Top 11 Accounts Receivable Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for an accounts receivable supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in the field. Employers want to hire individuals who have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle accounting tasks efficiently and effectively. Certifications also provide proof that an individual has passed specific exams or met certain criteria that signify their proficiency in the area. Additionally, certifications can give employers confidence that their accounts receivable staff is up-to-date on current industry standards and best practices. In short, certifications are essential for any accounts receivable supervisor looking to stand out from the competition in today’s job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Accounts Receivable Supervisors and explains how those certifications can help enhance an accounts receivable supervisor's career.

What are Accounts Receivable Supervisor Certifications?

Accounts receivable supervisor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage accounts receivable processes. This certification is offered by professional organizations, such as the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and involves completing coursework and passing examinations.

The certification provides supervisors with the tools they need to ensure accurate and timely collection of accounts receivable. It also helps them understand how to administer credit policies, apply best practices, and develop strategies for improving collections. Additionally, it equips supervisors with the knowledge to recognize potential areas of risk in their accounts receivable processes.

Having this certification can help supervisors gain recognition from employers and demonstrate their qualifications for future job opportunities. It can also provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions in the field of accounts receivable management. The certification may also make it easier for supervisors to stay up-to-date on industry developments and best practices.

Pro Tip: Obtaining an accounts receivable supervisor certification can be beneficial for your career in the accounting field. It will demonstrate to employers that you have a strong understanding of the principles and practices of accounts receivable management. Additionally, it will help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, giving you an edge over other applicants.

Related: What does an Accounts Receivable Supervisor do?

Top 11 Accounts Receivable Supervisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Accounts Receivable Supervisors today.

1. Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP)

Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP) is a professional certification program administered by the International Accounts Receivable Professionals (IARP). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in accounts receivable management. The CARP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field of accounts receivable management.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can study and pass the required exams. The first step is to register for the IARP's online course, which covers topics such as accounts receivable policies and procedures, credit analysis, collections strategies, dispute resolution, and other related topics. After completing the coursework, you will need to take an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible to apply for the CARP designation.

The cost of obtaining a CARP designation varies depending on your location and whether or not you are already a member of IARP. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for non-members and $400-$500 USD for members. This fee includes all materials needed for the coursework as well as access to practice exams that help prepare you for the final exam.

2. Certified Credit and Collections Manager (CCCM)

Certified Credit and Collections Manager (CCCM) is a professional certification program developed by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have attained a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of credit and collections management.

The CCCM program consists of three parts: a written exam, an oral exam, and an ethics course. The written exam covers topics such as credit policies, collection techniques, legal issues, and financial analysis. The oral exam focuses on communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service. The ethics course covers ethical considerations associated with credit and collections management.

In order to become certified, candidates must pass all three parts of the program within two years of starting the process. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements or have at least five years of experience in credit or collections management.

The cost for the CCCM program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost $400-$500 while in-person courses can cost up to $1,000.

3. Certified Accounts Receivable Manager (CARM)

Certified Accounts Receivable Manager (CARM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). The CARM program is designed to recognize and promote excellence in accounts receivable management. It is designed to help professionals in the field of accounts receivable management to gain knowledge, skills and recognition for their work.

The CARM program consists of four courses: Accounts Receivable Fundamentals, Accounts Receivable Management, Credit Risk Analysis and Collection Strategies. Each course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of accounts receivable management, credit risk analysis and collection strategies.

The CARM program takes approximately 12 months to complete. However, you may be able to complete it at a faster pace depending on your availability and commitment level. To get started with the CARM program, you must first register with NACM and pay a fee which covers all four courses. After completing the registration process, you will receive access to online course materials and quizzes that will help you prepare for the exams associated with each course.

The cost for the CARM program varies depending on which option you choose – self-study or instructor-led classes. The self-study option costs $1,495 while instructor-led classes cost $2,195. Additionally, there are exam fees associated with each course which range from $75-$125 per exam.

4. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in financial services auditing. The CFSA credential is highly sought after by employers, and it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional excellence and ethics.

To become a Certified Financial Services Auditor, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the CFSA exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least four years of experience in financial services auditing or related fields, as well as meeting certain educational requirements.

The CFSA exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers topics such as financial statement analysis, internal controls, and risk management; Part 2 covers topics such as audit planning and execution, data analysis, and reporting. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CFSA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$600 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $100 USD to maintain your certification status.

5. 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 expertise in the field of internal auditing. The CIA designation is highly respected and sought after by employers, as it indicates that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field.

In order to obtain the CIA designation, individuals must pass three exams: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing, and Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on your country/region; however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$400 per exam. Additionally, there are fees associated with registering for the exams and obtaining your certification once you have passed all three exams.

Overall, it typically takes between six months and two years to obtain the CIA designation, depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass each exam.

6. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by their state boards to provide accounting services such as auditing, tax preparation, financial planning and consulting.

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

1. Complete a minimum of 150 semester hours of college education in accounting and related subjects;

2. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA);

3. Pass an ethics exam; and

4. Obtain a certain amount of experience in public accounting or related fields.

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three years for someone with no prior experience in accounting or finance to complete all the necessary requirements for licensure.

The cost of becoming a CPA will vary based on the individual's specific circumstances, such as where they live and how they choose to pursue their education and training. The cost may include tuition fees for classes taken at a college or university, application fees for taking the CPA Exam, exam fees for taking the CPA Exam, licensing fees paid to the state board of accountancy upon passing all exams, and any continuing education courses required after licensure is obtained.

7. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. The CFE credential is widely recognized as the premier designation for those working in the anti-fraud profession.

The CFE exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover four main areas: financial transactions and fraud schemes, legal elements of fraud, investigation, and fraud prevention and deterrence. To become certified, applicants must pass this exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The CFE exam can be taken at any time throughout the year. The ACFE offers online proctored exams which allow you to take the test from your own home or office. The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD for members of the ACFE and $495 USD for non-members.

In order to maintain their certification, CFEs must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes attending seminars and conferences related to fraud examination, participating in webinars or other online courses, reading books related to fraud examination, or completing college courses related to fraud examination.

8. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is an internationally recognized professional designation for management accountants. It is awarded by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), a global organization that represents the accounting profession.

The CGMA designation indicates a mastery of business and financial skills, as well as a commitment to ethical practice. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in areas such as financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance measurement, risk management, and decision-making.

To obtain the CGMA designation, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a comprehensive exam. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in management accounting or related fields. They must also possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or finance.

The exam consists of two parts: The Strategic Management Accounting Exam (SMACE) and the Financial Management Exam (FME). The SMACE covers topics such as strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement, risk management, and cost management. The FME covers topics such as financial statement analysis, corporate finance, investments and derivatives, taxation, auditing and assurance services.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete both parts of the exam. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience before they can take the exams.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on where you are located and which exam you are taking. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD for both parts of the exam plus any additional fees associated with submitting your professional experience documents.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation granted by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. It is one of the most respected and recognized investment credentials in the world. The CFA credential is highly sought after by employers and demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards as well as a deep understanding of advanced investment analysis and portfolio management skills.

It takes an average of four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program, which consists of self-study courses, exams, and work experience requirements. The program covers topics such as ethics, economics, financial reporting and analysis, quantitative methods, corporate finance, portfolio management and equity investments.

To become a CFA charterholder you must pass all three levels of the CFA Program exam within four years while meeting certain work experience requirements. You must also agree to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for taking the CFA Program exam varies depending on when you register for each level. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD per level to take the exam plus additional fees for study materials or review courses if desired.

10. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAA/ABA)

An Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAA/ABA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of accounting, finance, taxation, and business management. This designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

To become an ABAA/ABA, you must meet certain education requirements and pass an examination administered by the AICPA. The exam consists of four parts: Financial Accounting & Reporting; Auditing & Attestation; Regulation; and Business Environment & Concepts. It typically takes between three to six months to complete all four parts of the exam.

In order to apply for the ABAA/ABA designation, you must be a member of the AICPA and have at least two years of professional experience in accounting or related fields. You must also submit an application form along with your resume, transcripts, and other supporting documents.

The cost for taking the ABAA/ABA exam varies depending on where you take it and how many parts you are taking. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the designation such as membership fees or registration fees.

11. Association of Credit and Collection Professionals Certification Program in Credit and Collection Management (ACCP-CCM).

The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals Certification Program in Credit and Collection Management (ACCP-CCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of credit and collection professionals. The program is administered by the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, a non-profit organization that serves as the leading authority on credit and collection matters.

The ACCP-CCM certification program consists of two parts: an online course covering the fundamentals of credit and collection management and an examination that tests knowledge gained from the course. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete, but can be completed at your own pace.

To get certified, you must first register for the ACCP-CCM exam. Registration costs $150 USD, which includes access to the online course material. After registering, you will have 6 months to complete the online course before taking the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours. You must score at least 70% in order to pass the exam and receive certification.

Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will receive your ACCP-CCM certification and become eligible for membership in ACCP's Professional Credit & Collection Society (PCCS). This membership provides access to additional resources such as networking opportunities, continuing education courses, job postings, industry news updates, and more.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Receivable Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and objectives. If you are looking to advance your career in accounts receivable, then a certificate may be beneficial. It can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful supervisor or manager in the field. A certificate can also show employers that you have taken an extra step in mastering the material related to accounts receivable.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced accounts receivable professional, obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely look at your experience and qualifications first before considering any additional credentials. Furthermore, depending on the type of certification program you choose, there may be costs associated with completing it which could add up over time.

Ultimately, it is important for individuals to assess their needs when deciding whether or not they need an accounts receivable supervisor certificate. For some professionals, obtaining one could be advantageous while for others it might not make sense financially or professionally.

Related: Accounts Receivable Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Receivable Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become an Accounts Receivable Supervisor?

Answer: Generally, a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is necessary to become an Accounts Receivable Supervisor. Additionally, it is helpful to have experience in accounts receivable and/or managerial experience.

2. Are there any certifications available for Accounts Receivable Supervisors?

Answer: Yes, the International Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (IACCP) offers the Certified Credit and Collection Professional (CCCP) certification which is specifically designed for Accounts Receivable Supervisors.

3. How do I obtain the CCCP certification?

Answer: To obtain the CCCP certification, you must pass an exam which covers topics such as accounts receivables management, collections, customer service and dispute resolution. You must also have at least two years of professional credit or collections experience within the past five years, or at least three years of professional credit or collections experience within the past eight years.

4. How long is the CCCP certification valid for?

Answer: The CCCP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must renew your certification by submitting proof of continuing education credits obtained during that period.

5. What are some of the benefits of having a CCCP certification?

Answer: Having a CCCP certification can help demonstrate your expertise in accounts receivables and collections management to employers. It can also help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs and may be beneficial when negotiating salary or promotions. Additionally, it can provide access to exclusive resources such as networking events with industry professionals, job postings and discounts on products and services related to credit and collections management.