In this day and age, employers increasingly prioritize hiring and promoting employees who hold certain certifications. Today, Accounting and corporate finance are the most in-demand sectors in 2024 and so its certifications.
Does the career in accounting or finance interest you? Have they proven useful? What do they have to do with your career goals?
The certifications are optional, but they demonstrate to potential employers that you possess a certain level of expertise in your field. Among them are CPAs, CMAs, CIAs, etc. In addition to aiding you in your preparation for entering the accounting field, they may also enable you to explore a different area of specialization or pursue different career goals.
In a competitive business environment, we'll look at some of the most in-demand certifications to help you get ahead.
7 Top Accounting Certifications to go for In 2024
Let's have a glimpse of seven accounting certificates for the year 2024.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
In accounting, the CPA is one of the most well-known credentials. Individuals and companies can benefit from the guidance of a certified public accountant when planning their finances and setting financial goals. In addition, they can assist with matters related to taxation and accounting. Completing this certification is an excellent way to build your credibility as an accountant.
AICPA, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, is the organization that awards this certificate. Many job opportunities are available with it, including those with private companies, government organizations, and accounting firms.
To be eligible for this certification, as part of the process, aspiring CPAs must pass four exams. These tests are restricted to people from certain countries, and the eligibility conditions may vary from country to country. The CPA earns credits through educational qualifications and professional experience.
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) jointly developed this exam to compete with the Certified Management Accountants examination.
While less well-known in the US than the CMA credential. Despite this, you can still sharpen your skills with this certification and get employed at a position in the company.
Pursue the CGMA certification today.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The purpose of this qualification is to meet the requirements of compliance officers and auditors. Large companies often hire CIAs, provide independent auditors with appropriate financial data, or conduct internal audits.
A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification could be a great fit if you want to be an internal auditor. A degree in accounting might also benefit you if you want to work as an organization's managing or chief accounting officer.
To achieve the CIA certification, you will take a multi-level exam with three levels, and you will have six and a half hours to complete it. A CIA certificate entitles you to be a manager, chief audit officer, or assistant manager in the internal audit department.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
With a CMA certification, you demonstrate your ability to manage costs, analyze decisions and forecasts, and audit internal controls. The candidate has mastered critical managerial and accounting skills from an internal, managerial, or more generalized perspective. IMA sponsors the certification.
To build a career in the accounting industry and get a job in a multinational company, pursuing the CMA certification becomes a necessity. As part of the CMA exam, the candidates will be tested on theoretical concepts and types of measurement that are tested on the CPA exam.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP certification demonstrates your investment, taxation, and wealth-creation expertise. This is a certification provided by FPBS (Financial Planning Standards Board). If you are eligible to become a certified financial planner, you need to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in finance, economics, or business.
The certification includes experience and training and a two-part exam covering topics like estate planning, wealth management, insurance, risk management, and portfolio distribution.
In addition to all our experience and training, the certification involves a two-part exam covering financial planning, estate planning, wealth management, insurance, risk management, and insurance distribution. A multiple-choice exam has 170 questions, but you can finish it in two three-hour sessions.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
CFE certification indicates expertise in four areas: law, fraud investigation, financial transactions, and fraudulent schemes. The program is open to Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) members.
Those working in finance, both public and private, who want to acquire this credential can use it to secure jobs involving anti-fraud efforts. Applicants must submit three professional recommendations along with their education and work experience.
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
An individual with a CFA designation is recognized as having the knowledge and abilities to manage portfolios, analyze investment decisions, and adhere to professional and ethical standards.
For security analysts and asset managers, investment companies often hire employees who hold such certification. Also, it may be beneficial for individuals seeking employment as equity analysts, fund managers, hedge fund managers, chief financial officers, and senior financial managers.
Conclusion
Accounting certifications such as CPA, CFE, and CIA offer you a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in your fields that can propel your career to new heights. Choose the right platform for pursuing these kinds of certifications.
From attending webinars to giving access to numerous courses, choosing the right course provider has been a standout solution to exceed your expectations to pursue the high-class certification.