Top 10 Junior Accountant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for junior accountants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Certification can help a junior accountant stand out from other job applicants and show potential employers that they are serious about their career. Certifications can also give junior accountants an edge when competing for promotions or raises. They provide proof of the skills and knowledge required to perform accounting tasks, which can be beneficial when applying for higher-level positions. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or preferred in certain industries. Having certifications on one’s resume can make a junior accountant more attractive to potential employers and give them a competitive advantage.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Junior Accountants and explain how they can help advance a junior accountant's career.

What are Junior Accountant Certifications?

Junior accountant certification is a type of certification program that offers training and education in the essential skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful junior accountant. This certification provides an opportunity for entry-level accounting professionals to gain specialized expertise in financial record keeping, budgeting, taxation, auditing, and other financial management tasks.

The certification can help those who wish to pursue a career as a junior accountant by providing them with the credentials they need to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Additionally, it helps employers make informed decisions when hiring junior accountants by providing them with evidence that an individual has the necessary qualifications for the job.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can gain an advantage over non-certified applicants when applying for jobs as well as when negotiating salaries. They may also be able to access certain benefits offered by companies such as discounts on professional development courses and access to mentorship programs. Furthermore, having this certification may give individuals more confidence in their abilities and allow them to take on more responsibility within their organization.

Pro Tip: When considering junior accountant certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific certifications you are interested in. Some certifications may require a certain amount of work experience or education in order to be eligible. Additionally, consider attending workshops or taking online courses related to accounting topics to further your knowledge and skills before applying for a certification.

Related: What does a Junior Accountant do?

Top 10 Junior Accountant Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the education, experience, and examination requirements set by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by the state in which they practice and must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. CPAs are responsible for preparing financial statements, auditing financial records, providing tax advice, and offering other financial services to businesses and individuals.

It typically takes four years of college education plus one year of work experience in accounting or auditing to qualify for the CPA exam. After passing the exam, candidates must meet additional requirements such as completing continuing education credits and passing an ethics exam in order to become certified.

The process for becoming a CPA varies from state to state but generally involves taking the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Financial Accounting & Reporting; Regulation; and Business Environment & Concepts.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on factors such as location, type of institution attended, and number of exams taken. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books, study materials, and application fees.

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 demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of management accounting, which includes financial planning, analysis, control, decision support and professional ethics.

To become a CMA, individuals must complete two parts of the CMA exam and meet certain educational and experience requirements. The two parts of the exam are Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2: Strategic Financial Management. Each part consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. The exams are administered twice a year at Prometric Testing Centers around the world.

The educational requirement for CMA certification is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with courses in accounting, finance, economics, quantitative methods and information systems. In addition to education requirements, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

The cost for taking both parts of the CMA exam varies based on country but typically ranges from $400-$800 USD. Additionally, there is an annual membership fee to maintain your certification status with IMA that ranges from $180-$220 USD per year depending on your membership level.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors and is recognized as the standard of excellence in the profession.

The CIA program 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 requires a separate exam that must be passed to earn the CIA designation.

It typically takes at least one year to complete all three parts and obtain the CIA certification. However, this timeline can vary depending on an individual's background knowledge and experience with internal auditing.

To get certified as a CIA, you must first meet eligibility requirements set by IIA, which include having a minimum of two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields. Once these requirements are met, you must register online with IIA and pay the registration fee. After registering, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams to prepare for each part of the CIA exam.

The cost to become certified as a CIA varies based on your location and whether or not you are an IIA member. In most cases, it costs around $1,000 USD per part (or $3,000 total) to take all three parts of the exam plus additional fees for study materials and other services provided by IIA.

4. Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation offered by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA designation is considered the gold standard in the finance and investment industry and signifies expertise in portfolio management, financial analysis, and ethical practices.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams that must be completed in order to earn the designation. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and covers topics such as ethics, financial reporting, quantitative methods, economics, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management.

To become a CFA charterholder you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least four years of qualified work experience in investment decision-making or related activities. You must also pass all three levels of the CFA Exam within four years.

The cost to become a CFA charterholder varies depending on whether you are a student or professional member of the CFA Institute. Student members pay $450 for each exam registration fee while professional members pay $650 per exam registration fee. In addition to the exam fees there are additional costs such as membership dues ($275 annually), study materials ($300-$400 per level), and review courses ($1,000-$2,000 per level).

5. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a prestigious professional designation for accounting and finance professionals. It is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The CGMA designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in management accounting, financial management and related areas.

To obtain the CGMA designation, applicants must meet certain educational, work experience and examination requirements. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, as well as two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. In addition, applicants must pass the CGMA exam, which consists of three sections: Financial Reporting & Analysis; Strategic Business Management; and Corporate Finance & Governance.

The CGMA exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center worldwide. The cost for the exam is $395 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CGMA certificate and become part of a global network of more than 200,000 CGMAs around the world.

6. 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 program is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of government financial managers.

The CGFM program consists of three parts: an examination, a work experience requirement, and continuing professional education. To become certified, individuals must pass all three parts within a five-year period.

To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in government financial management and/or related fields. Applicants may also qualify if they have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university.

The exam consists of three parts: Government Environment, Government Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Government Budgeting and Financial Management. Each part contains approximately 100 multiple choice questions. The cost to take the exam is $450 for members of the AGA and $550 for non-members.

Once you have passed all three parts of the exam, you will need to complete two years of qualifying work experience in government financial management or related fields before applying for certification. After completing your work experience requirements, you will need to submit an application along with proof that you have met all requirements for certification. The cost to apply for certification is $200 for members of the AGA and $250 for non-members.

In summary, it takes approximately five years to become certified as a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). You must pass all three parts of the exam within this time period as well as complete two years of qualifying work experience in government financial management or related fields before applying for certification. It costs $650-$750 depending on whether you are an AGA member or not.

7. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is an individual who has been trained and certified to detect, investigate, and prevent fraud. CFEs are employed in a variety of fields including law enforcement, government agencies, accounting firms, and private industry. The CFE credential is the highest standard of professional achievement in the field of fraud examination and is recognized worldwide.

In order to become a CFE, individuals must meet certain criteria set forth by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). This includes having at least two years of professional experience in fraud detection or prevention, passing an exam administered by the ACFE, and agreeing to adhere to the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as financial transactions, legal elements of fraud, investigation techniques, and interviewing skills. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at various locations around the world.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the ACFE. For members it costs $395 USD while non-members pay $595 USD. In addition to this fee there is also an annual renewal fee which is currently $50 USD for members and $100 USD for non-members.

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

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABV) is a professional designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the areas of business accounting and advisory services. ABA/ABV holders are able to provide comprehensive financial advice and guidance to businesses, including tax planning, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and other related services.

The process for obtaining an ABA/ABV designation typically takes between 6-12 months. To get started, applicants must first become members of the AICPA by completing an application form and paying a membership fee. After becoming a member, applicants must complete at least 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) courses related to business accounting and advisory services within three years prior to applying for the designation. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by the AICPA that covers topics such as taxation, financial reporting standards, auditing standards, business law, ethics, and more.

The cost of obtaining an ABA/ABV designation varies depending on the number of CPE courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an internationally recognized certification for IT professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in auditing, control, and security of information systems. This certification is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CISA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 450 or higher.

To get the CISA certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of professional experience in IT audit, control, or security; and passing an ethics course. Once these requirements are met, you can register for the exam through ISACA’s website.

The cost to take the CISA exam is $575 for members of ISACA and $760 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee of $45 to maintain your certification status.

10. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada or CPA Australia).

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that is recognized in Canada and Australia. It is the highest standard of accounting qualification and demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of accounting.

To become a CPA, you must have completed an accredited accounting program, have at least two years of relevant work experience, and have passed all four parts of the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). The PEP consists of four modules: Financial Reporting, Assurance, Strategy & Governance, and Performance Management.

It typically takes three to five years to complete the requirements for becoming a CPA. This includes completing an accredited accounting program, gaining two years of relevant work experience, and passing all four parts of the PEP.

In order to get your CPA designation, you must first apply to your provincial or territorial body for membership. Each province or territory has its own application process and fees associated with it. Once you are accepted as a member, you will be required to pay annual dues which vary depending on which province or territory you are applying from.

The cost for becoming a CPA varies depending on which province or territory you are applying from. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 CAD for tuition fees alone. There may also be additional costs such as exam fees and membership dues that need to be paid in order to obtain your CPA designation.

Do You Really Need a Junior Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and the type of job you are seeking. Generally speaking, a junior accountant certificate can be beneficial for job seekers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of accounting.

Having a junior accountant certificate will show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your accounting education and that you possess the necessary skills for the job. It can also help you stand out among other applicants, as it shows that you are serious about pursuing a career in accounting. Additionally, having a junior accountant certificate may open up new opportunities for advancement within an organization.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to gain employment as an entry-level accountant or bookkeeper, then a junior accountant certificate may not be necessary. Many employers are willing to hire applicants with no prior experience or credentials in accounting as long as they demonstrate strong math skills and basic knowledge of accounting principles. Therefore, it is important to assess your own needs and goals before deciding whether or not to pursue a junior accountant certificate.

Related: Junior Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Junior Accountant Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a junior accountant?

Answer: To become a junior accountant, you must typically have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Some employers may also require additional certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification.

2. How long does it take to become a junior accountant?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a junior accountant depends on your educational background and experience. Generally, individuals with an undergraduate degree in accounting or finance can expect to complete their certification within 1-2 years. Those without prior experience may need additional time for coursework and professional development activities.

3. What is the difference between CPA and CMA certifications?

Answer: The CPA certification is primarily focused on public accounting, while the CMA certification focuses more on management accounting and financial analysis. Both certifications require passing an exam and meeting certain educational requirements, but they differ in terms of their scope of practice and the specific skillsets they focus on developing.

4. Are there any online courses available for junior accountants?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available for those interested in becoming certified as a junior accountant. These courses typically cover topics like financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing procedures, cost accounting principles, and business law. Many of these courses are offered through accredited universities or professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

5. What type of job opportunities are available for certified junior accountants?

Answer: Certified junior accountants have access to a variety of career options within the accounting field. These include positions such as staff accountant, bookkeeper, tax preparer, internal auditor, financial analyst, and controller among others. Additionally, many companies offer internships or entry-level positions that can provide valuable experience for new graduates or those just starting out in their careers.