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Best finance analyst/accountant certifications

Finance analyst/accountant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an finance analyst/accountant to employers. However, not all finance analyst/accountant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a finance analyst/accountant are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF).

Below is a list of the best finance analyst/accountant certifications. Obtaining an finance analyst/accountant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

5 best certifications for finance analyst/accountants

5 best finance analyst/accountant certifications

1. 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...

2. 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)

3. 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

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The CFA charter is recognized as the definitive standard by which to measure the competence, integrity, and dedication of serious investment professionals.

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? 
Certifying website
Chartered Financial Analyst
Certifying organization
CFA Institute

5. Certified in Financial Management

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)

What is the best certification for a finance analyst/accountant?

The best finance analyst/accountant certification is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this finance analyst/accountant certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What certifications can impact a finance analyst/accountant career and salary?

The Certified Public Accountant certification will help you to secure a senior accountant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior accountant's average salary is $69,205 whereas finance analyst/accountants make an average salary of $62,975.

Best certifications

The most common combination of finance analyst/accountant certifications include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF).

Online courses for finance analyst/accountants to earn certifications

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