Accounting Certifications to Boost Your Career

When it comes to advancing in the finance and accounting world, pursuing an accounting certification can be a game changer. Not only can it elevate your skillset for your current role, but position you favorably for the future steps in your long-term career. Whether you’re a candidate looking to elevate your career or a hiring manager seeking the best talent, understanding the impact of accounting certifications can make all the difference. Read more in this guide to understand the advantages of pursing an accounting certification, the types of certifications to consider based on your qualifications and interests, as well as next steps.

Advantages of Pursuing an Accounting Certification

Broadened Career Opportunities

Whether you’re looking for a career advancement at your current company, or searching for a new position to transition into, obtaining an accounting certificate or accounting certification opens the door to a wider range of roles. Credentials like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) validate specialized skills, making you a more attractive candidate to employers across industries.

Enhanced Earning Potential

When applying and interviewing for new roles, it’s beneficial to have certifications that enhance your skillset more than that of the other candidates seeking the same position. Accounting certifications often translate directly to higher salaries. For example, CPAs earn, on average, 10-15% more than their non-certified counterparts. Earning certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) can significantly boost your market value.

Career Flexibility and Mobility

An accounting certificate online or through traditional programs can equip you to switch career paths easily—whether moving from public accounting to private industry, or transitioning from auditing to forensic accounting. Certifications like the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and EA (Enrolled Agent) offer niche expertise that can broaden your options.

Best Timing for Pursuing a Certification

The ideal time to pursue a time-consuming certification is typically early- to mid-career, especially before family or senior job responsibilities multiply. However, later-career professionals aiming to pivot or advance can also benefit immensely from acquiring new credentials. Ultimately, you will have the best understanding of when it’s best for you to dedicate time and energy towards a new venture that can improve your career trajectory.

 

Key Accounting Certifications to Consider

CPA – Certified Public Accountant

The CPA is one of the most recognized accounting certifications, focusing on auditing, taxation, and accounting practices. Jobs leveraging this certification include auditors, tax consultants, and public accountants.

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree with specific accounting coursework
• Average Cost: $2,000–$5,000
• Timeline: 12–18 months
• Exam Requirements: Four sections covering Auditing, Financial Accounting, Regulation, and Business Environment
• Ideal Candidates: Aspiring auditors, tax professionals, and public accountants

CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst

The CFA designation specializes in investment management and financial analysis, making it ideal for finance professionals. Roles include investment bankers, portfolio managers, and financial analysts.

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Average Cost: $2,500–$8,000
• Timeline: 2–4 years
• Exam Requirements: Three exam levels focusing on investment management and financial analysis
• Ideal Candidates: Investment analysts, portfolio managers, financial advisors

CMA – Certified Management Accountant

The CMA credential is focused on financial strategy, management, and performance management, ideal for leadership roles. Common roles include management accountants and corporate finance managers.

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and two years of management accounting or financial management experience
• Average Cost: $1,000–$3,000
• Timeline: 12–18 months
• Exam Requirements: Two parts covering financial planning, analysis, control, and decision-making
• Ideal Candidates: Management accountants, financial managers, corporate strategists

CFF – Certified in Financial Forensics

The CFF designation provides expertise in forensic accounting and litigation support. Professionals often work as forensic accountants, expert witnesses, or fraud investigators.

• Prerequisites: Active CPA license
• Average Cost: Around $500–$1,000
• Timeline: A few months
• Exam Requirements: Assessment based on experience and education; no exam if criteria are met
• Ideal Candidates: CPAs specializing in forensic accounting and litigation support

CIA – Certified Internal Auditor

The CIA focuses on internal audit processes and risk management. Careers include internal auditors, compliance officers, and corporate governance specialists.

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and work experience in internal auditing
• Average Cost: $1,000–2,000
• Timeline: 12–24 months
• Exam Requirements: Three parts focusing on internal auditing practices
• Ideal Candidates: Internal auditors, compliance officers, risk managers

CTP – Certified Treasury Professional

The CTP certification focuses on corporate cash and treasury management. Typical jobs include treasury managers, cash managers, and CFOs.

• Prerequisites: Two years of full-time work in treasury management
• Average Cost: $2,500–$4,000
• Timeline: 6–12 months
• Exam Requirements: One exam covering corporate liquidity, capital and risk management
• Ideal Candidates: Treasury managers, financial analysts, CFOs

CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner

The CFE certification provides expertise in fraud detection and prevention. Common job titles include fraud analysts, forensic accountants, and internal auditors.

• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and professional experience in fraud-related fields
• Average Cost: $1,500–2,000
• Timeline: 6–12 months
• Exam Requirements: Four sections covering Fraud Prevention, Financial Transactions, Investigation, and Law
• Ideal Candidates: Auditors, investigators, compliance professionals

CGMA – Chartered Global Management Accountant

The CGMA credential blends management accounting and business strategy expertise. Professionals often work as CFOs, strategic planners, and senior finance executives.

• Prerequisites: Membership in AICPA and a CPA or equivalent
• Average Cost: Varies based on membership status
• Timeline: Varies
• Exam Requirements: Assessment based on professional experience; some may require additional coursework
• Ideal Candidates: Strategic finance professionals, CFOs, business analysts

CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor

The CISA designation focuses on auditing, controlling, and securing information systems. Positions include IT auditors, cybersecurity consultants, and compliance analysts.

• Prerequisites: Five years of professional experience in IS auditing, control, or security
• Average Cost: $500–1,000
• Timeline: 6–12 months
• Exam Requirements: One exam on information systems auditing, governance, and protection
• Ideal Candidates: IT auditors, security professionals, compliance managers

EA – Enrolled Agent

The EA certification authorizes individuals to represent taxpayers before the IRS, focusing heavily on tax preparation and advising. Jobs include tax consultants, tax preparers, and enrolled agents.

• Prerequisites: None; though tax experience is beneficial
• Average Cost: $400–1,000
• Timeline: 3–6 months
• Exam Requirements: Three-part IRS exam on individual and business tax returns
• Ideal Candidates: Tax preparers, consultants, accountants specializing in tax

 

Choosing an Accounting Certification

Choosing the right accounting certification depends heavily on your career goals, interests, and the industry sector you are aiming to enter. An accounting certificate online can offer flexibility for busy professionals, while traditional pathways offer structured support. Whether you aim to become a CPA, CFA, or CFE, each certification signals specialized expertise and commitment, both highly valued by employers. There are plenty of certification options and opportunities that closely match your long-term goals, immediate availability, and career interests.

Candidates: Take the Next Step in Your Accounting Career

If you’re ready to transition into the accounting or finance industry, or you’re seeking to leverage an accounting certification to advance your career, connect with one of our experienced recruiters at Professional Alternatives today. Our accounting staffing experts specialize in matching candidates with top-tier employers who recognize and reward expertise and credentials. Check out our open accounting and finance jobs today. If you don’t see any that interest you, submit your resume to be automatically qualified for roles that match your experience and career aspirations.

Managers: Build Your Dream Finance Team

If you’re a hiring manager or business leader looking to fill an accounting position or restructure your finance team, Professional Alternatives is your partner in finding exceptional talent. Our dedicated accounting recruiters understand the value that certifications like CPA, CMA, CIA, and others bring to your organization. Let us help you identify and connect with the right professionals to strengthen your team today. We partner with you to understand your unique hiring goals, and take the stress out of finding top accounting talent for your team. Contact us to start hiring today!