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Best general ledger bookkeeper certifications
General ledger bookkeeper certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an general ledger bookkeeper to employers. However, not all general ledger bookkeeper certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a general ledger bookkeeper are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Below is a list of the best general ledger bookkeeper certifications. Obtaining an general ledger bookkeeper certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for general ledger bookkeepers
| Rank | General ledger bookkeeper certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | AICPA |
| 2 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 3 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 4 | Bookkeepers Certification | NBA |
4 best general ledger bookkeeper 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.
- 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?
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.
- 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. 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.
- 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
4. Bookkeepers Certification
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers' (NACPB) Uniform Certified Public Bookkeeper Examination (Exam) is the exam administered to candidates who want to obtain a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) license. The license and Exam are developed and maintained by NACPB.
- 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?
What is the best certification for a general ledger bookkeeper?
The best general ledger bookkeeper 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 bookkeeper 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 general ledger bookkeeper 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 bookkeepers make an average salary of $44,940.
The most common combination of general ledger bookkeeper certifications include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Online courses for general ledger bookkeepers to earn certifications
1. Financial Accounting-Debits & Credits-Accounting Transaction
Masterclass: Learn Accounting Principles, Financial Statements, Transactions & More in this Comprehensive Course...
2. Financial Accounting - Subsidiary Ledgers & Special Journals
Mastering Special Journals and Subsidiary Ledgers: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlined Accounting Practices...
3. Accounting & Bookkeeping Masterclass - Beginner to Advanced
Accounting, Bookkeeping Introduction, Accounting, Bookkeeping Entries, Accounting, Bookkeeping Adjustments & Reports...
4. Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement
Master Adjusting Entries & Financial Statements: A Comprehensive Guide for Accurate Accounting and Reporting...
5. Bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online (Bookkeeping & accounting)
Bookkeeping & Accounting with Quick Books Online. Bookkeeping & Accounting is Easy. Bookkeeping & Quick Books software...
6. Accounting, Bookkeeping & Financial Analysis (Accounting)
Accounting & Bookkeeping Basics. Accounting & Financial Analysis Concepts. Learn Accounting & Bookkeeping...
7. Financial Accounting: The Complete Introductory Crash Course
Learn the Basics of Financial Accounting: Financial Statements, Debits and Credits, The Accounting Cycle and More!...
8. Bookkeeping Basics Explained (Bookkeeping & Accounting)
Bookkeeping and accounting explained. Bookkeeping and accounting basics is easy. Simple Bookkeeping and accounting...
9. Payroll Accounting: Laws, Calculations, and Journal Entries
Master the complex world of payroll with practical examples, legislation insights, and comprehensive problems...
10. Xero Bookkeeping & Accounting, w/ Set-up & Reporting
From Set-up to Bookkeeping, Accounting, Reporting, & Financial Statements in Xero with a Certified Xero Advisor...
11. Principles of Financial Accounting
Learn the complete accounting cycle -recording business transactions to presenting the Balance Sheet & Income Statement...
12. Accounting basics, create financial statements easily
Discover, develop, practice your financial information and explore the world of accounting...
13. Financial Accounting & Excel-Comprehensive Accounting Course
Comprehensive accounting course to learn the accounting cycle in a practical way and pick up critical Excel fundamentals...
14. Excel Accounting Problem
Learn How to Create an Accounting Worksheet Using Microsoft Excel from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)...
15. Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll
Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll...
16. Financial Bookkeeping and Accountancy: Complete Accounting
A Complete Course on Book-keeping & Accounting Course For Level 1 & 2 aspirants...
17. Managerial Accounting & Bookkeeping (Cost Accounting)
Management Accounting & Bookkeeping Basics. Accounting & Bookkeeping Concepts. Learn Accounting & Bookkeeping...
18. Financial Accounting: A Comprehensive Guide with E-book
Unlock Financial Accounting Mastery: Comprehensive Course for Students, Professionals, and Business Owners...
19. QuickBooks Online-Bookkeeping Business-Easy Way
Quick Books Online bookkeeping business plan and examples, walking through bookkeeping engagement & data entry...
20. Accounting Made Easy: A Quick Guide to Financial Accounting
Accounting is not about Math, it is about concepts. And no one said it has to be hard. Learn the basics in just 2 hours!...