You are seeking a certification to accompany your accounting degree. That is a good idea because employers look for certifications on new applicants’ resumes. Listed here are five key certifications that will make you very valuable to the financial industry. One of them may interest you.
Energy Risk Professional
The energy industry has a very important job. As part of that industry, you would need to be involved in making sure that your company complies with the rules and regulations and adheres to the industry’s risk factors. Obtaining a certification in energy risk would mean that you have the ability to predict and recognize financial risks. You would also be an expert at managing those risks. You will need to pass an examination and then spend two years working in your field to become certified. Once employed, you will continue your education in this area.
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional
The health industry is undergoing many changes due to the Affordable Care Act, and people with accounting and healthcare expertise are currently in demand. Your training will focus on healthcare and could possibly lead you toward promotions as well as raises. You will not be able to take the test until you join the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Your employers will also require a three- to five-year term of healthcare provider management experience. Student memberships will not exempt you from complying with this requirement.
Project Management Professional
The role of the project management professional is to lead a team of co-workers and the company’s projects. This certification demonstrates to employers that you have received the training necessary to see the project through until the end from the planning stage to the closing stage. It will be very useful for those of you who wish to become a risk manager, controller or internal auditor. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you will need to spend three years in a project management position. Also, 35 hours of project management education is necessary.
Certified Public Accountant
Employers in the accounting and finance industries look for the CPA certification before they decide to hire an applicant. That’s because this certification means that you are trustworthy and that you must keep your skills and knowledge of accounting up to date. You will need to become re-certified after you earn your initial certification. In order to take the CPA examination, you may be required to spend one or two years under a CPA’s supervision. This will depend on the area in which you live.
Certified Management Accountant
A large part of the certified management accountant’s role is financial analysis. Also, you will be heavily involved in organization performance management, strategic assessment, budgeting and the running of a company. In order to become a CMA, you will need to register with the Institute of Management Accountants and pass the CMA examination. Then, obtain a position in financial management or management accounting that lasts at least two years. Every year you will need to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional education.
You are choosing to enter into a field that really needs people who have received the necessary training to complete the job. Good luck with finding a certification that will match your skills and lead you toward the success in life that you crave.
