Top 10 Production Accountant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for production accountants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. They can provide evidence of expertise and help to differentiate professionals from their peers. Certification also shows employers that the individual is committed to staying current on industry practices, which can be very valuable in a competitive job market. Additionally, certain certifications may be required for some positions, so having them can open up more job opportunities. Finally, certifications can help production accountants earn higher salaries as they are seen as more qualified than those without them.

This article reviews the top certifications for Production Accountants and explains how they can help to advance a production accountant's career.

What are Production Accountant Certifications?

Production accountant certification is a professional credential that is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the field of production accounting. This certification is offered by the Association of Production Accountants, and it requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as financial planning and analysis, budgeting, cost reporting, accounting principles, and payroll systems. The exam also tests knowledge of production accounting software programs.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter or advance in the field of production accounting. It demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and an understanding of the industry’s best practices. The certification also provides a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Finally, having this certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries or other forms of compensation due to their professional qualifications.

Pro Tip: When considering a production accountant certification, make sure to research the qualifications and experience required by the certifying body. Additionally, it's important to look into the cost of certification, as well as any potential benefits or advantages associated with being certified. Finally, be sure to verify the credibility of the certifying body and any associated accreditations.

Related: What does a Production Accountant do?

Top 10 Production Accountant Certifications

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

1. Certified Production Accountant (CPA)

Certified Production Accountant (CPA) is a professional certification that demonstrates a production accountant’s knowledge and skills related to the financial aspects of film and television production. It is awarded by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

To become a Certified Production Accountant, an individual must pass the CPA Exam administered by the MPAA. The exam covers topics such as budgeting, cost reporting, forecasting, payroll processing, cash flow management, and other financial aspects of production. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

In order to take the CPA Exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in film or television production accounting or finance. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional qualifications and experience in the form of a resume or CV.

The cost for taking the CPA Exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Once you have passed the exam and been certified as a CPA, there are no additional fees required for maintaining your certification.

2. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed for individuals who work in public sector financial management. The CGFM designation is recognized and highly sought after by government agencies, employers and other organizations.

The CGFM program consists of three exams that cover topics such as governmental accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial reporting and analysis. To become certified, you must pass all three exams within a five-year period. The exams are offered twice a year at testing centers across the United States.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager, you must first apply for membership with the AGA. Once you have been accepted into the program, you will be required to pay an application fee and take an orientation course before taking any of the exams.

The cost of obtaining the CGFM certification varies depending on your membership status with AGA and whether or not you choose to take any of the optional courses offered by AGA. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 in total fees to become certified.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification in the field of management accounting. It is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). CMA certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To become a Certified Management Accountant, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination administered by the IMA. To qualify for the exam, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

The CMA exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers financial reporting, planning, performance, and control; Part 2 covers financial decision making. Each part consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The fee for taking the exam is $415 for IMA members and $515 for non-members.

Once you have passed both parts of the exam and fulfilled the experience requirements, you will be awarded your CMA designation. The entire process typically takes around 18 months to complete.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to those who have successfully completed a series of examinations and educational requirements set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The CPA credential is recognized as the highest standard of professional competence in the field of accounting.

It typically takes four to five years to become a CPA, depending on your state's requirements. To get certified, you must meet certain educational and work experience requirements, pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, and apply for licensure with your state board of accountancy.

The cost to become a CPA varies by state but generally includes fees for exam registration, application processing, and licensing. In addition to these fees, you may also need to pay for study materials or review courses.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to measure the competency of individuals in the practice of internal auditing.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by The IIA's Code of Ethics. Generally, it takes about two years to complete all the requirements for CIA certification.

To get started on your path to becoming a CIA, you must first join The IIA as a member and then register for the CIA exam. You will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university along with two years of professional experience in internal auditing or related fields. Once you have met these qualifications, you can register for the exam online or through The IIA's website.

The cost of taking the CIA exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges between $450 and $550 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with becoming a CIA such as membership fees and study materials that can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on what materials you choose to purchase.

6. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize and reward the highest standards of accounting excellence. The CGMA designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and experience in financial management and business strategy.

It typically takes three years to earn the CGMA designation. To become a CGMA, you must first pass the AICPA’s four-part exam series, which covers topics such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing and assurance services, and business strategy. You must also complete at least two years of relevant work experience before you can apply for the designation.

To get the CGMA designation, you must submit an application to the AICPA. The application fee is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to pay an annual membership fee of $195 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

The benefits of becoming a CGMA include access to exclusive resources such as publications, webinars, conferences and networking opportunities with other CGMAs around the world. Additionally, having the CGMA designation may help open doors for career advancement opportunities in finance-related fields such as corporate finance or consulting.

7. Certified Cost Professional (CCP)

Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). The CCP credential is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and experience of cost engineers, planners, schedulers, estimators, and other professionals who are involved in the cost management process. The certification is focused on providing assurance that these individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage costs associated with projects.

To become a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), applicants must have at least five years of experience in cost management or related fields. They must also pass an exam administered by AACEI that covers topics such as cost estimating, planning & scheduling, risk management, financial analysis, project control systems, and more.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The fee for taking the exam is $450 USD for AACEI members ($550 USD for non-members). Once certified, CCPs must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years.

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

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA/ABA) is a professional designation program offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize experienced accounting professionals who have demonstrated expertise in financial and tax planning, business consulting, and other areas related to business operations. To become an ABA/ABA, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive exam.

The educational requirements for the ABA/ABA designation include a bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience, plus at least two years of full-time work experience in accounting or related fields. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing professional education within the past three years.

The exam for the ABA/ABA designation consists of four parts: Financial Accounting & Reporting; Auditing & Attestation; Business Environment & Concepts; and Regulation. The exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States and Canada. The fee for taking the exam is $450.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your ABA/ABA designation and will need to complete an annual renewal process that includes completing continuing professional education courses each year. The cost of renewing your ABA/ABA designation varies depending on how many courses you take each year. Generally speaking, it costs about $1,000 per year to maintain your ABA/ABA designation.

9. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional designation given by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is an internationally recognized certification for individuals who investigate and prevent fraud. The CFE credential is highly sought after in the anti-fraud profession, as it demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to detect, investigate, and deter fraud.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the requirements for obtaining the CFE credential. To become a CFE, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of two years of experience in fraud prevention or investigation, or a college degree in accounting or criminal justice. You must also pass the four-hour CFE Exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as financial transactions and fraud schemes, interviewing techniques, legal elements of fraud and ethics.

The cost to obtain the CFE credential varies depending on your ACFE membership status. For non-members, it costs $395 USD for the exam registration fee plus $100 USD for each additional exam retake if needed. For ACFE members, it costs $295 USD for the exam registration fee plus $75 USD for each additional exam retake if needed.

10. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada)

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada) is a professional designation for accountants in Canada. It is the highest level of accounting qualification available in Canada and is recognized by employers, governments, and other organizations around the world as a mark of excellence.

To become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), you must complete a professional education program, pass the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) Exam, and meet all other requirements set out by CPA Canada. Depending on your educational background and experience, it can take between three to five years to become a CPA.

The first step to becoming a CPA is to register with CPA Ontario or one of the other provincial bodies that offer the designation. You will then need to complete the required courses and exams offered through the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). This includes completing both Core 1 and Core 2 modules as well as six elective modules. Once you have completed all of these courses, you will be eligible to write the PEP Exam.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on which province you are registering with. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 - $3,000 for registration fees and exam fees combined. You may also need to pay additional fees for any additional courses or materials you may require during your studies.

Overall, becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) requires dedication and hard work but provides an invaluable credential that can open up many career opportunities in accounting and finance fields.

Do You Really Need a Production Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on what your goals are. If you want to work as a production accountant in the film or television industry, then yes, you will need a production accountant certificate. This is because most employers require job applicants to have a degree or certificate in accounting, and the certificate is often seen as an indication of experience and knowledge of the industry. Additionally, having a production accountant certificate can help distinguish you from other applicants who may not have experience in the field.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more general accounting jobs outside of the entertainment industry, then having a production accountant certificate may be less important. In this case, having an accounting degree and/or related experience may be more beneficial in helping you land a job. Ultimately, it’s important to assess your own goals and determine which type of certification is best suited for your career path.

Related: Production Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Production Accountant Certifications

Q1. What is a Production Accountant Certification?

A1. A Production Accountant Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful production accountant. It covers topics such as budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, cost-tracking, and more.

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Production Accountant Certification?

A2. Requirements vary depending on the certification provider but typically include completing an approved course or program and passing any required exams or assessments. Some certifications may also require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience in the field or to complete continuing education courses.

Q3. How much does it cost to get a Production Accountant Certification?

A3. The cost of obtaining a Production Accountant Certification will vary depending on the provider and duration of study involved, but generally ranges from around $500 - $2000 USD.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The length of time it takes to become certified will depend on the program you choose and your level of dedication and commitment to studying for the exam, but most programs can be completed within 6-12 months with adequate preparation and study time.

Q5. What are the benefits of having a Production Accountant Certification?

A5: Having a Production Accountant Certification demonstrates that you have achieved an advanced level of knowledge in this field and can confidently handle production accounting tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, cost-tracking, etc., which can help you stand out in job searches and promotions within organizations you work for or aspire to work for in the future!