If a person wants to ace his/her career in accounting and finance then doing a certification can enhance the earning potential and qualify for the high and senior positions.
Acquiring any type of accounting programs the candidature for the job roles will strengthen manifolds. These certifications are totally skill-related professional certifications in finance and are highly chosen by several recruiters. One will get a competitive edge over others while doing an added credential.
If one is considering getting finance certifications then exploring a few of them will be helpful to determine which is the perfect fit is for them.
In this article, let’s discuss the top finance certifications that will strengthen your resume.
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
A Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) certification exhibits a financial professional’s knowledge and capabilities about the portfolio management, economics, professional and ethical standards and investment analysis
Many investment organizations are seeking for finance professionals who have done certification for security analysts and asset managers. It also adds benefit layer for those who are interested in jobs such as equity analysts, fund or hedge fund managers, chief financial officers or senior finance managers.
This credential prerequisite is to have a bachelor’s degree along with four years of experience in the domain of financial services. The exam consists of three sequential levels with exam duration of 18 hours. A person must qualify the first level only then they can shift to the next level. The recommended ongoing needs are 20 hours of CPE credits with at least two hours of standards, regulatory and ethics education.
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
This Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is considered as the most chosen by individuals who want to excel in their career in accounting and finance. This certification is accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and the professionals need proficiency in risk assessment. They are well-equipped to assess risk in insurance companies, regulatory agencies, asset management firms, and banks.
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
This is among the best accounting programs, which expands the career opportunity as a government financial manager. It helps to gain competency in governmental accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing, and budgeting. It is among the highly respected credentials that recognize the specialized knowledge in the finance space.
Chartered Investment & Management Accountant (CIMA®)
Chartered Investment & Management Accountant (CIMA®) is among the top certifications for those aspiring professionals, who are looking to launch a global career to be an investment & management accountant professional. It is the world’s most uniquely crafted powerful accounting and financial management certification from United States.
CIMA certification is highly reliable and consists of highly validation of next-level competence of aspiring professionals in two of the most quickly booming super-specialization spaces in accounting – investment accounting, and management accounting. It is among the best finance certifications, the CIMA® credential provides every aspiring professional with a proven promise and readiness for acquiring the most required and in-demand financial intelligence that world-wide many organizations are in need to monitor, manage as well as to grow their businesses and investment assets and also their portfolios.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
If an aspirant wants to become a financial planner, they must gain the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential. Client-relationship is one of the major factors of finance, which is something this certification stresses. To pass the rigorous and testing 7-hour qualifying exam for CFP, one must require studying a minimum of 1000 hours.
After passing this CFP exam, the individuals can break into varied disciplines within the career in accounting and finance. It will cost about $2,000. The pass rate differs between 60 to 70 percent.
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) is among the top accounting programs, which is provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To become a PFS certification holder, one must have a current CPA credential, and be an active member of the AICPA, and get recommendations from colleagues and clients.
If one already owns a CFP or ChFC credentials, then they must meet the exam prerequisites to become a PFS certification holder. The other way to get this certification is to pass the exam requirement that consists of all the planning processes and professional responsibilities as instructed.
To Summarize
The market instability has given rise to the finance professionals to be accommodated to the new realities and collaborations, and also with a new outlook. As the financial sectors redefine their business it is essential to improve one’s skills and step-up in career with right finance certifications.
