The Growing Importance of Accounting & Payroll certification Career Security in a Field that Matters

There has long been a need for accountants. That is especially true today, with industry and tech jobs spreading like wildfire all across the globe. And the need continues to grow with each passing year. One of the most crucial steps in choosing a career path is job security. Or in this case, career security. Accounting has long been considered one of the most secure career fields available, and the pay is typically at a much higher rate across the board as compared to other fields. 

It becomes especially important for an accountant to become certified, placing that individual at the top of the field. Another exciting aspect of accounting is the number of different avenues that can be travelled in the United States. These include CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CFM (Certified Financial Manager), and CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager), just to name a few. In Canada, there are CGAs (Certified General Accountants), CAs (Chartered Accountants), and  like the U.S., CMAs. Each focus provides a different path in the accounting field, and as such, requires a different examination or certification process. The diversity of this challenging yet highly rewarding career is evident when looking closer at these aforementioned paths. 

One such comparison is CPA versus CGFM. A CPA focuses on general and basic accounting practices, making it the most common accounting certification. This certification is required by 99.9% of firms or organizations, regardless of other obtained certifications. In contrast, a CGFM understands accounting law from a governmental aspect. Working with spending budgets and tax preparations in local, state, and federal government capacities, one who obtains this difficult certification is widely considered at the top of the accounting world. This is due to the sometimes very difficult and challenging world of government accounting. 

A unique and exciting side of accounting lies in the areas of CFM and CMA. A CMA handles the sphere of internal auditing, financial forecasting, and cost management, to name a few. This certification generally leads to CFM. A CFM deals with the stock market and investment planning. And they typically are treasurers of corporations. 

A CPP is a well versed professional in the world of payroll accounting. This is one of the most important areas of focus in its field due to one simple fact; If your workers aren't paid, they will not work. It is the responsibility of the CPP to ensure payroll is operating as it should. The CPP is in essence the life blood of a corporation or establishment. This professional must also field questions and offer solutions when dealing with some of the most diverse accounting issues that may arise.

In Canada, the CGA and CA both can work in different professional settings, including private, corporate, and governmental. The CGA often provides tax preparation and completion, while the CA often handles tax, auditing, and strategic planning. The CMA focuses on more larger scale management and strategy, most likely the stock market and treasury for corporations.