All About Certificate Programs in Accounting

With the economy going through its changes, many of us are looking to enhance, improve and even change their career paths. If a career in accounting is what you want to do, then you need to know about the different accounting certificate programs to get you going where you want to be!

With the rise of specialization-specific career options and opportunities, getting a certificate or degree in your area of expertise is the right thing to do to ensure that your career options stay on top of the changing economic scenario. There are a variety of certificate programs in accounting which will definitely help you fast track your accounting career path.

Certified Public Accountant or CPA is the most popular accounting certificate program which many accountants opt for. It is a well known fact that the examinations are not quite easy to pass. Gaining this certification, however, ensures that you stay ahead of the game in your accounting career.

Certified Management Accounting or CMA is sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The certification program requires a Bachelors Degree or the CPA certification, along with completing the CMA examination. You also need to have experience in the relevant accounting field. This qualifies you to become a member of the IMA.

Certified Financial Manager or CFM is also sponsored by the IMA. This certification gives you an expertise with financial markets and instruments, managing investor relations, risk management, corporate restructuring and analyzing financial statements.

Certified Internal Auditor or CIA is sponsored by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). This enables you to become an expert in internal auditing processes. You will need to have a Bachelor's Degree and relevant work experience along with passing the certification examination.

Certified Financial Planner or CFP is an examination offered by The College for Financial Planning and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Along with completing their examination, you will need to have a Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of experience in the relevant field.

Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA is a certification sponsored by The Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR). Apart from a Bachelor's Degree, you will need to have at least 3 years of experience in investment decision making processes.

Certified Fraud Examiner or CFE is sponsored by by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Members specialize in the investigation, detection and the deterrence of white-collar crime and fraud. You will need to have a Bachelor's Degree, have at least 3 years of experience in the relevant field, and pass the certification exam.

Certified Government Financial Manager or CGFM is offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Members are knowledgeable and skilled in governmental accounting, budgeting and financial reporting along with financial management and control within the government. This prestigious position requires you to have a Bachelor's Degree, and relevant experience along with passing the certification examination.

With these top accounting certificate programs you can certainly send your accounting career on to the fast track of success!