Top 10 Entry Level Accountant Certifications

Certifications are important for entry level accountants in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the accountant has a certain level of knowledge and experience. For example, having a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation shows potential employers that the accountant is knowledgeable in accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. It also demonstrates that the accountant has taken the initiative to obtain professional certifications which can give them an edge over other applicants. Furthermore, some employers may only consider applicants with specific certifications or qualifications when hiring for certain positions. Therefore, certifications can be a key factor in helping an entry level accountant stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most valuable certifications for Entry Level Accountants and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Entry Level Accountant Certifications?

Entry level accountant certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of accounting. It is designed to provide entry-level accountants with the necessary credentials to practice in the profession. This certification can be obtained by taking an exam offered by one of several professional organizations such as the Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (ICPA).

The benefits of obtaining entry level accountant certification are numerous. First and foremost, it provides recognition from employers that applicants have met certain standards of proficiency in the field. Furthermore, having this credential can help an individual stand out from other job applicants since employers may view certified accountants as more knowledgeable and experienced than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, it may also lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities since certified accountants are often seen as more reliable and competent than those without a certificate. Finally, obtaining this certification can give individuals a sense of pride for having achieved a professional accomplishment that will last throughout their career.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the different entry level accountant certifications available to you, as each one may have different requirements and benefits. Also, look into continuing education opportunities to keep your certification current and up-to-date.

Related: What does an Entry Level Accountant do?

Top 10 Entry Level Accountant Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have successfully passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met other state-specific requirements. CPAs are licensed by the state in which they practice and must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must first meet the educational requirements set forth by their state. Generally, this requires completing 150 semester hours of college-level coursework at an accredited university or college with a concentration in accounting. In addition, most states require applicants to have two years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed CPA.

Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination. This exam consists of four parts: Auditing & Attestation, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment & Concepts. The exam takes approximately 14 hours to complete and costs around $800-$1,500 depending on your location.

Once all parts of the exam are completed successfully, applicants will receive their CPA license from their respective state board of accountancy. Depending on the state, this process can take anywhere from 6-12 months after passing all four parts of the exam.

The cost for becoming a CPA varies from state to state but generally includes fees for application processing, examination registration and licensing fees. These fees typically range between $200-$600 depending on your location and may also include additional fees for background checks or other services required by some states.

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 measure the competency and proficiency of management accountants in areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA credential is highly valued by employers and provides professionals with a competitive edge in the job market.

To qualify for the CMA exam, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management, and membership in IMA.

The CMA exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers financial planning, performance and control; Part 2 covers financial decision-making. Each part has 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

In order to get the CMA certification, candidates must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 500 out of 800 points on each part. The exam fee is $415 for members of IMA and $555 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and online tutorials.

The entire process from beginning to end typically takes up to six months depending on how quickly you complete your studies and pass both parts of the exam.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) 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 knowledge and expertise in the field of internal auditing. The CIA certification recognizes that individuals have met the IIA's standards for professionalism, knowledge, and experience in internal auditing.

The CIA certification process consists of three parts: passing an exam, meeting experience requirements, and completing continuing professional education (CPE) credits. To become certified as a CIA, applicants must pass the Certified Internal Auditor Exam which covers topics such as risk management, control systems, audit methodology, and ethics. Applicants must also meet experience requirements which include two years of internal auditing or related experience. Finally, applicants must complete at least 20 CPE credits every year to maintain their certification status.

The cost for the CIA program varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes exam fees and other associated costs such as study materials and application fees. It usually takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for the CIA program.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation for management accountants and financial professionals. It is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation recognizes the expertise of experienced finance professionals in areas such as budgeting, forecasting, performance management, risk management, decision support and strategic planning.

It typically takes two to three years to obtain the CGMA designation. To get it, you must first become a member of either AICPA or CIMA. You then need to pass their exams in order to be eligible for the CGMA designation. Once you have passed all the required exams, you will need to submit an application and pay the associated fees in order to receive your CGMA certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on which organization you join and how many exams you take. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD for AICPA membership plus exam fees and $400-$600 USD for CIMA membership plus exam fees.

5. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program developed by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in government financial management. The CGFM certification is a mark of distinction that recognizes an individual's commitment to the highest standards of financial management in the public sector.

The CGFM certification requires passing three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on real-world scenarios. The exams are offered at select locations throughout the United States.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete all three exams, depending on your level of preparation. To get started, you must first purchase the CGFM Exam Guide from the AGA website or through one of their approved vendors. This guide contains information about each exam, including sample questions and study tips. You can also find additional study materials online or through books published by AGA or other organizations.

Once you have completed your studies, you will need to register for each exam with Prometric Testing Centers or Pearson VUE Testing Centers. The cost for each exam varies depending on which testing center you choose; however, it typically costs between $150-$200 per exam. After successfully completing all three exams, you will receive your official CGFM certificate from AGA within 4-6 weeks.

6. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). It is designed to recognize IT professionals who demonstrate the highest level of technical expertise and knowledge in their field.

The CITP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in information technology, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as computer systems, networks, security, databases, software development, and project management.

The CITP certification process takes approximately six months to complete. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it along with the required documents and fees. Once the application has been approved, applicants will be required to take an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CITP certificate from ICMA.

The cost for obtaining a CITP certification varies depending on the country where you are located. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000 for all associated fees including registration, exams and certificates.

7. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional designation awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is an internationally recognized certification for individuals who specialize in the prevention, detection, and investigation of fraud.

The CFE certification requires a rigorous course of study and examination to demonstrate mastery in four areas: financial transactions, criminology and ethics, law, and investigation. The CFE exam covers topics such as fraud risk assessment, interviewing techniques, data analysis methods, evidence collection procedures, and legal elements of fraud.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the CFE exam. Candidates must complete at least 75 hours of approved anti-fraud education courses prior to taking the exam. In addition to completing the courses, candidates must also pass a background check before they can take the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CFE certification varies depending on your country or region; however it typically costs around $500 USD for ACFE members and $700 USD for non-members. This cost includes the application fee, exam fee, background check fee and other associated fees.

8. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of accounting and business advisory services. ABA/ABA professionals are highly sought after by businesses, organizations, and governments for their ability to provide comprehensive financial advice.

The ABA/ABA designation requires successful completion of a rigorous examination administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The exam covers topics such as taxation, auditing, financial statement preparation, accounting principles, business law, and ethics. It typically takes between two and four years to complete the requirements for the ABA/ABA designation.

To get an ABA/ABA designation, you must meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field from an accredited college or university. You must also pass the NASBA exam with a score of at least 75%. Additionally, you must have at least one year of experience working in public accounting or related field before you can apply for the ABA/ABA designation.

The cost to obtain an ABA/ABA designation varies depending on your state’s requirements. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 to take the exam and another $100-$200 to submit your application for certification.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, an international organization that sets standards for financial analysts. The CFA designation is widely recognized and respected in the finance profession and provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in investment management, corporate finance, or other related fields.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams that must be passed in order to obtain the designation. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and includes topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives, and alternative investments. The exams are offered twice per year at various locations around the world.

To get the CFA designation you must first become a member of the CFA Institute. This requires passing a background check and paying an application fee. Once you are accepted as a member you can register for the Level I exam which is typically taken after completing college or university studies. After passing Level I you can register for Levels II and III which require more advanced knowledge and experience in financial analysis.

The cost to become a CFA charterholder varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD including exam registration fees and membership dues.

10. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional certification mark for financial planners conferred by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. The CFP certification is considered to be one of the most recognized and respected certifications in the financial planning industry.

The CFP certification requires that an individual has completed certain educational requirements, passed a comprehensive exam, and has met certain experience requirements. To become certified, individuals must complete the following steps:

1. Complete an approved CFP Board-Registered Program: You must complete a CFP Board-registered program which includes at least three college-level courses in financial planning topics such as taxation, investments, retirement planning, insurance, estate planning and more.

2. Pass the Comprehensive Exam: After completing your program you must pass the 10-hour CFP Certification Examination which covers all aspects of financial planning.

3. Meet Experience Requirements: You must have at least three years of full-time work experience in personal financial planning or related fields before you can apply for certification with CFP Board.

4. Complete Ethics Training: You must complete a course on ethics that covers topics such as fiduciary responsibility and client confidentiality before applying for certification with CFP Board.

5. Submit Application & Fees: You will need to submit your application along with applicable fees to CFP Board in order to receive your certification designation as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

The cost of becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) varies depending on whether you are taking courses or self-studying for the exam; however, it typically costs between $2,000 - $3,000 USD to become certified. It usually takes between 6 months to 2 years to obtain your CFP designation depending on how much time you dedicate towards studying for the exam and gaining experience in personal finance and related fields.

Do You Really Need a Entry Level Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If someone is looking to enter the accounting field but does not have the necessary education or qualifications, then an entry level accountant certificate can be beneficial. It can provide an additional layer of credibility and demonstrate a commitment to learning and developing one’s skillset in the field of accounting.

This type of certification may be particularly useful for those who are trying to break into the industry without any prior experience. The certificate can provide evidence that they have acquired a basic understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as some practical knowledge related to the profession. It may also help them stand out from other applicants with similar qualifications, since employers may view it as a sign of dedication and ambition.

At the same time, it is important to note that many accountants do not need this certification in order to find employment in the field. Depending on their educational background, work experience and other credentials, some individuals may be able to find jobs without it. However, if someone is serious about pursuing a career in accounting and wants to maximize their chances of success, then an entry level accountant certificate could be an invaluable tool for advancing their prospects in the industry.

Related: Entry Level Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Entry Level Accountant Certifications

Q1: What is an entry-level accountant certification?

A1: An entry-level accountant certification is a credential that demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an entry-level accountant. It typically involves passing an exam and meeting certain educational requirements.

Q2: What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A2: Becoming certified can provide increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater credibility among colleagues and employers. It also provides a way to demonstrate your expertise in accounting fundamentals, principles, and practices.

Q3: How do I become certified?

A3: To become certified, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by a professional organization such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Q4: What is the difference between entry-level and advanced certifications?

A4: Entry-level certifications are designed for those who are just starting out in their accounting career. Advanced certifications are for more experienced individuals who have already gained significant experience in their field and wish to further their knowledge.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified?

A5: The length of time needed to become certified depends on each individual's experience level and education. Generally speaking, it takes approximately six months from start to finish to complete the process successfully.