A Primer For Accounting Certification: Complete Analysis Of The Process With Listing Of Sources

Abstract

As a result of globalization and the growth and complexity of both domestic and international bodies requiring accountants, the need for highly sophisticated training and specific certification is mandatory. Students seeking career positions in the field of accounting are amazingly left without the easy access to certification that one might think would be readily available. Interest in, and the quest for, certification is domestic and international and across all study fields.  To be fully prepared a well-equipped accountant today will be cross functional and have “proof” of his/her knowledge in the form of certifications in other fields as well as being multi-national by holding certifications issued in countries where he/she practices or travels.  Currently, because the field is being transformed so rapidly by world events and the economy, students, as well as practitioners, need more easily accessible information on what certifications are available and how to achieve them. This document identifies and reviews accounting requirements and major certifications in accounting, finance, and information technology, including the recently developed fields of fraud and forensic accounting.  Basic access information is provided for each requirement and certification and web addresses for additional data relating to qualification and certification are included.