Certifications in finance and accounting are important for anyone looking to start or further their career in either of those fields. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which certifications are the best fit for you.

In this guide, we will outline the most popular certifications in finance and accounting and provide you with information on what each one entails. We will also discuss the benefits of getting certified and provide you with some tips on how to get started!

Benefits of getting certified

There are many benefits to getting certified in finance and accounting. First, it will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in these fields. Certification programs are designed to provide you with the latest information and techniques that are being used in the industry.

Second, certification can help you advance your career. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have been certified by a professional organization. This is because they know that these candidates have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in their positions.

Third, certification can also lead to higher earnings potential. Studies have shown that certified professionals earn more than their non-certified counterparts. This is because employers are willing to pay more for employees who have demonstrated their commitment to their chosen field through certification.

Fourth, certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. In today’s job market, employers are often inundated with applications from qualified candidates. Having a certification can help you stand out from the crowd and give you an advantage over other applicants.

Finally, holding a certification can provide you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Earning a certification is not easy, and it is something that you can be proud of for the rest of your life. It is also something that you can use to show others that you are knowledgeable and skilled in your chosen field.

If you are interested in pursuing finance or accounting certifications, there are many options available to you, so let's take a look at them.

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Online certificate course in finance accounting and taxation

An online certificate course in finance accounting and taxation is a great way to get started in your career in finance and accounting. This certification will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an accountant or financial analyst.

The online certificate course in finance accounting and taxation covers topics such as financial statements, bookkeeping, tax laws, and investment analysis.

This course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the financial world. After completing this course, you will be able to work in any number of accounting or finance positions.

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Schools offering certificates in accounting and finance

If you want a more hands-on approach to certifications in accounting, then tech schools, colleges, and universities offer certificate programs that can be completed in as little as three years.

Most of these programs are offered at the undergraduate level, but some schools offer them at the graduate level as well.

Some of the most popular certifications in accounting and finance include:

●  Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

●  Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

●  Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

●  Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Advanced certification impact on accounting and finance salary

Once you have your certification, it's time to start looking for a job. But what kind of impact will your certification have on your salary?

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants and auditors is $69,350 per year.

However, those with advanced certifications can expect to earn significantly more. For example, CPAs earn a median salary of $81,250 per year, while CMAs earn a median salary of $94,650 per year. 

So if you're looking to maximize your earnings potential in accounting and finance, getting certified is a great way to do it. Just be sure to pick the right certification for you and your career goals.

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Professional certifications in accounting and finance

Once you have your basic qualifications sorted, you may want to consider getting certified. Here's a quick overview of some of the most popular certifications in finance and accounting:

●  CPA (Certified Public Accountant): A CPA license is the gold standard for accountants in the United States. To become a CPA, you'll need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

●  CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): The Certified Internal Auditor designation is conferred by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and it's one of the most respected certifications in the auditing profession.

●  CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The Chartered Financial Analyst designation is administered by the CFA Institute, and it's one of the most recognized certifications in the finance industry.

●  CFP (Certified Financial Planner): The Certified Financial Planner designation is conferred by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board).

●  CPF (Chartered Personal Finance Planner): The Chartered Personal Finance Planner designation is conferred by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM).

These are just a few of the many different certifications that are available in finance and accounting. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. However, with a little research, you should be able to find the perfect certification for your needs.

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The best tools for new accountants

If you are new to accounting, it's important to find the right tools to help you manage your finances.

LiveFlow is a great option for small businesses and startups. It offers bookkeeping, and financial reporting features. Plus, it integrates with QuickBooks, so you can keep all of your financial information in one place. LiveFlow is designed to make it easy to create an integrated, real time connection between your QuickBooks data and customized reports and dashboards in Google Sheets. This means that you don’t have to give anyone access to QuickBooks simply to review reports – you can use pre-built templates or bring live data to any customized report you already have.  This way, you only share what departments need to see. The live connection between QuickBooks and Google Sheets means that your reports will always be up to date – without any manual exports, data formatting or hands-on effort.

To find out more about how LiveFlow can help you manage your finances and complement your academic or professional certifications, book a demo with us today.