Blog Post: Help Wanted: Finding the Right Accounting Credential

Human Resource professionals faced with writing accounting job descriptions must answer an important question. Which accounting credential is right for this position?

Including a professional certification in a job description shows prospective employees that your company supports and recognizes professional skills and achievements. Earning a CPA is a great accomplishment. This is a sign of technical expertise, solid experience and professional commitment. But the Certified Public Accountant is not the only accounting credential.

Depending on the position, company and industry, this may not be the certificate that represents the skill set needed to succeed on the job. Don’t limit your pool of highly qualified applicants by requiring the wrong certification. Before posting that next job opening, consider the position, responsibilities and skills your ideal employee needs. Then match these qualities with the accounting and financial certifications available.

As both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant, I am still amazed at how often companies looking for a cost accountant, financial analyst or CFO will insist on a CPA, but ignore the CMA credential. The CMA designation represents a broad business competency and mastery of the management-level skills required to add value, drive business performance, and build quality financial practices within organizations. The program objectively tests and validates expertise in areas essential to analyzing, managing and evaluating business solutions that contribute to the success of an organization. The CMA credential indicates a commitment to excellence based on a strong, ethical foundation and dedication to lifelong learning. This is just one of the often overlooked certifications that will help you identify the applicants with relevant skills and experience to do the job well.

Are you looking for the right person to manage cash flow or the accounts receivable department in a down economy? Consider a Certified Treasury Professional or Certified Credit Executive.

Have a small company in need of solid accounting skills and QuickBooks expertise to ensure your information is properly recorded? Look for a Certified Public Bookkeeper.

Need a few more ideas?

Accredited Automated Clearing House Professional (AAP)

Accredited Payables Specialist (APS)

Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA)

Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA)

Certified Credit Executive (CCE)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

CPA/Accredited in Business Valuation (CPA/ABV)

CPA/Certified Information Technology Professional (CPA/CITP)

Certified Risk Professional (CRP)

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)

Enrolled Agent (EA)

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

These are just a few of the certifications available. If you are unsure of the best fit, ask your local accounting association members for their suggestions. The American Society of Women Accountants is made up of members with a broad range of experience, career paths and certifications. This unique mix of professionals makes ASWA a great resource to help you identify and understand your accounting needs. The more precise your job descriptions are, the more effective your recruiting process will be. Let us help you find that perfect fit!