Asim Nath Dubey Apr 01, 2025

10 Best Accounting Certification Courses

The best accounting certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) can significantly help in career improvement. 

These top accounting certifications not only open doors to higher-paying job roles but also provide a stable career path. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in employment for accountants and auditors from 2022 to 2032. That's solid growth! Plus, you can work in different industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and government. So, if you're serious about accounting, getting certified is definitely worth it. 

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 accounting certification courses that can elevate your skills and keep you ahead in this competitive field!

Top 10 Accounting Certifications

Obtaining an Accounting Certification is pivotal in advancing one's career in today’s competitive finance and accounting job market. Each accounting certification offers unique skills and expertise tailored to meet your career goals and industry demands. Determining which is right for you can vary based on factors like your career path, specialization, eligibility and resources. Here are the top 10 accounting certifications for you to get started;

  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
  • QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor
  • Xero Advisor Course
  • Accounting for Managers
  • Accounting For Non-Accountants Course
  • IFRS Certification
  • VAT (Value-Added Tax) Certification

1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification focuses on management accounting and financial management. It is ideal for professionals seeking career advancement in finance, accounting, and business. CMA Certification for Accounting Career is a highly sought-after certification credential that enhances your expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and decision-making. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals aiming to excel in the accounting and finance industry.

Skills needed to become a Certified Management Accountant 

  • Financial analysis
  • Strategic planning
  • Risk management
  • Performance management
  • Budgeting and forecasting

Job Roles you can pursue after obtaining CMA Certification;

  • Financial analyst
  • Cost manager
  • Budget analyst
  • CFO
  • Management accountant

Average Salary of a CMA Professional in the USA, UK, India and UAE

The following table showcases the average salary of a CMA professional in the USA, UK, India and the UAE.
Country Average Annual Salary
US $80,000 - $120,000
UK £40,000 - £70,000
India ₹6,00,000 - ₹15,00,000
UAE
AED 150,000 - AED 350,000

2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification focuses on internal auditing and risk management. The CIA certification equips professionals with the skills needed to assess and enhance organisational controls. CIA credentials are beneficial for internal auditors who want to advance to management or lead audit officers. To qualify for the CIA, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of relevant work experience. The CIA credential not only enhances career prospects but also provides a competitive edge in the job market,

Skills to become a Certified Internal Auditor

  • Internal auditing
  • Risk assessment
  • Compliance
  • Fraud detection
  • Data analysis

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining the CIA Certification;

  • Internal auditor
  • Risk manager
  • Compliance officer
  • Internal control analyst
  • IT auditor

Average Salary of a CIA Professional in the USA, UK, India and UAE

The following table showcases the average salary of a CIA professional in the USA, UK, India and the UAE.
Country Average Annual Salary
US $60,000 - $120,000
UK £40,000 - £70,000
India ₹4,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
UAE
AED 120,000 - AED 300,000

3. Certified Public Accountants (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a globally recognized and highly respected accounting certification. It's the gold standard for accountants and demonstrates expertise in accounting principles, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. Becoming a CPA involves passing a rigorous exam, meeting education requirements, and gaining relevant work experience.

Skills Required to become a CPA Professional

  • Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Expertise in auditing standards and procedures.
  • Knowledge of tax laws and regulations.
  • Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Commitment to maintaining ethical and professional conduct.

Job Roles to Pursue after Obtaining CPA Certification

  • Public Accountant: 
  • Corporate Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Financial Analyst

Average Salary of a CPA Professional in the USA, UK, India and UAE

The following table showcases the average salary of a CPA professional in the USA, UK, India and the UAE.
Country Average Annual Salary
US $70,000 - $150,000+
UK £45,000 - £100,000+
India ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000+
UAE
AED 150,000 - AED 350,000+

Boost Your Career with a Globally Recognized CPA Certification

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4. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification is designed for those interested in bookkeeping and basic accounting functions. It provides a solid foundation in financial record-keeping.

Skills needed to become a Bookkeeper;

  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial record-keeping
  • Reconciliation
  • Accounting software proficiency
  • Data entry

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining Bookkeeping Certification;

  • Bookkeeper
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounts payable/receivable clerk
  • Financial Assistant
  • Small business owner

Average Salary of a Certified Bookkeeper in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $35,000 - $55,000
UK £18,000 - £30,000
India ₹2,00,000 - ₹4,50,000
UAE
AED 40,000 - AED 80,000

5. QuickBooks Certification 

QuickBooks certification focuses on proficiency in QuickBooks, a widely used accounting software. It's ideal for individuals who want to master this platform. The importance of QuickBooks certification primarily lies in its capability to demonstrate your proficiency in a widely used Quickbooks accounting software. The certification also improves your credibility and opens doors to more accounting and finance opportunities, potentially leading to higher income and client trust.

Skills needed to become a QuickBooks Certified Professional

  • QuickBooks expertise
  • Accounting software proficiency
  • Financial reporting
  • Small business consulting
  • Tax Preparation

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining the QuickBooks Certification 

  • QuickBooks consultant
  • Small business advisor
  • Accounting software trainer
  • Tax preparer
  • Financial Consultant

Average Salary of a Certified QuickBooks in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $40,000 - $80,000
UK £25,000 - £45,000
India ₹2,50,000 - ₹6,00,000
UAE
AED 60,000 - AED 120,000
You may also be interested in: QuickBooks vs Tally

6. Xero Certification 

The Xero course focuses on expertise in Xero, a cloud-based accounting software. It's valuable for professionals working with small and medium-sized businesses. Achieving the Xero certification demonstrates proficiency in utilizing Xero's features for accounting and bookkeeping tasks, making it a valuable asset for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial advisors.

Skills needed to become a Xero Certified Professional

  • Xero software proficiency
  • Small business accounting
  • Financial reporting
  • Client advisory
  • Cloud accounting

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining the Xero Certification 

  • Xero consultant
  • Small business accountant
  • Financial Advisor
  • Cloud accounting specialist
  • SME finance manager

Average Salary of a Xero Advisor Certified Professional in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $45,000 - $80,000
UK £30,000 - £50,000
India ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,50,000
UAE
AED 70,000 - AED 140,000

7. Accounting for Managers

Accounting for Managers is a course tailored for non-accounting professionals who need to understand financial concepts for effective decision-making in managerial roles. Accounting and Financial management is an integral part of the overall management of an organisation. As a result, having finance and accounting skills will be an added benefit for those working in managerial positions.

Skills needed to become an Accounting for Managers Certified Professional

  • Financial analysis for decision-making
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Cost analysis
  • Financial communication
  • Management reporting

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining the Accounting for Managers Certification 

  • Managers from non-financial backgrounds
  • Business executives
  • Department heads
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Project managers

Average Salary of Accounting for Managers Certified Professionals in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $60,000 - $150,000
UK £45,000 - £120,000
India ₹4,50,000 - ₹18,00,000
UAE
AED 150,000 - AED 350,000

Unlock the essential financial skills every manager needs! 

Master Accounting for Managers from Edoxi

8. Accounting For Non-Accountants Course

The Accounting For Non-Accountants Course is tailored for individuals without a financial background who must grasp essential accounting concepts. Efficient accounting is a must for every business. Knowledge of accounting will help you to manage your business effectively. The Accounting for nin-accountants certification course is a good choice for business professionals unfamiliar with the accounting principles or basics but who have to deal with Accounts in their day-to-day lives.

Skills acquired from Accounting for Non-Accountants Course

  • Basic accounting principles
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Understanding of financial reports
  • Budgeting basics
  • Cost control

Job Roles to pursue after obtaining the Accounting for Non-accountants training

  • Non-financial managers
  • Small business owners
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Sales and marketing professionals
  • Operations managers

Average Salary of Accounting for Non-accountants Certified Individuals in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $40,000 - $90,000
UK £30,000 - £70,000
India ₹3,00,000 - ₹8,00,000
UAE
AED 80,000 - AED 200,000

9. IFRS Certification

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Certification is designed for professionals seeking expertise in global accounting standards.  IFRS is adopted by over 140 countries, making this certification valuable for professionals looking to work internationally or in multinational corporations. IFRS Certification validates your understanding and application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These standards, developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), are essential for ensuring consistency, transparency, and comparability in financial statements across different countries.

Skills acquired from the IFRS Course

  • Understanding of IFRS principles
  • International financial reporting
  • Financial analysis
  • Compliance with global accounting standards
  • Reporting in international contexts

Job Roles to Pursue After Obtaining the IFRS Certification

  • International financial analyst
  • Global financial controller
  • Financial reporting manager
  • Audit manager
  • Corporate finance professionals

Average Salary of IFRS Certified Professionals in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $70,000 - $150,000
UK £45,000 - £100,000
India ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000
UAE
AED 150,000 - AED 350,000

10. VAT (Value-Added Tax) Certification

VAT (Value-Added Tax) Certification focuses on understanding and managing VAT, a significant aspect of taxation in various countries. The VAT certification is relevant for accountants, tax professionals, and business owners who to navigate VAT laws effectively, especially in regions where VAT is a significant aspect of the tax system. Today, approximately 175 countries that are members of the United Nations have implemented a Value Added Tax (VAT).

VAT Certification Top Skills

  • VAT compliance
  • Taxation knowledge
  • Financial reporting with VAT
  • Tax planning
  • Audit and assessment

VAT Certification Job Roles 

  • VAT consultant
  • Tax analyst
  • Finance manager
  • Accounting Specialist
  • Compliance officer

Average Salary of VAT (Value-Added Tax) Certified Professionals in the USA, UK, India and UAE

Country Average Annual Salary
US $50,000 - $90,000
UK £35,000 - £60,000
India ₹5,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
UAE
AED 100,000 - AED 180,000

Benefits of Accounting Certification Courses

Accounting certification courses are specialised educational programs tailored to provide individuals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in accounting. These courses encompass various topics, from financial reporting and taxation to auditing and management accounting. Here are a few benefits of Accounting Certification;

  • Career Advancement: Opens doors to senior and leadership roles.  
  • Higher Salary Potential: Certified accountants earn more than non-certified peers.  
  • Industry Recognition: Boosts credibility and professional reputation.  
  • Job Security: Increases employability in a stable, in-demand field.  
  • Global Opportunities: Recognized certifications allow for international career prospects.  
  • Enhanced Skills: Improves technical knowledge and expertise. 

Conclusion

Accounting certification courses are gateways to a world of career opportunities and financial expertise. Each of the top 10 certifications discussed here equips professionals with specialized skills, enabling them to excel in various roles and industries. Now that you know the top 10 accounting certifications in the job market. The net big step is to select the Accounting Certification that aligns with your career goals or workplace expertise. By choosing the right certification, individuals can chart a course toward a prosperous and fulfilling career in finance and accounting.

Want to Start Your Career in Accounting?

Enrol in the Best Accounting Courses in Dubai!

 

Locations Where Edoxi Offers Accounting Courses

Here is the list of other major locations where Edoxi offers Accounting Courses

Accounting Courses in Qatar | Accounting Courses in Bahrain Accounting Courses in Riyadh | Accounting Courses in Kuwait | Accounting Courses in Muscat | Accounting Courses in Dubai

 

 

 

Asim Nath is an Accounting and Microsoft Office trainer at Edoxi Training Institute. He has over 13 years of training experience and has successfully trained more than 3000 professionals in Accounting and Microsoft Office applications. Asim’s specialisations include Financial Accounting, Tally, Zoho and Quickbooks. His background in financial accounting adds valuable insights to business presentation training.

Asim is an expert in MS Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Power BI, positioning him as a well-rounded specialist in the Microsoft Suite. Asim employs a practical, business-focused teaching methodology. His one-to-one training approach ensures each student receives personalized attention. He emphasizes real-world applications, helping professionals create impactful business presentations.

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