educational programs for credit professionals and offers certifications for those who wish to specialize in certain areas. To get certified through NACM, you must complete an application form and pass an exam. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and costs $150-$200 depending on the type of certification you are seeking.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from NACM which is valid for two years. You can then renew your certification every two years by completing additional continuing education credits or taking another exam.

Overall, becoming certified through NACM is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of credit management. It is also a great way to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices.

11. International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP).

International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP) is a certification program designed to help accounts payable professionals enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of international accounts payable. The program is offered by the Institute of Finance and Management (IOFM).

The IAPP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in accounts payable, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass an online exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. The exam covers topics such as international accounting principles, foreign currency transactions, global payments, and other related topics.

The IAPP certification process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete the online application form and submit all required documentation. Once the application is approved, applicants will be instructed to take the online exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their IAPP certification.

The cost for the IAPP certification varies depending on where you live and which package you choose. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$500 USD for individuals and $400-$1,000 USD for organizations.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Payable Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need an Accounts Payable Manager Certificate to become a successful Accounts Payable Manager. Although having a certificate can be helpful in demonstrating your knowledge and experience in the field, it is not necessary for success. Many employers place more emphasis on prior experience, job performance, and references when considering applicants for Accounts Payable Manager positions. Additionally, many organizations provide comprehensive training programs that teach the skills necessary to perform the job effectively.

For individuals looking to advance their careers in accounts payable management, there are other options available than obtaining a certificate. Some employers may offer continuing education courses or seminars related to accounts payable management that can help employees gain additional knowledge and skills in this area. Professional organizations such as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) also offer certifications and qualifications that demonstrate proficiency in accounting practices and standards.

In addition to these professional development opportunities, some employers may also look favorably upon applicants who have obtained college degrees related to accounting or finance. A degree can be beneficial both in demonstrating knowledge of accounting principles as well as providing a foundation for understanding complex financial concepts.

Overall, while obtaining an Accounts Payable Manager Certificate may be beneficial for some individuals looking to enter or advance their career in this field, it is not necessarily required for success. There are numerous other ways that individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and experience with accounts payable management without obtaining a formal certificate.

Related: Accounts Payable Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Payable Manager Certifications

1. What is an Accounts Payable Manager Certification?

An Accounts Payable Manager Certification is a certification that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and proficiency in managing accounts payable processes and procedures. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to properly manage their accounts receivable operations.

2. What are the benefits of earning an Accounts Payable Manager Certification?

The primary benefit of earning an Accounts Payable Manager Certification is increased job security and higher wages for those who possess it. It also provides recognition from employers as well as industry peers, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and growth.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining an Accounts Payable Manager Certification?

Requirements vary by organization, but typically involve completing training courses, passing exams, and gaining relevant experience in the field. Many organizations also require applicants to have at least one year of experience working in accounts payable or finance-related roles before they can qualify for certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an Accounts Payable Manager?

The amount of time required to become certified as an Accounts Payable Manager depends on the specific requirements of each certifying organization, but most programs can be completed within six months or less if studied full-time.

5. How much does it cost to get an Accounts Payable Manager Certification?

The cost of obtaining an Accounts Payable Manager Certification will vary depending on the certifying organization and its associated costs for materials, exams, etc., but generally ranges from $500-$2,000 USD depending on geographic location and other factors.