Top Accounting Certifications for Today’s Market (2025)
Accounting certifications raise a professional's earning scale and create eligibility for far more positions. Hence, if considering obtaining a qualification in this specific field, discovering some of the more popular options will help determine what best suits them.
Acquiring an accounting certification has many advantages that can influence your professional growth. It boosts your professional credibility as a dependable expert and, at the same time, enables you to access higher positions.
It boosts your professional credibility to be a dependable expert, and at the same time enables you to access higher investments in this area. After all, it allows them to get jobs regardless of whether they hold a regular degree in accounting.
| Name | Issued By | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (AICPA & CIMA) | 1-2 years |
| Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) | CFA Institute | 1-2 years |
| Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) | Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) | 1 year |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) | 6-9 months |
| Enrolled Agent (EA) | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | 1 year |
| Financial Services for Internal Auditors Certificate (FSAC) | Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) | 6 to 12 Months |
Accounting certifications are credentials that accountants may use to advance their careers and expand their skill set. Which is right for you depends on the nature of the career path, area of concentration, and the availability and cost of each credential. Every certificate requires education and experience, along with specific skills to be acquired. Below are eight of the most valued accounting certifications:
A CPA is the most acknowledged accounting certification recognized and is always needed to hold several accounting positions. It certifies your skills in forensic accounting, risk management, compliance, and taxation, among others, that are indispensable for a role at the top of the accounting hierarchy. CPAs may work in public accounting, management accounting, government finance, taxation, compliance, or any other job. The credential is jointly awarded by the two entities, namely the AICPA and CIMA.
A CFA designation verifies a financial professional's expertise and skills in portfolio management, economics, professional and ethical standards, and investment analysis. A CFA certificate is issued by the CFA Institute.
Many investment companies also require this certification for security analysts and asset managers. It can also be helpful for those interested in jobs such as equity analysts, fund and hedge fund managers, and senior finance managers.
This credential requires a bachelor's degree and four years of experience in financial services. The 18-hour exam has three sequential levels. Ongoing requirements include 20 hours of CPE credits per year.
The only internationally recognized professional designation for professionals looking for a career as an internal auditor is the CIA certification. It implies information technology competencies and risk and control competencies while demonstrating working competence with both internal staff and external clients. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) grants the CIA.
The CIA credential is helpful for internal auditors who want to become managers or lead audit officers.
Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in internal auditing; a master's degree is a substitute for one year of experience. The exam was divided into three levels, totaling 6.5 hours. CPE credits are ongoing and vary based on work status.
The CMA certification testifies to mastery of cost management, decision analysis, forecasting, and internal control auditing competency. Also, it shows an internal, managerial, or general approach to comprehension of critical accounting and financial management skills. The certification is sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
The CPA and CMA loopholes are commonly filled with the same certification, especially for accountants who want to work in big multinational corporations. Theoretical concepts regarding the CPA exam are tested concepts that the CMA qualifies the educator as being able to apply.
However, to gain this certification, one must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of management experience in finance or management accounting. The examination has two levels, which are grouped into eight papers. Annual maintenance includes 30 hours of CPE per year.
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The credential for an EA is issued by the government, which licenses certain professionals, like CPAs. An EA works as a taxpayer's representative who advises clients in tax preparation matters and deals with the IRS during personal or business tax audits. It is an IRS certification.
Candidates must pass a three-part comprehensive test on individual and business tax returns. Prior experience may be credited to candidates who have previously worked as an IRS employee. Continuing education: 72 hours every three years.
This program is beneficial for preparing students and working professionals to clear the Enrolled Agent exam at the minimum cost possible. Many carefully chosen materials and practice questions accompany this service and practical mock exam.
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It is a specialty certification by the IIA and replaces the CFSA credential. The FSAC allows professionals in the financial services sector to upgrade their core areas of auditing and risk assessment knowledge.
This credential will help certificate holders prepare for audits consistent with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Therefore, it will benefit those interested in internal and financial services auditing.
The requirements entail passing an assessment-based program on 11 subjects that cover the regulatory landscape and the risks posed to financial services organizations.
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Investing in accounting certifications can significantly elevate your career, enhancing your expertise and opening doors to better opportunities. Among the many options available, MYCPE ONE stands out as a premier choice for accounting certifications online. With affordable pricing, expert guidance, and comprehensive resources, MYCPE ONE simplifies your path to success in certifications like CMA, EA, and more. Start your journey today and advance your career with confidence.
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The author, Nick Branson is a CPA and Co- president of MYCPE ONE – Continuing Education Platform for Professionals. He has experience of more than 2 decades in the field educating the top professionals in the field of CPA, CMA, CIA and many more.
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