Top 11 Corporate Accountant Certifications

Certifications are important for a corporate accountant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can be verified by an external body. They also provide assurance to employers that the accountant is knowledgeable in areas such as taxation, auditing, financial reporting and other relevant topics. Employers may view certifications as evidence of an accountant’s commitment to their profession and as a sign of their willingness to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards. Additionally, certifications may help accountants stand out among their peers when competing for jobs or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Corporate Accountants and explain how they can enhance a Corporate Accountant's career.

What are Corporate Accountant Certifications?

Corporate accountant certification is a professional certification which recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of corporate accountants. Corporate accounting involves a wide range of activities, including managing financial statements, preparing tax returns, analyzing financial performance, and providing strategic advice to management. By obtaining a corporate accountant certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise in this field and are seen as more valuable – and thus more employable – than those without such credentials.

Having corporate accountant certification can open up many career opportunities for professionals interested in this field. With the credential, individuals may be eligible for higher salaries or more desirable job positions within their organization. Additionally, certified corporate accountants are usually given priority when it comes to promotions or advancements within their company. As such, having this certification can help professionals advance their career faster than those without it.

Finally, having corporate accountant certification also gives an individual greater credibility when it comes to working with clients or other stakeholders. The credential serves as proof that the individual has completed rigorous training in the area of corporate accounting and is knowledgeable about applicable laws and regulations related to the profession. This can help individuals gain trust from clients and other stakeholders while also giving them an edge over competitors who do not have the same credentials.

Pro Tip: To become a certified corporate accountant, make sure you have the necessary education and qualifications to qualify for the certification. Additionally, be sure to stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations to ensure that your skills remain relevant in the ever-evolving corporate accounting world.

Related: What does a Corporate Accountant do?

Top 11 Corporate Accountant Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. CPAs are licensed by their state boards of accountancy and must adhere to a code of professional conduct.

It typically takes up to five years to become a CPA. To get certified, you need at least 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or related field; pass the Uniform CPA Examination; and meet the work experience requirement as set by your state board of accountancy.

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on where you live and how much preparation you need. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the exam fees alone. Additional costs include study materials, review courses, application fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

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 professionals who have demonstrated expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support and professional ethics. The CMA exam covers topics such as financial statement analysis, cost accounting, budgeting and forecasting, performance measurement and management control systems.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete the CMA program. To earn the CMA credential, you must meet the eligibility requirements and pass two exams: Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics; Part 2: Strategic Financial Management. The exams are offered at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide.

The cost of the CMA program varies depending on whether you are a student or an IMA member. For students, it costs $300 for each part of the exam ($600 total), plus an additional $100 for a review course if desired. For IMA members, it costs $250 for each part of the exam ($500 total), plus an additional $50 for a review course if desired.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the field. The CIA designation is highly sought after by employers, as it indicates that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in internal auditing.

The CIA exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each part must be passed separately in order to obtain the certification. The exams are offered twice a year, in June and December.

In order to be eligible to take the CIA exam, candidates must meet certain requirements including having two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields such as accounting or finance, or completing a college degree program with at least 24 semester hours of accounting or business-related courses. Candidates must also submit an application and pay the required fees before they can sit for the exam.

The cost for taking all three parts of the CIA exam varies depending on which country you are located in, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes registration fees, study materials, and other associated costs.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation that provides recognition of the expertise and experience of management accountants. It is awarded by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, which is a joint venture between the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The CGMA designation is designed to recognize management accountants who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in the field. To qualify for the CGMA designation, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements. This includes having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, plus two years of relevant work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by AICPA/CIMA.

It typically takes around three to six months to complete all requirements for the CGMA designation. After completing all requirements, applicants must submit an application and pay a fee before they can be awarded the CGMA designation. The fee varies depending on where you are located; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

5. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). The CGFM designation is designed to recognize those who demonstrate expertise in government financial management. It requires a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local government financial management principles and practices.

The CGFM program consists of three examinations: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control. To earn the CGFM designation, an individual must pass all three exams within a six-year period.

To be eligible for the CGFM program, an individual must have four years of professional-level experience in government financial management or related fields such as public administration or accounting. All applicants must also complete an application form and pay the application fee before taking any of the examinations.

The cost of the CGFM program varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of AGA. For members, the cost is $195 per exam ($585 total). For nonmembers, it is $295 per exam ($885 total).

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is an individual who has been certified by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is a globally recognized certification for fraud prevention and detection professionals. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skill, and experience in fraud prevention, detection, deterrence, investigation, and prosecution.

In order to become a CFE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous four-hour exam. The exam covers topics such as fraud prevention and detection methods, financial transactions analysis, legal elements of fraud, interviewing techniques, report writing, and other related topics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire process of becoming a CFE. This includes completing the required coursework or self-study materials; studying for the exam; taking the exam; passing the background check; submitting all necessary documentation; and receiving your official CFE certificate from ACFE.

The cost of becoming a CFE varies depending on which route you take to obtain your certification. If you choose to take an ACFE approved course or use their self-study materials it will cost approximately $1,000-$2,000 USD for tuition fees plus any additional costs associated with taking the exam. If you choose to study independently without taking an ACFE approved course then it will cost approximately $250 USD for the exam fee only.

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

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAP/ABA) is a certification program administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize qualified accounting professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in providing accounting and advisory services to businesses. The program requires the completion of specific educational requirements, professional experience, and successful completion of an examination.

It typically takes two years to complete the ABAP/ABA certification process. During this time, applicants must complete at least 150 hours of coursework from an accredited college or university, as well as two years of professional experience in business accounting and advisory services. After completing these requirements, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial statement preparation and analysis, taxation, auditing, and business law.

To get certified as an ABAP/ABA, applicants must submit an application to the AICPA along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of professional experience. The application fee is $250 for members of the AICPA and $500 for non-members. Once approved by the AICPA, applicants will be required to pay additional fees for registration and examination fees.

The cost of obtaining ABAP/ABA certification varies depending on factors such as the applicant’s location and type of institution they attend for their coursework. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars to obtain this certification.

8. Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)

The Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize auditors who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in financial services audit, risk management, compliance, and other related areas. The CFSA certification is intended for internal and external auditors who are responsible for performing financial services audits.

To become certified, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to the IIA. The application requires information about the applicant's education, work experience, and any relevant certifications or qualifications. In addition, applicants must pass a two-part exam that covers topics such as financial services audit principles, risk management techniques, internal control systems, and regulatory requirements.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual's background and experience. The cost of obtaining the CFSA certification varies depending on the country in which the applicant resides but typically ranges from $400-$1,000 USD.

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is designed for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess information technology and business systems. The CISA designation is globally recognized as a standard of excellence for IT auditors.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers five domains of knowledge: The Process of Auditing Information Systems; Governance and Management of IT; Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation; Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Support; Protection of Information Assets.

It typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for the CISA exam. To get started on your path to becoming certified, you should first review the CISA Exam Outline to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Then you should purchase study materials from ISACA or other vendors that provide comprehensive coverage of all five domains. Finally, you should register for the exam with ISACA.

The cost to take the CISA exam varies depending on where you live and when you take it. In general, it will cost between $575-$760 USD to register for the exam in North America or Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA).

10. Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA, CGA, or CMA)

Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA, CGA, or CMA) is a professional designation that signifies expertise in accounting and financial management. It is recognized by governments, businesses and other organizations across Canada and around the world.

To become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA, CGA, or CMA), you must complete a rigorous educational program which includes completing an undergraduate degree in accounting or business administration as well as passing the Uniform Final Evaluation (UFE). This evaluation consists of three days of written examinations on topics such as auditing, taxation and financial reporting. The UFE also includes an oral component where candidates are evaluated on their knowledge of professional practice issues.

The length of time to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA, CGA, or CMA) varies depending on the individual’s academic background and experience. Generally speaking it can take anywhere from two to five years to complete all the requirements for certification.

The cost of becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA, CGA, or CMA) will depend on the province you are in and the organization you are joining. Generally speaking fees range from $500-$2 000 for application fees plus additional fees for courses and exams taken during the certification process.

11. Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)

Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide expert financial forensics services. CFF professionals are trained to identify, analyze, and interpret financial evidence for use in legal proceedings or other investigative processes.

It typically takes about two years of experience in forensic accounting before an individual can qualify for the CFF credential. A minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) related to forensic accounting must also be completed each year to maintain the credential.

To obtain the CFF credential, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a four-hour exam administered by Prometric. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as fraud examination, litigation support, financial statement analysis, and bankruptcy/insolvency. The cost of the exam is $1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Corporate Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of accounting you want to pursue. If you are looking for a job in corporate accounting, then having a corporate accountant certificate would be beneficial. It can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in this field and help you stand out from other candidates.

A corporate accountant certificate will give you an edge over other applicants who do not have it. It demonstrates that you have studied the subject matter in detail and have acquired the necessary skills to perform the job successfully. You may even be able to negotiate a higher salary or better benefits if you have one.

Having a corporate accountant certificate also shows potential employers that you are committed and dedicated to furthering your education in this field. It is evidence that you are willing to go above and beyond what is expected of most employees, which will make them more likely to hire you.

In short, having a corporate accountant certificate can be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in corporate accounting. It can provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills needed for success in this field, as well as demonstrate their commitment to their profession. Therefore, if your goal is to work in corporate accounting, then obtaining a certificate may be worth considering.

Related: Corporate Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Accountant Certifications

1. What certifications are available for corporate accountants?

Answer: Corporate accountants can pursue a variety of certification options, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

2. What is the difference between CPA, CMA and CGMA certifications?

Answer: A CPA is a certification that focuses on public accounting and taxation, while a CMA focuses on managerial accounting and strategic management. The CGMA is an advanced level of certification that combines both public accounting and managerial accounting principles.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a corporate accountant?

Answer: To become certified as a corporate accountant, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or other recognized body, and complete continuing education requirements. Depending on the certification you pursue, additional requirements may apply.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a corporate accountant?

Answer: The time frame for getting certified as a corporate accountant depends on the specific certification you’re pursuing and your individual experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a corporate accountant?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a corporate accountant varies depending on which certification you pursue and what materials you need to purchase in order to prepare for the exam(s). Generally speaking, costs can range anywhere from $100-$3,000 USD depending on the specific certification you’re pursuing.