How to become Certified Accounting & Payroll Accountant?

There is a great need for quality accountants. To obtain quality, there is a certification process, separating the top accountants from the rest. Certifications programs in accounting can often be very challenging, yet even more rewarding upon completion. Key focal points when choosing this field include high pay, high demand, and a very satisfying career.

A CGA (Certified General Accountant) must have completed a degree in accounting or finance and complete four training courses implemented by Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations, or PACE, which is offered by CGA-Canada, who governs the certification process. The PACE training can be completed while obtaining a college degree or during the required three years experience practicing accounting, a 'residency' of sort.

A CA (Chartered Accountant) starts by obtaining a degree in finance or business and must possess certain prerequisites. Next, registration is required with the proper provincial institute and with the CPA (Chartered Professional Accountants). Completion of the Professional Education Program and Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is necessary. The CA also must successfully complete three years of professional experience, or training under guidance and management by a veteran CA.

A CMA (Certified Management Accountant) must also have completed a finance or business degree. Next is a very challenging two day examination process, which focuses on their knowledge of accounting and business management. The final step is a two year training program, merging case studies with actual work experience, where they are managed by an experienced CMA.

In payroll accounting, the certification process is as follows:

CPA (Canadian Payroll Association) is the governing body for certification. A PCP (Payroll Compliance Practitioner) must complete four courses of study. Next, submission of WERA (Work Experience Requirement Application) is necessary, followed by an application for CPA membership. Last, fill out an application for Certification Declaration.

The CPM (Certified Payroll Manager) must have at least two years of experience obtained in the past five years where their duties included overseeing a payroll system. A CPM candidate must have been accountable for functions of payroll, while being overseen by a member of management. Another prerequisite includes PCP certification. Next, submission of the Payroll Experience Prerequisite Application and acceptance by the CPA is necessary. The next step is to successfully complete and submit the Certification Declaration.