Top 10 Chief Accountant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a chief accountant to stand out in the job market. They demonstrate that an individual has taken the initiative to pursue additional training in their field, and they show employers that they have achieved a certain level of competence and knowledge. Employers value certifications as assurance that their accounting staff is up-to-date on industry standards and regulations, as well as competent in the latest technologies and software used in the field. Additionally, certifications can open the door to specialized roles within accounting departments, such as those related to auditing or preparing financial statements.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Chief Accountants and explains how they can help to advance a chief accountant's career.

What are Chief Accountant Certifications?

Chief accountant certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skill, and proficiency in accounting. This certification is typically awarded by professional organizations or educational institutions to individuals who have successfully completed certain requirements such as passing exams or completing continuing education courses.

By obtaining chief accountant certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their ability to perform accounting tasks accurately and efficiently. Certified chief accountants are often seen as more qualified for positions than those without the certification. This credential can also give employers greater confidence in their financial decisions and help them save money on taxes and other expenses due to the increased accuracy of their financial records.

The certifications can also help individuals advance their careers by providing additional credentials that make them more competitive in job searches. Additionally, certified chief accountants may be able to access exclusive networking opportunities through organizations that offer the certification, which can help further their career development.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for chief accountant certification in your state or country before beginning the process. Depending on your area, you may need to complete certain tests or courses in order to qualify for certification. Additionally, make sure you understand any continuing education requirements that must be met after you become certified.

Related: What does a Chief Accountant do?

Top 10 Chief Accountant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Chief Accountants today.

1. 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 forth by their state's Board of Accountancy. CPAs are licensed by their respective states to provide accounting services to the public.

The process of becoming a CPA varies from state to state, but generally includes the following steps:

1. Education: Most states require that you have at least 150 semester hours of college education, with a minimum of 24 semester hours in accounting-related courses.

2. Experience: Many states also require that you have at least one year of work experience in public accounting or related fields before you can become a CPA.

3. Examination: All states require that you pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections - Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation - and takes approximately 16 hours to complete.

4. Licensure: After passing the exam, you must apply for licensure with your state's Board of Accountancy in order to become a certified public accountant.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA varies depending on your state's requirements and fees associated with taking the exam and applying for licensure. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000+ depending on your situation.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of professionals in the field of management accounting.

The CMA credential requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management, as well as passing a rigorous exam. The exam consists of two parts: Financial Planning, Performance and Control and Strategic Financial Management.

To get the CMA credential, you must first become a member of IMA and then register for the CMA exam. Once you have successfully completed all requirements, including passing both parts of the exam, you will be awarded your CMA certificate.

The cost to become certified varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs about $400 to join IMA and an additional $450 for each part of the exam.

3. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation for management accountants, created in 2012 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation recognizes the expertise of management accountants who have achieved a high level of competency in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To obtain the CGMA designation, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; passing the CIMA Professional Qualification exams; completing at least three years of relevant work experience; and completing an ethics course. Applicants must also be members of either AICPA or CIMA.

It typically takes between two to four years to complete all the requirements for obtaining the CGMA designation. Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit their application online and pay a one-time fee of $450 USD to receive their CGMA designation.

The CGMA designation is highly respected among employers and provides holders with access to exclusive career resources such as job postings and networking opportunities. It also offers holders discounts on continuing education courses and other professional development programs.

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an internationally recognized professional certification for internal auditors. The CIA designation is granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), which is the global professional association for internal audit practitioners. The CIA designation signifies that an individual has met a rigorous set of standards and has demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of internal auditing.

To become certified as a CIA, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass three exams administered by the IIA. Each exam covers different aspects of internal auditing and requires approximately 100 hours of study time.

The cost to become a Certified Internal Auditor varies depending on your country or region, but typically ranges from approximately $1,000-$2,500 USD. This includes the cost of registration fees, exam fees, and any additional study materials you may need to purchase.

In total, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all three exams and receive your certification.

5. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program designed for individuals who are involved in the management of government financial operations. The CGFM program is offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It provides recognition to those who demonstrate proficiency and expertise in government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Budgeting and Financial Management. Each exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to earn the CGFM designation.

In order to take the exams, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management, holding an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, and being a member of AGA.

It typically takes about one year to complete all three exams. However, some individuals may be able to complete them more quickly depending on their experience level.

The cost for taking the CGFM exams varies depending on the number of exams taken and whether or not you are an AGA member. For non-members, each exam costs $125; for members, each exam costs $100. There is also an application fee that must be paid when registering for the exams which is $75 for members and $100 for non-members.

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in detecting and deterring fraud. It is the highest standard of achievement in the anti-fraud profession.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CFE program, depending on how much time a person can dedicate to studying. To become certified, an individual must first pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as fraud prevention, detection, investigation, and deterrence. Once they have passed the exam, they must also complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certification.

To get CFE certification, individuals must first become members of ACFE and pay an application fee of $250 USD. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive an email containing instructions on how to register for the CFE Exam. The cost for taking the exam is $400 USD for members and $450 USD for non-members.

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

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP/ABA) is a certification program offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in business accounting and financial management. The ABAP/ABA certification is intended to provide assurance that an individual has the necessary skills, experience, and ethical standards to provide professional services in the areas of business accounting and financial management.

The ABAP/ABA certification process takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, candidates must pass a three-part examination that covers topics such as financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing, and business law. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of current accounting standards and be able to apply them in practice. Additionally, they must complete a self-assessment questionnaire that assesses their understanding of ethical principles related to the profession.

To become certified as an ABAP/ABA, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria including having at least two years of professional experience in business or public accounting; having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; passing all three parts of the AICPA examination; completing the self-assessment questionnaire; and meeting any other requirements set forth by the AICPA.

The cost for obtaining ABAP/ABA certification varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $1,000 - $2,500 USD. This cost includes registration fees for the exam as well as additional costs associated with study materials and other related expenses.

8. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is a certification program sponsored by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The CISA certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and experience in the areas of information systems auditing, control, and security.

To become CISA certified, you must have at least five years of cumulative work experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. You must also pass the CISA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk management, IT governance, system development life cycle, business continuity planning, and more.

The CISA exam is offered twice a year in June and December. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your ISACA membership status but typically costs around $600-$700 USD. Once you pass the exam and meet all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official CISA certificate from ISACA.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to comply with ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. The CPE requirement includes completing at least 120 hours of approved training every three years in order to maintain your CISA certification status.

9. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada)

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada) is a professional designation for accountants in Canada. It is the highest standard of accounting education and professional development available in the country. CPA Canada is recognized as a leader in the field of accounting and finance, providing members with the knowledge and skills to excel in their profession.

The CPA Canada designation requires completion of a rigorous three-level program which includes an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate diploma, and the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). The program takes approximately five years to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete each level.

To become a CPA Canada member, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having an accredited undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, meeting all applicable academic requirements, and passing all three levels of the CPA PEP program. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have met the experience requirements set out by CPA Canada.

The cost of becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) varies depending on which province or territory you are located in and what type of membership you are seeking. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000 - $4,000 CAD for tuition fees alone for each level of the CPA PEP program. Additional costs may include application fees and exam fees.

10. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is a professional certification given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). It is a voluntary designation that demonstrates to clients and employers that an individual has met rigorous standards of knowledge, experience, and ethics in financial planning.

In order to obtain the CFP® certification, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive exam administered by the CFP Board. The educational requirements include completing a course of study at an accredited university or college with courses covering topics such as financial planning, investment management, insurance planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management.

The CFP® exam consists of two parts: the core curriculum and the specialty track. The core curriculum covers topics such as financial analysis and decision-making; investments; insurance; retirement planning; tax planning; estate planning; risk management; practice management; legal aspects of financial services; client communication skills; and professional conduct. The specialty track focuses on specific areas within each topic area.

The CFP® exam typically takes between six to nine months to complete depending on how much time an individual can devote to studying for it. In addition to studying for the exam itself, individuals must also complete additional coursework or training in order to meet the educational requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CFP® certification varies depending on which education provider you choose and whether you are taking courses online or in person. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$5,000 USD for tuition fees plus any additional costs associated with books or materials needed for study.

Do You Really Need a Chief Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A Chief Accountant Certificate is a certification that is offered by many universities and professional organizations. It is designed to demonstrate a high level of knowledge, proficiency, and expertise in the field of accounting.

For those who are looking to pursue a career as an accountant or CFO, having a Chief Accountant Certificate can be very beneficial. This certificate demonstrates that the holder has obtained a thorough understanding of accounting principles, practices, and procedures. It also shows that they have the skills needed to effectively manage financial operations in an organization. Having this type of certification can make individuals more attractive to potential employers, as it proves their qualifications for higher-level positions within a company.

On the other hand, those who are already working in an accounting position may not necessarily need to obtain a Chief Accountant Certificate. Although this type of certification can be beneficial for career advancement or job opportunities, those who already have experience in the field may not find it necessary to obtain one. In some cases, simply having years of experience may be enough for employers to recognize an individual’s qualifications for certain positions.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Chief Accountant Certificate will vary depending on their individual situation and goals. Those who wish to pursue higher-level positions within an organization should strongly consider obtaining one if they don’t already have it; however, those with existing experience in the field may be able to get by without it.

Related: Chief Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Chief Accountant Certifications

1. What is a chief accountant certification?

Answer: A chief accountant certification is a professional credential that certifies an individual as having met the educational and experience requirements to serve as a chief accountant. The certification demonstrates expertise in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for becoming a certified chief accountant?

Answer: To become certified as a chief accountant, applicants must have a minimum of five years of relevant finance or accounting experience and must have completed at least 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying body.

3. How long is a chief accountant certification valid?

Answer: Most certifying bodies issue certifications that are valid for three years from the date of issuance. During this period, certified accountants must complete at least 40 hours of CPE to maintain their certification status.

4. What type of job opportunities are available with a chief accountant certification?

Answer: Individuals with a certified chief accountant designation can pursue roles such as finance manager, controller, treasurer, internal auditor, tax specialist or consultant in public accounting firms or private companies. They may also work in government agencies or non-profit organizations.

5. Are there any other benefits associated with holding a chief accountant certification?

Answer: Yes! Certified Chief Accountants often receive higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts and may be eligible for additional job opportunities due to their credentials. Additionally, having such credentials can provide you with greater credibility when dealing with clients and colleagues alike.