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Best senior accounting specialist certifications

Senior accounting specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an senior accounting specialist to employers. However, not all senior accounting specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a senior accounting specialist are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

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

3 best certifications for senior accounting specialists

3 best senior accounting specialist 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. 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 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)

What is the best certification for a senior accounting specialist?

The best senior accounting specialist 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 senior accounting specialist 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 senior accounting specialists?

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

Best certifications

The most common combination of senior accounting specialist certifications include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Online courses for senior accounting specialists to earn certifications

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