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Best accounts payable associate certifications

The best certifications for an accounts payable associate are Certified Management Accountant (CMA), International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Accounts payable associate certifications demonstrate your competency as an accounts payable associate to employers. However, not all accounts payable associate certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best accounts payable associate certifications. Obtaining an accounts payable associate certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

5 best accounts payable associate certifications

1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

2. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)

ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant candidates must pass a national exam certifiying that they are eligible to be licensed in the state(s) of their choosing. Information about state licensing requirements is made available in the Licensed Occupation tool.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Public Accountant
Certifying organization
American Institute of Certified...

4. Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)

The CDI Certified Industry Resume Specialist allows you to gain certification in your chosen industry.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
Career Directors International

5. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

Achieving CAPP status signifies that you have proven to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in today's intricate AP environment. Certification is your way of demonstrating your superior knowledge of core topics as well as your commitment to upholding the standards of the profession.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)

What is the best certification for an accounts payable associate?

The best accounts payable associate certification is Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is awarded by the The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this accounts payable associate certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 1 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for accounts payable associates?

The most in-demand accounts payable associate certification is Certified Management Accountant based on all active job postings. Having this accounts payable associate certification will give you access to more accounts payable associate jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact an accounts payable associate career and salary?

The Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance certification will help you to secure an accounts payable clerk position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An accounts payable clerk's average salary is $37,865 whereas accounts payable associates make an average salary of $39,270.

Best certifications

The most common combination of accounts payable associate certifications include: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Online courses for accounts payable associates to earn certifications

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