Got Certification?

Whether you’re looking for an immediate promotion or want to prepare yourself for future opportunities, obtaining a professional certification can give you the edge you need to move your career forward. According to Robert Half International’s annual Salary Guide, possessing an advanced credential can raise a job candidate’s starting salary by as much as 10 percent more than their colleagues who do not possess professional designations.

Even if you’re just starting out in your career and feel confident your recent schooling has kept you up-to-date on developments within the profession, you can still benefit from certifications within specific accounting disciplines. Enhancing your knowledge in areas such as international business, financial management, decision analysis and information systems demonstrates to employers that you understand the nuances within each of these areas and will allow you to provide more effective strategic business insight. Apart from increasing your earning power, advanced certifications demonstrate a lifelong commitment to your job and profession.

Highly sought after accounting certifications include the certified public accountant (CPA), certified management accountant (CMA), certified payroll professional (CPP), certified internal auditor (CIA), certified credit executive (CCE), certified fraud examiner (CFE), certified information systems auditor (CISA) and certified information technology professional (CITP). A master’s in business administration (MBA) also can be valuable for those aspiring to leadership positions.

The need for ongoing professional development cannot be overemphasized if you’re looking for a way to increase your experience and maximize your potential in the accounting field. Deciding to earn an accreditation in your specialty area shows ambition towards advancing your career. Also, be sure to let your supervisor know of your goals. He or she is sure to respond positively and likely to consider your achievement when making future promotion and compensation decisions.

This article was provided by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International, Inc. As the industry leader and expert in temporary financial staffing, the company provides an array of resources to job seekers, including salary data, job search tips, advice on which skills are in demand, and online courses providing continuing professional education credits. Accountemps has more than 330 offices worldwide and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.