ACCOUNTING CERTIFICATION
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license has a long reputation as the gold standard for accounting and finance roles in the United States. With this accounting certification, you validate your expertise in forensic accounting, tax, compliance, risk management, and other skills that can lead to top CPA jobs.
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In order to become a CPA, you must take and pass all four parts of the infamous AICPA uniform CPA exam. You will also need to meet the education and work experience requirements of your state. Passing the CPA exam usually takes a year of accounting experience (exam and license requirements) before you get the license.
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The CPA is highly valued throughout the accounting industry, and some companies require it for managerial jobs.
If you want to do tax preparation or auditing, you’d be better off with a CPA.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) certification demonstrates your knowledge and competence regarding principles of portfolio management, investment analysis, economics, and professional and ethical standards. This makes CFAs great controllers and CFOs.
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To become a CFA, you must pass the CFA exam that is administered by the CFA Institute. Time to certification can be completed in 18 months, but most people take more than two years.
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If you are looking to get into the world of finance and investing, this is a good certification for you.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is sponsored by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) and is recognized globally. Professionals who hold this accounting certification demonstrate mastery of critical accounting and financial management skills from a generalized, managerial, and internal perspective.
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Time to certification typically one to two years
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The CMA is recommended for accountants in the corporate sector, particularly in large, multinational companies
Enrolled Agent (EA)
EA is licensed by the government. They advise clients, prepare personal and business taxes, and deal with the IRS on matters related to business or personal tax audits. To become an EA, you must pass the enrolled agent exam that's offered by the IRS. It consists of three parts and is 12 hours long.
If your career goal is in either tax preparation or internal tax work for a company, this would be a good credential to go after.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the only internationally accepted designation for the internal auditor career path, and people who hold this financial certification demonstrate competence in areas such as risk and control and information technology, as well as proficiency in working with internal staff and external clients. Granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
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In order to gain this certification, you must complete the three sections of the CIA exam totaling 6.5 hours of testing. Time to certification typically a year to 18 months
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The CIA is only useful to internal auditors, with particular importance for those who would like to become managers or chief audit executives.