Top 10 Accounts Payable Specialist Certifications

Certifications for an accounts payable specialist are important in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, knowledge, and expertise. Employers want to hire professionals who have proven their skills by completing accredited certifications and who have kept up with the latest trends in accounting. Certifications also give employers added confidence that the candidate has the necessary skills and experience to handle their accounting needs. Additionally, certifications may provide access to higher paying jobs or faster promotions. They can open doors for career advancement opportunities and help establish credibility with clients and colleagues.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Accounts Payable Specialists and explains how they can contribute to an accounts payable specialist's career, providing a useful overview for those interested in advancing their skills and knowledge.

What are Accounts Payable Specialist Certifications?

Accounts payable specialist certification is a professional certification issued by the American Association of Professional Accounts (AAPA) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of accounts payable principles and practices. This certification can be beneficial for those in the accounting field who wish to demonstrate their expertise in this area and set themselves apart from other job applicants. With this credential, accountants can show employers that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage accounts payable operations. Additionally, having an accounts payable specialist certification may also lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities within the accounting field. The certification requires completion of a course on accounts payable management as well as passing an exam. Those with an accounts payable specialist certification are expected to understand best practices for processing payments, managing vendor relationships, maintaining accurate records, and using software systems related to accounts payable processes.

Pro Tip: Become certified as an accounts payable specialist to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge of the field. Certification programs are often offered by professional organizations and can provide you with a credential that will make you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certification may also be required for certain positions and can provide you with valuable skills to help you advance your career.

Related: What does an Accounts Payable Specialist do?

Top 10 Accounts Payable Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of accounts payable professionals. The program is offered by the Institute of Financial Operations, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing the profession of financial operations.

The CAPP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in accounts payable processes, procedures, and systems. It covers topics such as accounts payable management, internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, vendor relations, technology trends, and best practices.

To get certified as an Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in accounts payable or equivalent education. They must also pass an exam that consists of multiple choice questions from various topics related to accounts payable.

The exam can be taken online or at one of the Institute’s testing centers around the world. The cost for the exam is $395 USD for members of the Institute and $495 USD for non-members. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once certified, CAPP holders are required to maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits each year through webinars, seminars, conferences, or other approved activities.

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 designation is recognized throughout the public sector as a mark of excellence in government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams that cover topics such as governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, and financial reporting. The exams must be taken in sequence and must be passed within five years of each other. Each exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management. Applicants must also pass all three CGFM exams with a score of 70% or higher on each exam.

The cost for the CGFM program varies depending on whether you are an AGA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,000 for all three exams; for members, it is $700 for all three exams. Additionally, there are fees associated with registration and retake fees if necessary.

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have met the educational, work experience, and examination requirements set by the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy and must adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. A CPA provides assurance services such as audits, reviews, compilations and attestations; tax services such as planning, preparation and consulting; and other financial advisory services.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education including a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or related field
• Pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Meet any additional experience requirements set forth by the state board of accountancy in which they intend to practice
• Obtain licensure from the appropriate state board of accountancy

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on how quickly an individual can complete their educational requirements and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to five years for an individual to become fully licensed.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA also varies based on location and type of program chosen. The fees associated with taking the exam typically range from $200-$800 depending on whether or not you choose to take all four sections at once or separately. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining licensure in your particular state.

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to demonstrate an individual's competency in the practice of internal audit.

The CIA certification process involves passing three exams that cover knowledge of international standards, risk management, and control. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must also have two years of experience in internal auditing or related fields before they can apply for the certification.

To get the CIA certification, candidates must first register with The IIA and pay the registration fee. After registering, candidates must then pass all three exams within a five-year period in order to receive their CIA designation.

The cost for the CIA certification varies depending on which country you are taking the exam in. Generally, it costs around $1,000 USD to take all three exams, plus additional fees for registration and study materials.

5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification in the field of management accounting. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA designation recognizes individuals who have mastered the financial and operational knowledge needed to make strategic business decisions.

It typically takes around 12 months to complete the CMA program. To become a CMA, you must first pass two exams: Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance and Control and Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management. You must also meet the IMA’s experience requirements, which include at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

To register for the CMA exam, you will need to submit an application through the IMA website. The cost of taking both parts of the exam is $415 for members of the IMA and $515 for non-members. There may be additional fees associated with preparing for and taking the exam, such as books or courses.

6. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The CTP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of treasury management. It provides employers with a reliable measure of an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of cash management, investments, financial risk management, and international finance.

The CTP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, debt and equity financing, capital budgeting, derivatives, and foreign exchange. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CTP certification program, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. They must have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in finance or accounting; three years of full-time professional experience in treasury management; or two years of full-time professional experience in treasury management plus one year of related college coursework.

The cost to register for the CTP exam varies depending on whether you are an AFP member or non-member. For AFP members, the cost is $595 USD; for non-members it is $795 USD.

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 recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in management accounting, financial management, and business strategy.

The CGMA designation requires passing an exam, completing a minimum number of years of work experience, and meeting other requirements. The exam consists of four parts: Financial Strategy, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Business Performance Management, and Strategic Business Management.

It typically takes three to five years to complete the requirements for the CGMA designation. To get it, you must first become an AICPA member and then register with CIMA. Once registered with CIMA, you can take the CGMA exam. You must also submit proof that you have met all other requirements for the designation such as having at least three years of work experience in management accounting or related fields.

The cost for taking the CGMA exam is $400 for AICPA members and $600 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee to maintain your CGMA status which is currently $150 per year for AICPA members and $200 per year for non-members.

8. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certification

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of bookkeepers in the United States. The certification is designed to demonstrate a bookkeeper’s ability to accurately and efficiently manage financial records for businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.

To obtain AIPB Certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least two years of full-time work experience as a bookkeeper or equivalent;
• Pass an exam administered by the AIPB; and
• Maintain continuing education requirements every three years.

The AIPB Certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as accounting principles, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, financial statement preparation, taxation, computerized accounting systems, and business law. The exam typically takes between four and five hours to complete.

The cost for taking the AIPB Certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or enrolling in review courses.

Once certified, bookkeepers can use their credentials to demonstrate their expertise in bookkeeping and accounting practices to employers or clients. In addition to providing recognition for their expertise, AIPB certification also provides access to exclusive resources like job postings and networking opportunities through its website.

9. Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Accounts Payable Leadership

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Accounts Payable Leadership is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of accounts payable professionals. The certification is offered by the AFP, a global professional association dedicated to advancing the success of finance professionals.

The AFP Certificate in Accounts Payable Leadership is an online program that consists of three courses: Accounts Payable Fundamentals, Advanced Accounts Payable, and Leadership & Management. The program takes approximately 30 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. To qualify for the certificate, you must pass all three courses with a minimum score of 70%.

To get started with the AFP Certificate in Accounts Payable Leadership, you must first become an AFP member. Membership costs $199 annually or $299 for two years. Once you are an AFP member, you can purchase the certificate program for $795. This fee includes access to all three courses as well as one-on-one support from experienced instructors throughout your studies.

Upon successful completion of all three courses and passing the final exam with a score of 70%, you will receive your official AFP Certificate in Accounts Payable Leadership, which will demonstrate your expertise in accounts payable processes and procedures.

10. Institute of Business & Finance Accounting Certificate Program

The Institute of Business & Finance Accounting Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of accounting. The program consists of six courses, each focusing on different aspects of accounting. The courses include Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Accounting Information Systems.

The program can be completed in as little as six months, depending on how quickly the student completes their coursework. Students are required to complete all six courses in order to receive the certificate.

In order to get this certificate, students must first apply for admission into the Institute of Business & Finance Accounting Certificate Program. Once accepted into the program, students will be assigned an advisor who will help them select their courses and guide them through the process. Upon completion of all six courses, students must pass a final exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the Institute of Business & Finance Accounting Certificate Program varies depending on which school you attend and how many credits you need to take for each course. Generally speaking, it can range between $500-$1,500 for tuition fees and other associated costs such as textbooks and materials.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Payable Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what your career goals are. If you are looking to become an accounts payable specialist, then getting a certificate in accounts payable could be beneficial. It would show employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to do the job correctly. The certificate can also provide proof of your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to learning about the field.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in accounts payable or if you are currently working in the field, then getting a certificate may not be necessary. In fact, many employers prefer experience over certification when it comes to hiring for positions like these. Having a good understanding of how accounting works and being able to demonstrate your ability to handle accounts payables efficiently is often enough for employers to consider an applicant for an open position.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an accounts payable specialist certificate will depend on your individual goals and circumstances. If you are looking for ways to advance your career in this field, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial. However, if you already have experience and feel comfortable with your skillset, then it may not be necessary.

Related: Accounts Payable Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Payable Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounts Payable Specialist Certification?

A1. An Accounts Payable Specialist Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates expertise in the field of accounts payable and financial management. It provides recognition of the holder’s ability to manage accounts payable operations, including processing payments, maintaining accurate records, managing vendor relationships and monitoring budget compliance.

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

A2. To become certified as an Accounts Payable Specialist you must have at least one year of experience in accounts payable or financial management and pass a certification exam administered by a credentialing body such as the Institute of Financial Operations.

Q3. What topics are covered on the Accounts Payable Specialist Certification exam?

A3. The topics covered on the Accounts Payable Specialist Certification exam include accounting principles, accounts payable processes and procedures, internal controls, cost management and financial analysis.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as an Accounts Payable Specialist?

A4. It typically takes between three and six months to complete all requirements for certification as an Accounts Payable Specialist depending on prior experience and knowledge level in related topics.

Q5. What are some benefits of becoming certified as an Accounts Payable Specialist?

A5: There are many benefits to becoming certified as an Accounts Payable Specialist such as increased job opportunities, higher pay rates, better job security and greater respect from peers in the industry. Additionally, certification can lead to greater career advancement opportunities within your organization or elsewhere in the field of accounts payable or finance management