7 Best Accounting Certifications to do in 2021

If an individual is into the field of finance, then management accountant certification can improve the earning potential and qualify for the more positions. If one is considering getting the best accounting certification then exploring a few of the certifications will help to determine which the perfect fit is for them.

In this article, let’s discuss the top finance certification and their benefits.

Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

Having a Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) certification demonstrates a financial professional’s knowledge and abilities about the portfolio management, economics, professional and ethical standards and investment analysis

Several investment firms are looking for individuals who have done management accountant certification for security analysts and asset managers. It also adds benefits for those who are keen in jobs as equity analysts, fund or hedge fund managers, chief financial officers or senior finance managers.

This credential needs a bachelor’s degree along with four years of experience in the domain of financial services. The exam has three sequential levels with a total exam time of 18 hours. An individual must qualify the first level only then they can shift to the next level. The recommended ongoing requirements include 20 hours of CPE credits with at least two hours of standards, regulatory and ethics education.

Chartered Investment & Management Accountant (CIMA®)

Chartered Investment & Management Accountant (CIMA®) is the perfect certification if an individual is looking to launch a global career to be an investment & management accountant professional. It is among the world’s most uniquely designed powerful management accounting certification from United States.

CIMA® is very reliable and consists of the highly distinctive validation of advanced-level competence of professionals in two of the most rapidly growing super-specialization areas in accounting — investment accounting, and management accounting. It is the best accounting certification, the CIMA® charter offers each applicant with a proven promise and readiness for gathering the essential and in-demand financial intelligence, which globally several firms are in need to monitor, manage and grow their businesses and investment assets as well as portfolios.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

This Financial Risk Manager (FRM) management accountant certification is accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and the professionals acquire proficiency in risk assessment. They are trained to assess risk in insurance companies, regulatory agencies, asset management firms, and banks.

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

This is among the best accounting certification expands the career opportunity as a government financial manager. It helps to attain competency in governmental accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing, and budgeting. It is one of the respected qualifications that recognize the specialized knowledge in the said domain.

Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) is among the top finance certification, which is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. To become a PFS, one must have a current CPA certification, be an active member of the AICPA, and receive recommendations from colleagues and clients.

If one is already own a CFP or ChFC certifications, then they must meet the exam requirement prerequisites to become a PFS. The other way to get this certification is to pass the exam requirement that includes all the planning processes and professional responsibilities as instructed.

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

The finance professionals with this top finance certification are skilled in practical applications of their knowledge. They can relate their knowledge easily to real-life scenarios and thus work as financial advisors mostly. They earn more as compared to their non-certified peer group.

They get well-versed in the integrated advanced arena of financial planning such as insurance, income tax, asset protection, estate tax, gift tax, employee benefits, and retirement planning.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

In college days, if one is among the students, who would make a budget plan for a short quick trip and divide contribution of money, then one must pursue the path to be a Certified Financial Planner. A holistic planning approach is necessary for insurance, education, tax, estate planning, asset management, employee perks, and more.

To have a bigger picture of clients’ finances, becoming a certified financial planner is best recommended.

Wrapping Up

The market instability has led for the finance professionals to get accommodated to the new realities and collaborations, with a new outlook. As the financial sectors redefine their business it is important to enhance one’s skills and step-up in career with top finance certification.