Common Professional Certifications for Accounting Professionals
Accredited Business Accountant (ABA), Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA), Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP), and Elder Care Specialist (ECP)
Why: Demonstrates competency and professionalism in accounting and tax preparation.
Organization responsible: Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT)
Qualifications: Pass appropriate exam
More information: ACAT
Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA)
Why: Demonstrates possession of the education and experience to apply accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover truth, form legal opinions, and assist in investigations.
Organization responsible: AmericanCollege of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI)
Qualifications: Must be an ACFEI member, must hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, and Pass Cr.FE exam
More information: ACFEI
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Why: Demonstrates competency and professionalism in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence.
Organization responsible: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (if you do not have a Bachelor's degree, you may substitute two years of fraud-related professional experience for each year of academic study), and at least two years of professional experience in a field either directly or indirectly related to the detection or deterrence of fraud.
More information: ACFE
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Why: Demonstrates competency and professionalism in government financial management at the federal, state and local levels.
Organization responsible: Advancing Government Accountability (AGA)
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours composed of financial management or related courses, and at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management.
More information: AGA
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Why: Demonstrates competency and professionalism in the field of information systems audit, control, assurance and/or security.
Organization responsible: Information Systems Audit and Control Association
(ISACA)
Qualifications: Pass CISA exam and a minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience (two years can be waived if you have a bachelor’s degree.)
More information: ISACA
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Why: Demonstrates competency and professionalism in the field of internal auditing.
Organization responsible: The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Qualifications: Pass CIA exam, have a bachelor’s degree, and two years of internal auditing work experience
More information: IIA
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Why: Demonstratesa high level of management accounting knowledge, competence and business understanding. This certification is sought after by accountants working inside organizations (as opposed to public accountants.)
Organization responsible: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Qualifications: Pass CMA exam, have a bachelor’s degree, and two years of work experience in management accounting or financial management.
More information: IMA
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Why: Demonstrates expertise and professionalism in accounting. Any accountant filing a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required by law to be a CPA. Generally known and respected credential for its rigor and what it symbolizes about a person’s education, knowledge, training, and skills.
Organization responsible: State governments
Qualifications: Pass national CPA exam and must meet the requirements of the State in which the accountant practices. In Michigan, applicants must pass the CPA exam, meet the 150 Hour Rule, and have one year of qualifying work (auditing, under direction of a CPA) experience in public or government accounting.
More information: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Why:Demonstrates mastery of the CFA curriculum and expertise in the investment profession.
Organization responsible: Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
Qualifications: Four years of qualified investment work experience, become a member of CFA Institute, pledge to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct on an annual basis, apply for membership to a local CFA member society, and complete the CFA Program.
More information: The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Why: Demonstrates competence in tax matters, and allows you represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Organization responsible: National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
Qualifications: Pass Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) or have at least five years of continuous employment with the IRS as specified in the Treasury Department Circular No. 230; and pass a background check.
More information: NAEA