When it comes to career and qualification options for working in accountancy in the US, there’s a whole range to choose from – which can be quite daunting for those starting their career journey. The key is for candidates to identify the most suitable route that will support their longer-term career aims and to get the right guidance from experts for the best path to take.

This piece takes a look at the basics of all the major qualifications, as well as some other more specialist options that candidates can opt for if they want to focus their career even further.

The key qualification options

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
This qualification is the most recognised accounting qualification in the US, and is similar to the ACCA or ACA in the UK. The qualification is run by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and CPAs are licenced by state boards to provide key accounting services. CPAs need to meet the following criteria:

Areas of focus    
A wide range of accounting and financial services to clients, including auditing, tax preparation and consulting services
Education    
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with at least 150 semester hours in accounting and business-related courses.
Examinations    
A four-part exam that covers financial accounting and reporting, auditing and attestation, regulation, and business environment and concepts
Experience    
At least two years’ experience in an accounting or related field, verified and supervised by a licenced CPA
Ethics    
Passing the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam, which covers ethical and professional standards for CPAs.
Other criteria    
Applying for and obtaining a CPA license from the state board of accountancy is required. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but most states require the above criteria and passing a state-specific ethics exam.

Certified Internal Auditor
This qualification is similar to the IAA qualification in the UK and is run by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) across the US. To become a qualified CIA, the following is required:

Areas of focus    
Internal auditing of controls, risk management and governance processes
Education    
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college (preferably in accounting, finance or business administration)
Examinations    
A three-part exam that covers internal audit basics, practices and knowledge elements
Experience    
At least two years’ experience in an internal auditing or equivalent professional field, or one year’s experience with a Master’s degree
Ethics    
Abiding by the IIA's Code of Ethics.
Other criteria    
A character reference from a current Certified Internal Auditor, executive, or supervisor is required

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA is similar to the CIMA qualification in the UK and is run by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Although some requirements vary state to state, CMAs will typically need to meet the following:

Areas of focus    
Financial analysis, planning and decision-making support to senior management
Education    
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college (preferably in accounting, finance or business administration), or a related professional certification
Examinations    
A two-part exam that covers financial planning, analysis, control and decision-making for business
Experience    
At least two years’ experience in management accounting, supervised by a qualified professional
Ethics    
Abiding by the IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice
Other criteria    
Requirements may vary by country or region, so it's important to check with the local IMA chapter and the state board of accountancy

Enrolled Agent (EA)
This is a similar equivalent to having Responsible Individual (RI) status in the UK, and is awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for those authorised individuals who will liaise directly with the IRS on behalf of others. EA criteria includes:

Areas of focus    
For those representing tax payers in front of the IRS for tax-related matters, such as audits, appeals and collections
Education    
No specific requirement, but a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field would be beneficial.
Examinations    
A three-part Special Enrolment Exam (SEE), covering topics such as individual and business taxation, representation, practices, and procedures
Experience    
Not set requirements, but experience of working in tax preparation or for the IRS itself may be beneficial
Other criteria    
A background check on personal tax compliance and criminal records must be passed first, and a specific Form 23 must be completed. After qualification, a minimum of 72 hours of continued education should be completed every three years to maintain the EA status.

Accredited Business Accountant (ABA)
The ABA’s closest UK equivalent is the AAT or ATT and is run by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT). Although not as widely recognised as the CPA or CMA qualifications, it is still a popular choice for many individuals and comes with the following requirements: 

Areas of focus    
Accounting and tax services for small businesses and individuals
Education    
An Associate’s Degree in accounting, business or related field from an accredited college or university, or the completion of a number of relevant accounting and business courses
Examinations    
An Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) exam, covering topics such as financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law
Experience    
At least two years’ experience in accounting, financial management or related field, supervised by a licenced or certified accountant
Ethics    
Abiding by the ACAT's Code of Ethics
Other criteria    
A minimum of 120 hours of continuing education must be completed every three years to maintain the ABA status

Other specialist qualifications
It may also be beneficial to a candidates’ career for them to undertake another level of qualification either to boost their own profile and appeal more widely, or to complete more specific services for clients.
Across the US sector there are a number of certification and accreditations that can help showcase relevant and desirable experience and skills that can open doors to a range of new opportunities in their current and future roles.
Here’s a list of just some examples:

• Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP): This certification is awarded by the IRS, and requires passing a competency exam and meeting continuing education requirements.
•  Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP): This certification is also awarded by the IRS and is for non-credentialed tax return preparers. It requires passing a tax compliance check, meeting continuing education requirements, and adhering to ethical standards.
• Chartered Tax Professional (CTP): This certification is awarded by the National Tax Association (NTA) and requires passing an exam focused on tax preparation, planning, and compliance.
• Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA): This certification is awarded by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) and is focused on tax planning, consulting, and compliance.
• Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP): This qualification is awarded by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) and is focused on tax preparation and planning for individuals and small businesses.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): This qualification is awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and is focused on fraud prevention, detection, and investigation.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): This qualification is awarded by the CFA Institute and is focused on investment management and analysis.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This qualification is awarded by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and is focused on information systems auditing, control, and security.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP): This qualification is awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and is focused on financial planning and investment management.
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM): This qualification is awarded by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) and is focused on government accounting, auditing, and financial management.
• Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF): This qualification is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is focused on forensic accounting and financial investigation.
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA): This qualification is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and is focused on management accounting and business strategy.
• Certified Financial Manager (CFM): This qualification is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is focused on financial management, including financial analysis, planning, and control.
• Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA): This qualification is awarded by the Institute of Internal Controls (IIC) and is focused on internal control systems, including risk management, governance, and compliance.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP): This qualification is awarded by the American Payroll Association (APA) and is focused on payroll administration, including tax compliance, wage and hour laws, and payroll accounting.

In summary
Whether it’s a compulsory part of a current career path, a challenge to expand knowledge and skills, or long-term thinking about future jobs or opportunities, the right qualification can make all the difference to a candidate.
Speaking to expert recruiters, like Taylor Hawkes, can help identify the best path to take and what qualification matches a candidate’s ambition.