Many jobs blend accounting skills with finance and business savvy. That’s why getting it a top finance certification is so important. Certifications help you secure a great job or increase your ability to get promoted and climb the corporate ladder.
Depending on what you want to do with your career and what industry you want to focus on, a management accounting certification might not be the right fit. For instance, if you want to go into the investment industry or banking industry, financial certifications make way more sense than becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the many different options you have and which one will make the most difference in your career.
Below is an extensive list of the most important finance certifications that will help you in your business or finance career.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
- Government Financial Manager (CFGM)
- Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
The CFA® certificate is the mark of proficiency in financial analysis and portfolio management. This self-study program focused on investment knowledge will help you reach the very top decision-making positions in the field of investment management.
This program has three levels of organization: from basic knowledge to applications and advanced analytical methods. Each level ends with an exam. You’ll need to study for approximately six months before each exam and you need to take the three exams sequentially.
To become a CFA®, you will need to become a member of the CFA® Institute and adhere to its code of ethics. Additionally, charterholders will also have to acquire four years of investment work experience. This is why successful candidates take four years on average to achieve the CFA® charter.
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
This globally recognized life insurance certification allows you to gain in-depth knowledge by following a self-study program in life insurance, financial planning, and investment banking.
The program offered by The American College can cost as much as $4,400 and includes eight courses that may be taken over six months or at the student’s own pace.
While this is a costly and time-consuming enterprise, the certification may help you earn one-third more than non-certified professionals. The additional training and prestige associated with the credential are extremely valuable if you intend to specialize in life insurance.
To enroll in the CLU program you will need to have three years of relevant full-time business experience. As a CLU, you will be required to complete 30 hours of CPE every two years.
Government Financial Manager (CFGM)
Do you work in the government sector at the local, state or federal level? If so, the CFGM certification offered by AGA (Advancing Government Accountability) can be a valuable asset to your career. This highly respected credential shows that you are proficient in many aspects of government finances. Some of these aspects range from taxes to laws and budgeting.
To become a CFGM, you need to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, you’ll need at least two years of full-time experience in government financial management.
Furthermore, you’ll also need to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics and to pass three CGFM examinations. These exams cover government accounting, financial accounting, asset management, and reporting.
Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
This certification awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) ensures high quality in business and intangible asset valuations.
Candidates for CVA certification need to hold a CPA license or otherwise demonstrate the necessary theoretical wealth management knowledge and experience (two years full-time or over 10 business valuations). In addition, you must be a NACVA member and attend a five-day training program.
To become a CVA, you will have to complete a case study or report for peer review, submit six reference letters and pass a five-hour examination.
The CVA is the only valuation certification accredited by the NCCA (National Commission of Certifying Agencies). Consequently, it is a valuable credential if your career in financial services leads you towards the field of business valuation.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, a non-profit organization located in the US is the institution responsible for handing out CFP certifications.
Over 70,000 financial professionals hold this popular license in the US. Once you’ve passed the CFP exam, you’ll demonstrate your capability of handling the tasks of a financial advisor. These tasks range from estate planning to cash flow and liability management.
To qualify for the exam you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a school registered with the CFB Board.
You also must have a minimum of three years worth of professional financial planning employment. After meeting both of these requirements you are then eligible to sit for the six-hour exam.
Because CFPs routinely provide people advice on retirement and tax planning it is important for them to be ethical and trustworthy.
The CFPs who are the most successful always put their clients well being ahead of their personal gain.
Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV)
Individuals with ABV certifications hold a wide verity of positions and job titles.
New ABVs are quickly finding out that they are highly desired and talented individuals are always in demand. Unlike other financial professionals, ABVs go beyond traditional analysis when it comes to business valuations and corporate finance.
This designation is a good way for professionals interested in becoming business valuation experts to get the edge over the competition.
Large tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and Apple constantly seek the advice of highly skilled ABVs. However, the exposure that the ABV certification gives you reaches far beyond Silicon Valley.
The exam, which can cost upwards of $500 covers three separate areas:
- valuation analysis
- qualitative
- quantitative analysis
- and a section on related topics
Most states require ABVs also hold a four-year college degree.
