8 Finance Certifications to Take Your Finance Career to the Next Level
With globalization and incessant regulations, finance is increasingly becoming complex. Finance professionals have an obligation to acquire new skills to advance in their finance career. In this regard, finance certifications play a significant role.
Global finance certifications equip you with advanced skills and prove your competence in various requisite skills. The following are a few prominent finance certifications that will help you gain advanced skills and take your career to the next level.
CFA (Certified Financial Analyst)
CFA is one of the topmost finance certifications in the industry. It has three levels, which are attained after rigorous preparation and test. The CFA opens opportunities in investment banking, private equity, equity research, asset management, corporate finance, and several other finance-related roles. In addition to knowledge of finance, you need four years of relevant experience in finance.
If you want to enter the world of investments, CFA certifications are your best option.
CIBPTM (Chartered Investment Banking Professional)
This certification is offered by the Investment Banking Council of America (IBCA). By all standards, CIBPTM is a top-notch credential in the finance industry which opens high profile investment banking opportunities. If you’re looking to enter investment banking, CIBPTM is the go-to certification take. In brief, CIBPTM is a high–level investment banking certification that will help your break into the prestigious league of high-caliber investment bankers.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
This certification is offered by AICPA ( American Institute of Certified Public Accountant. The certification equips you with advanced accounting skills and focuses narrowly on corporate finance. If you’re looking to make a career in accounting, CPA is the best of the best certifications to go for.
FRM ( Financial Risk Manager)
As finance is becoming increasingly complex and technology-driven, cases of fraud and hoax financial transactions are rising. Financial transactions, therefore, require professionals who understand the risk and help companies mitigate them and/or eliminate them completely. FRM is equally suitable for professionals who want to understand the risk in investments, which makes it suitable for finance professionals and fresh graduates looking to enter the investment banking industry. This certification is offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Enterprises and financial institutions look for professionals who can assist their clients and wealthy individuals to manage their money. Consequently, financial planners not only require a comprehensive understanding of wealth management but also good interpersonal skills and relationship management skills. CFP is the best certification for finance graduates looking to work as financial planners. Not only CFP opens doors to opportunities in financial planning but also wealth management, retail banking, and private banking.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
As businesses are increasingly becoming global and diverse, they require accountants who have a comprehensive understanding of international accounting standards and are well-versed in a few foreign languages. Whether you are a young graduate or a finance professional looking to grow in finance or break into such a career, CIMA will be your best choice for the certification.
CIMA-certified candidates also tend to achieve high-growth roles as they often work with management leaders and/or decision-makers of organizations including CEO, CTOs, CFOs, and more.
Chartered Certified Account ( CCA)
This is another certification for graduates looking to become accountants at multinational organizations. The certification equips you with the right knowledge of business, this is essential to accountants. If you’re looking to grow in your accounting career, this certification is the best to take.
This certification is offered by the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
CAIA – Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
With high pay and steep growth, hedge funds and asset management are top career choices among finance professionals. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst is a gateway to break into these careers. Taking this certification equips you with the knowledge of private equity, hedge funds, asset allocation, ethics, risk management, and structured allocations. Taking CAIA will pave way for opportunities in hedge fund and asset management.
CAIA is comparatively easier to take. The pass rate of the certification is 70%, which means 70 percent of candidates who take the certification successfully pass the exam.
