Ready to get hired as a public accountant?
Finding a job in today’s competitive market as a public accountant can be difficult. You can dramatically improve your chances of getting hired, however, by making sure you have the ideal accounting certifications for wooing your employers.
Read on to learn about these four essential certifications that will make your resume stand out from all the rest.
1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
This is the bread and butter of any public accountant’s resume, and it is extremely valuable when it comes to staying competitive in the field of accounting. Of all the accounting certifications out there, this should be mandatory for all accountants.
Throughout the financial industry, the CPA is top currency and enables the certified accountant to obtain a variety of roles. These include financial advising, taxation services, public and management accounting, and consultation services.
It takes about a year to obtain the CPA certification. Requirements vary by state.
2. Enrolled Agent (EA)
To be competitive in the accounting job market, it’s key to acquire certifications in as many industries as possible. Becoming an Enrolled Agent means achieving the most elite qualification through the IRS and a privileged status in the tax industry.
EAs have practice rights that are unlimited. They can represent any taxpayer and handle any tax matter they wish. Prospective EAs must complete a three part exam and pass a tax compliance check.
3. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
If you are interested in working globally and having an active managerial role, the CGMA will be essential to your success. In general, the CGMA can woo employers by the basic fact that it enables accountants to operate on a distinctly global level.
Having your abilities recognized on a global scale will set you apart from other prospective accountants. It will give you more job opportunities and enable you to pursue research and government positions.
4. Master’s Degree in Business Administration
This is a graduate-level degree, but this particular certification can lead you to higher-level roles right away and advance your career quickly. It is especially appropriate for accountants seeking top corporate roles in finance and accounting.
An MBA does require a financial and time commitment, considering it is a graduate degree. However, it is possible to find a fast-track MBA program or one that enables individuals to complete it part-time.
Accounting Certifications for Your Next Job
As you begin your journey towards being a public accountant, it’s important to gather the most competitive accounting certifications that will help you rise to the top of any potential employee pool.
Certifications in public accounting, management accounting, and chartered global management accounting are stellar additions to any prospective accountant resume. An MBA will be most helpful in assisting individuals wanting to apply for senior level roles, but it also will make any resume highly competitive.
At SAS Executive Search, we recruit top-level CPAs and public accountants to work at firms throughout the United States. If you are a job seeker, choose SAS for our resources and tips, and send us your resume so we can help you find ideal employment opportunities.
