We discuss the different certifications that accountants can get and what the differences between them are.

1. Are Financial
Certifications
Worth It?

2. There may be no other field with as many
certifications as Finance.
You look at some people's business cards
and they have a veritable alphabet behind
their names.

3. It's like an arms race of
acronyms!
But are they really needed to
help your career?

4. Yes

5. 5% to 15%
above market average starting salaries
for professionals holding graduate
degrees or accounting certifications*.
*2017 Accounting & Finance Salary Guide from Robert Half

6. 72%
of CFOs interviewed say their
company will cover all or some of the
cost for an employee getting a
professional certification*.
*Robert Half research

7. 76%
say they also help their people
maintain such certifications once
they’re earned*.
*Robert Half research

8. But, before you invest the time and
money into getting one, it’s
important to know the differences
between them and whether they
go hand-in-hand or lead in
opposite directions.

9. CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
The most prestigious, well
known, and versatile.
The only one that has a
statutory right: signing
audit reports and issuing
opinions on audits.

10. CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
This compliments the CPA as it covers an area not tested in
the CPA exam.
It covers things such financial analysis and strategic
planning. When paired with a CPA it can lead to a great
career working in bigger corporations.

11. CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
This is a niche
certification for auditing.
Auditing is important for
all companies and if you
want to be an internal
auditor or compliance
professional.
But if you have no interest in internal auditing
you don’t need it.

12. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst Designation)
You really need this one if you have
your eye on becoming a CFO or the like.
You definitely need it if you want to
work in security analysis or be an asset
manager.

13. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst Designation)
Accountants are being called on and
should strive to seek a greater, more
strategic role in companies.
Pairing this with a CPA makes you very
desirable if that is your goal.

14. CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant)
This deals with strategy and analysis to help
chart the direction for companies in order to
ensure their success.
It's good if you’re a financial professional who
wants to move beyond the finance
department one day.

15. CAIA: (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst)
This is really a niche as it
specializes in alternative
investment products.
As such, it makes a good pairing
with the CFA and its popularity
has grown tremendously over
the past several years.

16. Click here to read our blog post
on this topic.
www.cpaexamhub.com