7 Popular Accounting Certifications

Professional Accounting and Finance certifications add an extra layer to your professional qualification and let employers understand that you are willing to put in the extra effort and time to expand your skillset. As access to mainstream education has surged, the demand for attaining a professional accreditation helps you stand out of the crowd and establish yourself as a befitting addition to their enterprise. 

It is essential to consider the wide range of options available and take the pick that resonates with your interests and goals. 

  1. ACCA Designation

The globally recognized course by a renowned accounting body introduces you to various essential topics, including financial management, reporting, taxation, auditing, leadership, and ethics. It is built around IFRS, which is the accounting standards followed and practiced by 139 countries. On completion of the course, you will be open to promising career opportunities, not just in India, but across the world. 

  1. Chartered Accountancy

Chartered Accountancy course allows you to be an active member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. It is well-recognized in India and lets you hold in-depth knowledge about accounting practices that adhere to guidelines followed solely by Indian standards. The professionals who have completed the course will gain signing authority across accounting domains. 

  1. Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA)

Conducted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, the CMA course is based on four different elemental concepts of accountancy – Strategy, Management, Framework, and Finance Reporting. On completion of the course, you can use your professional services to support investment planning, profit management, and managerial decision-making process.

  1. Company Secretary (ACS)

ACS is a lucrative commerce course that brings the right mix of practical and theoretical training required to handle the legal business aspects. Offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, the course deals with various domains like tax returns, bookkeeping, and advisory to ensure that the company complies with legal and statutory regulations.

  1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The course aims to train you in every aspect of finance – analysis, estimation, and forecasting the future performance of the enterprise.  CFA can act as a premium layer in addition to other courses.  

  1. Business Accounting and Taxation (BAT)

The course is designed to fill the gap between mainstream education and organizational expectations and equips you with industry-focused training and knowledge. By introducing the various tools and systems used in the industry, the course trains you on the financial reporting process to enhance prospects. 

  1. Goods and Service Tax

Since the introduction of GST to the Indian economy, the extensive concept has been difficult to comprehend for budding professionals. There is a short-term dedicated course that focuses on all the different aspects of the new tax system. It can be a perfect value-addition to your skillset, especially if you see your future in India. 

The popular accounting certification courses have been discussed for your reference. Make note of all that interests you, and prioritize them based on their significance and relevancy with your current position on the career ladder. 

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