accounting certifications

Accounting Certifications Guide: What Employers Want

Accountants do a lot more than just crunch numbers. These highly skilled professionals may also be involved in long-term strategic planning and finalizing budgets. An accountant can take on management tasks or dive into auditing, all depending on the type and scope of the certifications they choose to obtain. Most accountants start with a bachelor's degree, but employers look for a variety of different things, depending on the particular job description. Here are some of the accounting certifications you might consider after finishing your accounting degree program.

1. Certified Public Accountant

Long recognized as one of the top certifications available for professional accountants, earning a CPA designation tells employers that you are familiar with forensic accounting, tax compliance, risk management and a variety of financial planning skills. While it is commonly seen in the business world, many CPAs use their skills in the consumer marketplace or start their own business offering financial services. CPA is the only licensed qualification for accounting, making it one of the most desirable qualifications.

2. Certified Financial Planner

Retirement planning and helping people expand their existing asset base through investments, asset management, and tax planning is meaningful work. By combining these services, CFPs help their clients plan for long-term improvements to their financial position.

3. Chartered Financial Analyst

The CFA certification deals primarily with investments and handling the rules surrounding stocks and portfolio management. For a future in investment banking or retirement planning, this certification may be the way to go. 

4. Certified Management Accountant

As the name implies, the CMA certification tells employers that the holder has proficiency in strategic assessment, financial analysis, budgeting, and other high-level skills. Because it is recognized globally, this certification might be a good choice for those interested in traveling across international borders. This certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants requires, at least, two years of work experience in management accounting or financial management.

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor

The CISA certification brings technology and financial control processes together. Certificate holders have a demonstrated ability to apply auditing and control methodologies to IT infrastructure. Since so much financial information is dealt with through networked computers and cloud platforms, security is a top concern for many businesses. CISA certified professionals help companies identify potential vulnerabilities using auditing processes and investigative skills. Before you can obtain this type of certification, you'll need to have several years of work experience in systems auditing, control, or security. Essentially, this is a technology certification with a financial control background.

6. Certified Internal Auditor

As the only globally recognized certification for internal auditing, a CIA certification might be a very good thing to have if you want to pursue a future dealing with financial controls. Auditors deal with the reconciliation of accounts and finding errors. When money isn't where it should be, auditors take a lead role in finding out exactly what happened. CIA certification has recently become more available, with several different paths to eligibility. Originally, you would have needed a bachelor's degree and several years of work experience. Now, you can substitute additional years of work experience for educational requirements. If you have seven years or more in the field, you don't need any post-secondary degree to take the exam.

7. Enrolled Agent

During an audit, the person or business being audited needs representation to help answer questions from the IRS. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the federal government so they can act on a client's behalf on matters relating to taxation. EAs can work with personal or business clients during an audit, and help prepare tax returns.

8. Certified Fraud Examiner

CFEs work in the business sector to ensure that companies are compliant with all reporting requirements. A CFE might be called in to scrutinize a report to check for income/outgo disparities or misallocated funds. Fraud examiners help find errors that might indicate criminal activity.

9. Accredited Tax Preparer

If you are interested in annual tax preparation and filing returns, you can certify as an accredited tax preparer. This certification allows you to file taxes on behalf of businesses and individuals, without any of the additional certifications and education that go into general accounting.

Start with the Basics: Earn Your Accounting Bachelor’s

If you are interested in accounting or working in the finance industry, certifications might help improve your employability. Before you can add any certifications, you usually need to start with a business or finance degree. At ECPI University, you can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting year-round program to earn a degree in as little as 2.5 years. After graduation, you can start looking at taking the CPA exam or going for a specialized certification. Contact us today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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