As a graduate accountant, there are certifications that you can receive to build your credibility in a specialisation. These certifications can range from foundational courses to specialised certificates. They can help you obtain more specialised knowledge and skills. This can make you a more qualified applicant for recruiters hiring for graduate programs and positions. It can also increase your earning potential in a graduate role. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the accounting certifications you can pursue to benefit your career.

What are certifications for accountants?

There are a variety of accounting certifications that you can pursue as a graduate accountant. The accounting certification that you decide to complete will depend on where you are in your career. As a graduate accountant, you will be required to have a basic certification in accounting. 

What are the benefits of having an accounting certification?

Accounting certification can have different benefits on a graduate accountant depending on their individual qualifications and experiences. An accounting certification can help you land your graduate job and obtain a higher salary. Even after you have begun your career in accountancy, certifications can make you preferable for promotions and high level positions. Accounting certifications can also make it easier for graduates to transition to adjacent roles within the industry This is because certifications can provide them with the knowledge and credentials to work in other areas of accounting, including tax consultancy, forensic accounting, and auditing. As an accounting certification can also include membership in a professional body, earning such a qualification can enable graduates to increase their professional network. They gain access to events held by the professional body, including seminars and workshops, allowing them to engage in professional relationship building that can have a positive impact on their career.

What certification should a graduate accountant have?

A graduate accountant is required to have either a Chartered Accountant certification (CA), a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA), or an Institute of Public Accountants certification (IPA)  as they are recognised globally. This means that you will typically not need to obtain any further qualifications if you wish to work overseas. To qualify as an accountant in Australia, graduates must have a relevant degree, such as in accountancy, commerce, or finance, and pass a certification exam, such as the CA or CPA exams. The following provides more information about the CA, CPA and IPA certifications so that you can determine which one is right for your career:

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)

This certification is available to graduates that can demonstrate that they have a level of competency in specific accountancy topics. They must also have at least three years of relevant professional experience. This experience can be gained while students are still completing their tertiary education through an internship. There are four standard academic terms in each calendar year during which the certification can be completed. The certification involves the completion of course studies, including all core and two elective subjects, and practical experience with a CA ANZ approved employer for three years. Graduates must complete the examinations and receive a pass mark to obtain the certification. After obtaining the certification, graduates are entitled to apply for CA ANZ membership to become chartered accountants. There are fees involved with completing the certification. More information about term fees can be found here.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

This certification can provide graduates with knowledge in financial management, auditing, taxation and business strategy. This means that the certification provides graduate accountants with the necessary skills to work in a variety of roles within a company. You do not have to be pursuing a particular specialisation in accounting to complete this certification; it is relevant to accountants in all types of accounting. Graduates can complete the CPA program twice a year. Enrolments open for Semester 1 and Semester 2 each year. Graduates must also have a relevant undergraduate degree to begin the program, however it can be completed concurrently. There are costs associated with the certification. There is no refund provided for enrollment cancellation. The following tables outline the different fees that graduates may be responsible for paying to receive the certification:

Membership Fees

CPA Program

Foundation exams

Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

The Institute of Public Accountants, formally the National Institute of Accountants, is a professional body for accountants in Australia which is recognised by both Commonwealth and State law in Australia. Its members are recognised as Qualified Accountants, and have equal standing under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s rulings. The IPA takes a particular focus on small business, and aims to provide opportunities for continual professional development and education for its members. 

The Associate - Institute of Public Accountants (AIPA) is the entry level membership available for graduate accountants beginning their career. In order to become an associate member, graduates must have an eligible accounting qualification, such as a Diploma of Accounting, Advanced Diploma of Accounting, University Degree in Accounting, or University Graduate Diploma in Accounting. To qualify for this membership package, you must have completed your degree in the past three years.

Applications can be made online; they incur a non-refundable administration fee of $55 and a non-refundable certificate fee of $120. The various membership fees are tabulated:

2024/5 Pro-rata subscription rates for new applicants - IPA Membership Fees

Graduate Associate Subscription Rates

You can read more information about membership fees here.

What are the different types of accounting certifications?

There are a range of different accounting certificates that you can be accredited with in Australia to increase your knowledge and demonstrate your skills. Some of the most popular accounting certifications include:

• Accredited Payables Manager (APM)
• Accredited Payables Specialist (APS)
• Accredited Receivables Specialists (ARS)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCB)
• Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)
• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)
• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
• Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) 
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Financial Services Audit Certificate (FSAC)
• Investment Adviser Compliance Certification Professional (IACCP)
• Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)