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Best general ledger accountant certifications

General ledger accountant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an general ledger accountant to employers. However, not all general ledger accountant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a general ledger 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 general ledger accountant certifications. Obtaining an general ledger accountant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for general ledger accountants

4 best general ledger 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. 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

What is the best certification for a general ledger accountant?

The best general ledger 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 general ledger 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 are some of the most in-demand certifications for general ledger accountants?

The most in-demand general ledger accountant certification is Certified Public Accountant based on all active job postings. Having this general ledger accountant certification will give you access to more general ledger accountant jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a general ledger 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 general ledger accountants make an average salary of $60,034.

Best certifications

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

Online courses for general ledger accountants to earn certifications

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