Accounting & Finance Certifications That Go Beyond the CPA
You may be on the hunt for your Accounting or Finance dream job. How you separate yourself from the pack can help determine whether or not you get an invite to interview. Some Accountants opt to add additional credentials and certifications to their CVs, as a method to do just that. Ongoing education can help you narrow your search and placement to a particular accounting field. We have highlighted various certifications before, but here are a few others you might consider to improve your placement potential.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
If a candidate wants to enhance his or her expertise to include relevant best practices and knowledge regarding fraud detection, the CFE is an excellent certification to earn. Its application may be more niche-specific to organizations that are looking for candidates versed in financial law and able to monitor against fraud. There are four critical areas of expertise for this designation. Passing the CFE exam indicates to an employer that the titleholder is well-versed in financial transactions and fraud schemes, law, fraud prevention, and investigation techniques.
Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
For those candidates who look to transition away from the private sector and into more government opportunities, will more than likely need or greatly benefit from the CGAP. The exam itself does require government auditing experience, but the certification can help those interested in advancing their career opportunities within their government role. The Certified Government Auditing Professional designation indicates someone has been through training for auditing in a government or municipality environment. This certification is helpful and/or necessary at all levels, including federal, state, local, or agency based.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Accounting professionals are gaining an edge by expanding their credentials to include tech-based controls and information systems. A candidate currently in an internal auditor role can branch into IT risk management opportunities with Certified Information Systems Auditor training. It is an internationally recognized designation, and for employers who look for candidates with both accounting and IT certifications, the CISA is ideal.
Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivables Certifications
For those accounting professionals interested in transitioning to AR/AP type roles, there are a few certifications that can be impressive to hiring managers. Accredited Receivables Manager (ARM) or Accredited Receivables Specialist (ARS), for example, are certifications that make a candidate more desirable for an AR/AP role. Similarly, an Accredited Payables Manager (APM) and Accredited Payables Specialist (APS) are also available credentials.
Business & Business Systems Certifications
Candidates can increase their marketability within a systems analyst role by earning additional certifications specific to business systems. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) are available to expand expertise and knowledge within these roles.
Compliance Certification Enhancement
There are a host of compliance-related certifications. However, a few of these might be helpful in improving a candidate’s opportunities for growth in a compliance-based role. Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), Investment Advisor Compliance Certification Program (IACCP), and Certified Compliance and Regulatory Professional (CCRP) are all viable credentialing options.
Payroll Professional Certifications
Candidates who look to explore opportunities within payroll accounting and finance might benefit from payroll-specific credentials. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation tells a potential employer that a candidate has training and potential for payroll and payroll management positions.
If you are not sure which path to take with your education, we can certainly help. Contact our recruiting experts to learn more about how we can assist you in targeting the accounting or finance field that suits your talents best. Whether your knowledge is experience or certification based, having a friend in the job hunting process can help you get there.
