1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
While the requirements for a CPA credential vary by state, candidates with this certification typically need a bachelor’s degree and experience in an accounting-related position. They also have to pass the CPA exam. These requirements can indicate candidates with the CPA credential have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for success in an accounting position.
When taking the CPA exam, candidates must pass the three core sections and one discipline section. The core sections include Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting and Taxation and Regulation. Options for the discipline section are Business Analysis and Reporting, Tax Compliance and Planning and Information Systems and Control.
Employers may learn about a candidate’s specialized knowledge and accounting focus by reviewing which discipline they tested in.
A CPA credential can be helpful or necessary for roles such as:
2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
To earn a CIA credential, candidates must hold the requisite education or experience. The years of experience required for the certification align with a person’s education, with individuals needing:
- A master’s degree plus one year of experience
- A bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience
- Five or more years of experience without a relevant degree
Experience in auditing, quality assurance (QA), risk management and compliance count, but some requirements are waived for CIA applicants who already hold a CPA credential. CIA applicants must also pass a three-part exam that tests their internal auditing skills and knowledge.
Included in 1.64% of accounting job postings on Indeed,¹ the CIA credential can demonstrate candidates are prepared to carry out internal auditing duties in various settings and roles, such as
3. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
To earn the CPP credential, individuals must have three years of professional payroll experience within the past five years or two years of experience and the completion of required courses.
Experience in positions such as payroll production, payroll administration and payroll accounting all apply, and those who take the educational route participate in classes covering intermediate to strategic payroll practices.
Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of payroll practices. Employers hiring CPP applicants know foundational skills are likely present, which is why it was included in 0.88% of accounting job postings on Indeed.
Payroll is an essential function in supporting employees while protecting your business, so consider looking for CPP credentials on resumes when hiring:
4. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
A CMA certification might be a good preference to include on job listings when hiring accounting leaders. Of all accounting jobs on Indeed, 1.51% included it.
Individuals with this credential have demonstrated advanced capabilities in accounting and related fields, making them potentially strong candidates for management or executive roles in accounting departments. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or an existing high-level accounting certification, such as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, and relevant experience.
Candidates for CMA certification take a two-part exam with essay questions on financial planning and strategic financial management.
You might consider adding CMA credentials when hiring:
5. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
To earn the CFA certification, candidates need a bachelor’s degree and 4,000 hours of relevant experience over three or more sequential years. They also have to pass three lengthy exams.
The CFA credential appeared in 0.78% of accounting job postings on Indeed.
Some roles relevant to this credential may include:
6. Certified Financial Planner
Employers on Indeed requested the CFP credential in 0.41% of accounting job postings. To apply for a CFP certification, individuals need a bachelor’s degree, must have completed relevant CFP coursework and must have a documented 6,000 hours of professional experience or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience in the field.
The CFP exam totals six hours and includes 170 multiple-choice questions. It tests a person’s knowledge of regulations, risk management, financial planning principles, tax planning, retirement savings and estate planning.
Job seekers with a CFP credential may be well-suited for the following jobs:
7. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Included in 0.49% of accounting job postings on Indeed, the CFE credential requires individuals to be members of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) before taking the exam and earning the certification. Eligibility for the exam is also based on a points system, with points accruing for education and experience.
Individuals who are members of this organization and hold a certification also agree to abide by the ACFE’s professional ethics standards. These requirements help ensure you hire capable accounting professionals, such as:
8. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
When searching for candidates for high-level accounting and financial leadership positions, consider the CGMA credential, as it signifies an individual likely has the skills and knowledge to lead strategic accounting processes and teams within global settings.
The CGMA can be earned via several paths, depending on an applicant’s accounting credentials and experience. It might be relevant to positions such as:
Frequently asked questions about accounting certifications
Should you require an accounting certification?
As an employer, you may discuss relevant requirements for any role with your leadership, HR and compliance teams. Be clear about the preferred or required credentials in your job descriptions.
How can you verify whether someone holds an accounting certification?
Candidates with relevant certifications typically list them on their resumes. Background checks during hiring processes can also verify credentials.
Can employees get certified after you hire them?
If you prefer professionals in your organization to hold certain certifications, they can often earn them while working for your company. Depending on your human resource (HR) processes, you might make certification a professional growth goal for some employees.
¹Indeed data (US), November 2023-November 2024
