Accounting certifications are vital in today’s competitive job market for finance professionals. By obtaining a top accounting certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise, enhance their credentials and increase their career prospects. Employers value candidates with the best accounting certifications, as these credentials ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Additionally, top accounting certifications are often required for certain positions, making them essential to a finance professional’s career development.
Different types of accounting certifications are not only necessary for job seekers but also for experienced professionals who are looking to advance in their careers. An accounting certification employers want to see can help distinguish individuals from their peers and provide them with the competitive edge needed to secure promotions and better job opportunities. Promotions and job opportunities, of course, can lead to higher salaries and improved job satisfaction, making them a worthwhile investment for professionals in the finance industry.
By obtaining a top accounting certification, finance professionals can stay current with industry trends and maintain their skills. As the accounting field evolves, finance professionals need to keep up-to-date with changes in regulations, technology and best practices. By pursuing a certification, individuals can ensure that their knowledge and skills align with the latest industry developments.
Top accounting certifications in today’s market
Finance professionals should consider pursuing several top accounting certifications to enhance their career prospects. These certifications cater to different areas of accounting and can help individuals specialize in their chosen field. Let’s dive into the top accounting certifications in today’s market and review each certification, its benefits and the process involved in obtaining each credential.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA is regarded as one of the most prestigious accounting certifications in the industry. CPAs are highly sought after by employers due to their extensive knowledge of accounting principles, taxation and auditing. To become a CPA, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass the CPA Exam and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.
The benefits of obtaining the CPA certification include increased credibility, higher earning potential and access to a vast network of professionals. Moreover, CPAs are often required for positions in public accounting firms and are highly regarded in the corporate world. As a result, pursuing the CPA certification can significantly enhance an individual’s career prospects and provide them with the skills needed to excel in their role.
Surgent CPA Review is the best option for accountants who want to become a CPA. With powerful, adaptive technology that creates a study plan customized to your needs, a ReadySCORE™ exam-readiness indicator that lets you know when you’re truly exam ready and a 100% pass guarantee, Surgent proves why it is the industry leader.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
The EA certification is a credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that enables individuals to represent taxpayers before the IRS. EAs have expertise in federal tax matters, including income tax, estate tax and tax-exempt organizations. To become an EA, candidates must pass a three-part exam covering individual taxation, business taxation, practices, procedures and more.
Earning the EA certification provides numerous benefits, such as increased credibility, access to a niche market and the potential for higher compensation. EAs are highly valued by tax professionals and accounting firms, making the EA certification a valuable asset for those looking to specialize in tax matters.
If you want to become an enrolled agent, Surgent EA Review is the top-rated EA Exam prep course on the market.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA certification is designed for finance professionals focused on management accounting and financial management. CMAs have expertise in financial planning, analysis, control and decision support.
To obtain the CMA certification, candidates must meet specific educational and experience requirements and pass a two-part exam covering financial reporting, planning, performance and control, as well as financial decision-making.
The benefits of earning the CMA certification include increased career opportunities, higher earning potential, and international recognition. The CMA certification is highly regarded by employers in various industries, making it an advantageous credential for individuals seeking career advancement in management accounting roles.
Surgent CMA Review offers personalized learning to study on your terms, a higher pass rate than other online exam reviews and is the best option for accountants seeking to gain their CMA certification.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The CIA certification is a globally recognized credential for internal auditors. CIAs have in-depth knowledge of internal audit practices, risk management, governance and control frameworks. To become a CIA, candidates must meet specific educational and experience requirements and pass a three-part exam covering internal audit basics, internal audit practice and internal audit knowledge elements.
Obtaining the CIA certification offers numerous benefits, such as increased credibility, career advancement opportunities and the potential for higher compensation. The CIA certification is highly valued by employers in the public and private sectors, making it a valuable credential for those pursuing a career in internal auditing.
Surgent CIA Review offers AI-powered study plans and a higher pass rate than competitors. Gain new career opportunities with the Surgent CIA Exam Review.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification is a globally recognized credential for professionals specializing in information systems auditing, control and security. CISAs possess expertise in IT governance, risk management and information system controls. To obtain the CISA certification, candidates must meet specific educational and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination covering five domains, including information systems auditing, governance and management of IT, information systems acquisition, development and implementation, information systems operations, maintenance and service management and protection of information assets.
The benefits of earning the CISA certification include increased credibility, access to a specialized market and the potential for higher compensation. The CISA certification is highly valued by employers in various industries, making it an advantageous credential for individuals seeking career advancement in information systems auditing and related roles.
Surgent CISA Review is the most efficient and effective way to pass the CISA Exam.
Surgent can help you advance your career
When preparing for accounting certification exams, choosing a reputable and effective study program is essential. Surgent offers comprehensive exam prep courses and study materials for many of the top accounting certifications discussed in this article.
By utilizing Surgent’s proven study methodology, candidates can efficiently and effectively prepare for their certification exams, increasing their chances of passing on their first attempt. Features core to Surgent’s exam review products include:
- A.S.A.P.® Technology: With adaptive learning, you can focus on improving weak areas for the CPA Exam preparation more efficiently than other review providers, as it evaluates your current knowledge and identifies what you need to learn.
- ReadySCORE™: Eliminate uncertainty about your exam readiness. ReadySCORE estimates the score you would likely achieve if you took the test that day.
- Daily Surge: Make the most of your time by receiving tailored study suggestions through Daily Surge cards every time you log in, ensuring you stay on track with topics.
- MyMCQ™: Benefit from personalized multiple-choice practice questions that progressively challenge you and avoid repeating questions you’ve already mastered.
- Unlimited practice exams: Reduce exam stress by taking as many practice tests as you want, included in all packages.
- 100% pass guarantee: With Surgent’s pass guarantee, you won’t lose your prep course investment if things don’t go as planned.
Other top accounting certifications
In addition to the certifications discussed above, there are other top accounting certifications that finance professionals may consider pursuing, depending on their career goals and interests. Some of these certifications include:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP): A credential for financial planning professionals that focuses on personal finance and wealth management.
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): A designation for professionals skilled in detecting and preventing financial fraud.
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM): This certification is for financial professionals in government and public sectors.
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA): A certification for private industry professionals, emphasizing financial and strategic management.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): A highly respected certification for investment and financial analysis professionals.
Each of these certifications caters to a specific area of accounting and can provide valuable benefits for professionals seeking to specialize and advance in their careers.
Conclusion
By obtaining a top accounting certification, accounting professionals can significantly enhance their career prospects, leading to increased job opportunities, higher compensation and greater job satisfaction. By carefully considering their career goals, researching various certifications and dedicating themselves to exam preparation, individuals can unlock their career potential and achieve success in the competitive world of accounting.
Whether you’re seeking your CPA, EA, CMA, CIA or CISA certification, Surgent is the best option to advance your career. By utilizing Surgent’s proven study methodology and adaptive technology, you increase increasing your chances of passing on their first attempt. Of course, once you’ve obtained your certification, Surgent CPE makes it easy to maintain the certification by offering the most robust course offerings for accounting professionals who need continuing professional education credits to maintain their certification.