Top 11 Senior Staff Accountant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for senior staff accountants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the job market. They show potential employers that the candidate has the necessary education and experience to excel in the position. Certifications also serve as a sign of commitment to the profession and a dedication to continuing professional development. Having certifications can help set a senior staff accountant apart from other candidates applying for the same position, providing an edge over those without certifications. Certifications also provide senior staff accountants with recognition and credibility among their peers in the industry.

The article reviews and explains the benefits of top certifications for Senior Staff Accountants, helping professionals to advance their careers.

What are Senior Staff Accountant Certifications?

Senior staff accountant certification is a credential offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of senior-level accounting and finance professionals who work in public accounting, industry, government or not-for-profit organizations. The designation indicates that an individual has passed a rigorous examination and met stringent educational, experience and ethical requirements.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking jobs or promotions in the accounting field. It demonstrates to employers that they have a sophisticated understanding of advanced accounting concepts and the ability to apply them in real-world situations. In addition, it can provide opportunities for networking with other certified professionals, which can lead to new job opportunities or collaborations on projects. Furthermore, having senior staff accountant certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and expertise.

Pro Tip: Senior Staff Accountant Certification is an important part of a successful career in accounting. In order to obtain this certification, you should research the requirements and qualifications necessary for each specific certification, as well as any courses or trainings that may be required. Additionally, make sure to stay up to date on changes in the industry and regulations so that you can remain knowledgeable and marketable.

Related: What does a Senior Staff Accountant do?

Top 11 Senior Staff Accountant Certifications

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

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to accountants who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set by their state boards of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by their respective states to provide accounting services such as auditing, tax preparation, and financial consulting.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must meet certain requirements in terms of education, experience, and examination. Generally speaking, individuals must complete 150 hours of college-level coursework in accounting and related subjects; have at least one year of experience working in the field of public accounting; and pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies from person to person depending on their individual circumstances. For example, if an individual already has a degree in accounting or a related field they may be able to meet the educational requirements more quickly than someone who does not have any prior education in this area. Additionally, the amount of time it takes to prepare for and pass the CPA Exam can vary significantly depending on how much time an individual is able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA also varies depending on factors such as where you live and which state board you register with. Generally speaking, individuals should expect to pay fees for registering with their state board; taking the CPA Exam; completing continuing professional education courses; and renewing their license every three years. Additionally, individuals may need to pay for textbooks or other materials used while studying for the exam.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements of the Institute of Management Accountants. The CMA designation is designed to demonstrate a mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete the CMA program. To be eligible for the CMA certification, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

To get the CMA certification, applicants must pass two rigorous examinations administered by the Institute of Management Accountants. The exams cover topics such as financial reporting and analysis; strategic planning and decision making; budgeting; performance measurement; cost management; internal controls; and professional ethics.

The cost for obtaining the CMA certification varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the United States, for example, it costs $1,000 to apply for the exam plus $415 per part for each exam taken. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with studying for and taking the exams such as books and review courses.

3. 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 demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of internal auditing. The CIA designation is highly sought after by employers and can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, one must pass all three parts of the CIA exam. The exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – Essentials of Internal Auditing; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Analysis & Information Technology. Each part contains multiple-choice questions that assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of internal audit principles, practices, and procedures.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all three parts of the CIA exam depending on how much time an individual has available to study. Candidates should plan on spending at least 200 hours studying for each part of the exam.

The cost for taking all three parts of the CIA exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000-$1,500 USD to take all three parts of the exam. This fee includes registration fees as well as any additional materials needed such as study guides or practice exams.

In order to maintain their certification status, Certified Internal Auditors must also complete continuing professional education (CPE) requirements every year in order to stay up-to-date with changes in the profession.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of management accounting professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field.

To become a CGMA, you must meet certain requirements, including having an active CPA license or equivalent certification, at least three years of experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing an exam. The CGMA exam is administered by CIMA and consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral assessment.

The written exam covers topics such as business strategy, financial analysis, decision-making, risk management, corporate finance, and performance measurement. The oral assessment evaluates your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for the CGMA designation. You should plan on spending time studying for the exams as well as completing any required coursework.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on which route you take. If you are taking the CIMA exams directly without any additional coursework, then you can expect to pay approximately $1,700 in fees for both exams combined. If you opt for additional coursework or other training programs offered by AICPA or CIMA, then your costs will vary accordingly.

5. Certified Financial Manager (CFM)

Certified Financial Manager (CFM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Financial Managers (ICFM). The CFM designation is designed to recognize financial professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience and skill in the areas of financial management.

It typically takes around two years to obtain the CFM designation. To qualify for the CFM, you must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in financial management or related fields and must pass an examination administered by ICFM.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location and whether you are a member of ICFM. Generally, it costs around $500 for non-members and $400 for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or registering for review courses.

6. 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 to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of financial managers working in government. The CGFM program consists of three examinations: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, and Governmental Financial Management and Control.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CGFM program. This includes studying for the exams as well as completing any necessary prerequisites. To get started on the CGFM program, you must first become a member of AGA or renew your existing membership. After that, you can register for the CGFM examinations through Prometric Testing Centers or online at www.agacgfm.org/exams/.

The cost of taking all three CGFM examinations is $895 USD, which includes a $50 non-refundable application fee. Additionally, there are fees associated with exam retakes if necessary ($150 per exam).

7. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional knowledge and expertise in the field of information technology.

The CITP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as systems analysis, project management, software engineering, database design, network security, and IT governance. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers these topics as well as other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites such as having at least four years of experience in an IT-related field or having completed an ICMA-approved course in information technology. Applicants must also submit an application fee and provide proof of their professional experience.

The cost for obtaining the CITP certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for U.S.-based applicants and around $1,500 USD for international applicants.

8. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a professional credential awarded by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA Program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the investment management industry and to develop the skills necessary for portfolio management and financial analysis. It is considered one of the most respected credentials in the finance industry.

It typically takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program, depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass each exam. Each level requires passing an exam that covers topics such as ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives investments, alternative investments, portfolio management and wealth planning.

To become a CFA charterholder you must:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university;

2. Pass all three levels of the CFA Program exams;

3. Have four years of qualified work experience in investment decision making;

4. Become a member of the CFA Institute;

5. Agree to abide by its Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct; and

6. Submit references attesting to your character and professional reputation.

The cost for taking all three exams is approximately $2,500 USD plus additional fees for registration, study materials and other related expenses such as travel costs for attending review courses or workshops if desired.

9. Accredited Business Valuator (ABV)

Accredited Business Valuator (ABV) is a professional designation granted by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) to qualified professionals who have demonstrated expertise in business valuation. The ABV credential signifies that the holder has obtained a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of business valuation, and is capable of performing accurate and reliable valuations for businesses.

To obtain an ABV designation, individuals must first meet certain educational requirements, such as having completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or having completed at least 15 credit hours in accounting, finance, economics, statistics or other related fields. Additionally, applicants must have three years of relevant work experience in business valuation or appraisal services.

Once these qualifications are met, applicants can take the two-part ABV exam administered by the ASA. The exam consists of a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion tests knowledge on topics such as financial statement analysis, economic theory and principles of business valuation. The oral portion tests practical application skills through case studies.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you can complete all the requirements.

The cost for obtaining an ABV designation varies depending on your membership status with ASA and any additional courses you may need to take prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it will cost approximately $2,000-$3,000 for non-members and $1,500-$2,500 for members when including all fees associated with obtaining the credential.

10. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to detect, investigate, and prevent fraud. The CFE credential is globally recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of fraud examination.

To obtain the CFE credential, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of two years of professional experience in fraud prevention, detection or investigation; or a college degree plus one year of professional experience in fraud prevention, detection or investigation.

The CFE exam consists of four sections: Financial Transactions & Fraud Schemes; Law; Investigation; and Fraud Prevention & Deterrence. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 for ACFE members ($450 for non-members). Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants must submit additional documentation verifying their eligibility requirements before they can receive their official CFE credential.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to abide by the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics and complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their CFE credential.

11. Enrolled Agent (EA).

Enrolled Agents (EAs) are federally-authorized tax practitioners who have technical expertise in the field of taxation. They are the only tax professionals licensed by the U.S. government to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Enrolled agents are empowered by the U.S. Department of Treasury to advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, businesses, and other entities.

It typically takes between three to six months to become an enrolled agent after submitting your application and passing a background check with the IRS. To become an enrolled agent, you must first pass a three-part exam administered by the IRS called the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). The SEE consists of two parts: a three-hour written examination and a two-hour computerized simulation test. After passing both parts of the exam, you must submit an application for enrollment with the IRS, along with any required supporting documentation such as proof of identity or education credentials.

The cost for becoming an enrolled agent varies depending on which materials you purchase to help you study for the exam and how many times you retake it if necessary. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 in total fees associated with taking and passing the SEE exam.

Once you’ve passed your exam and been accepted as an enrolled agent, there is no additional fee or cost associated with maintaining your status as an EA—it’s free for life!

Do You Really Need a Senior Staff Accountant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. It is important to consider your career goals and the industry you are looking to work in when deciding if a Senior Staff Accountant Certificate is necessary.

If you are looking for a position as a senior staff accountant, then having the certificate may help demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job. It also shows employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and stay up-to-date on accounting trends and regulations.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in an accounting role, or if you already have an advanced degree in accounting, then having this certificate may not be necessary. Employers may be more impressed with your experience than with any additional certificates or degrees.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a Senior Staff Accountant Certificate would benefit your career goals. You should carefully weigh all of the pros and cons before making this decision.

Related: Senior Staff Accountant Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Staff Accountant Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a Senior Staff Accountant?

Answer: The most common certification for Senior Staff Accountants is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which requires passing all four parts of the CPA exam and meeting the licensing requirements in your state. Other certifications may include Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

2. How long does it take to become a Senior Staff Accountant?

Answer: It typically takes about two years of work experience, plus additional time to study for and pass the required exams, to become a Senior Staff Accountant. Depending on the individual's circumstances, this can range from six months to five years or more.

3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Senior Staff Accountant?

Answer: The cost of becoming a Senior Staff Accountant varies by exam and by state. Generally speaking, the CPA exam costs between $150 - $200 per part plus additional fees associated with each state's licensing requirements. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for and taking any other certifications such as CMA or CIA.

4. What types of jobs are available for Senior Staff Accountants?

Answer: A wide variety of opportunities are available for those who possess a senior staff accountant certification including positions at public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms. Typical job duties include financial analysis and reporting, preparing tax returns, auditing financial statements, budgeting and forecasting, managing internal controls and risk management processes, providing advice on financial matters related to investments or acquisitions/mergers/divestitures, etc.

5. What is the difference between a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)?

Answer: A CPA is an accountant who has met the educational requirements set forth by their respective state board of accountancy in order to become licensed as a public accountant. A CGMA is an advanced professional qualification offered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants that focuses on developing skills in areas such as corporate finance strategy development and execution; performance management; decision analysis; risk management; business ethics; leadership; data analytics; technology use; sustainability; etc., as well as technical accounting knowledge that prepares individuals for roles such as controllership or chief financial officer positions within organizations around the world.