5 Top Accounting and Finance Certifications that Employers are Looking for

With the constant development and advancements, the field of accountancy remains one of the fastest-growing and in-demand industries.

From individuals who need help with their taxes to businesses and organizations with financial regulations, accountants are in high demand and have a variety of career paths to choose from.

Earning an accounting certification requires high dedication and is a reflection of your accounting expertise. By making an effort to achieve certification, you will earn a higher salary and have many more opportunities to advance in your career.

How do you know which one is the best to enhance your career options with so many different certifications available? Each of the accounting credentials is slightly different and has various career focuses.

Here are five of the top accounting certifications that big companies are looking for:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is the most well-known accounting designation committed to protecting the public interest. The CPA is a high-standard certification since it earns great respect and value due to its unique capabilities.

A CPA certification is highly versatile, and you can go on to specialize in other areas such as forensic accounting, compliance, and taxes. CPAs will also be able to write audit reports, give opinions on publicly traded company financials, and represent clients before the IRS, which they can't do with many other certifications.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant or CMA is a standard-level certified course required for managing accounting and financial professionals. Skills earned while pursuing CMA certification enable accounting knowledge to their applications in finance.

CMAs are experts in cost management and budgeting. Consequently, with enough years of experience, they make great Chief Operating Officers and controllers. This is because of their expert knowledge and ability to make the company more efficient and profitable.

3. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a standard certification offered to accountants to conduct internal audits. CIAs usually work in the audit department and financial institutions to review financial records and look for deficiencies in internal controls. Internal auditing is crucial for monitoring that all business assets have been properly secured and safeguarded from threats.

With CIA certification, you will be introduced to the organization's risk management, governance, and internal control processes. In addition, since so many organizations have strict government regulations to comply with, a CIA certification can help put you in high demand with employers.

4. Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

A chartered financial analyst (CFA) is a globally recognized credential that certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. The CFA certification is intended for working in banking, investing, or as senior-level finance professionals.

These professionals have a strong foundation in investment, analysis, and portfolio management. In addition, certified financial analysts are recognized leaders who have expertise in ethically dealing with advanced financial matters.

5. Enrolled Agent (EA)

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is the only federally licensed tax practitioner who is an expert in US taxation. As a result, these Enrolled agents can often represent taxpayers before the IRS, Internal Revenue Service, tax issues, including audits, collections, and tax appeals.

Enrolled Agents have unlimited rights to advise and prepare tax returns for individuals, corporate offices, trusts, and organizations with tax-reporting requirements. With an

EA clients have a limited privilege under the law and can have confidentiality related to their non-criminal tax matters or proceedings.

Obtaining the above accounting certifications can separate you from competing professionals. They explain to employers that you are highly skilled and hold specialized expertise in areas such as accounting, internal audit, technology, and finance.

Thus, these certifications expand opportunities and increase your earning potential. However, regardless of which certification you choose to pursue, you can't go wrong by investing in your career.

Still, need more information on how accounting courses enhance your career options? Contact Simandhar Education at [email protected]