Accounting Acronym Code Cracker

Looking for an accounting degree? Learn what the different accounting certification acronyms mean.

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Are you hoping to get your accounting degree or certification but are confused by the many types of accounting certification programs that are out there? Do the acronyms CIA, ABA or ECS have you scratching your head? Don't worry, you're not alone.

There are so many different accounting certifications available to students, graduate students and already established professionals in the accounting field that it's easy to be overwhelmed by all of the options.

But no matter if you're an undergraduate earning your accounting degree, a graduate working for your online master's degree or a seasoned CPA striving for a career boost, here's a handy accounting acronym code cracker to help you figure out what each of the acronyms mean—and which accounting certification program will help you achieve your career goals.

ABA - Accredited Business Accountant

• Who gives the certification: The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants who specialize in tax preparation for small and medium-sized businesses

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates for the ABA must pass an exam

ABV - Accredited in Business Valuation

• Who gives the certification: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants who have already earned their CPA

• Criteria for the certification: The business valuation designation requires a written exam and the completion of a minimum of 10 business valuation projects that demonstrate a candidate's experience and competence

ATA - Accredited Tax Adviser

• Who gives the certification: The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants specializing in tax preparation for small and medium-sized businesses

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates for the ATA must complete the required coursework and in some cases pass an exam

ATP - Accredited Tax Preparer

• Who gives the certification: The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants specializing in tax preparation for small and medium-sized businesses

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates must complete the required coursework and in some cases pass an exam

CCSA - Certified in Control Self-Assessment

• Who gives the certification: The Institute of Internal Auditors

• Criteria for the certification: Those who pass the exams and meet educational and experience requirements

• Criteria for the certification: Examination

CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner

• Who gives the certification: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

• Who is eligible for this certification: Forensic or public accountants involved in fraud prevention, detection, deterrence, and investigation

• Criteria for the certification: Individuals must have a bachelor's degree, two years of relevant experience, pass a four-part examination, and abide by a code of professional ethics; related work experience may be substituted for the educational requirement

CFSA - Certified Financial Services Auditor

• Who gives the certification: The Institute of Internal Auditors

• Who is eligible for this certification: Those who pass the exams and meet educational and experience requirements

• Criteria for the certification: Examination

CGAP - Certified Government Auditing Professional

• Who gives the certification: The Institute of Internal Auditors

• Who is eligible for this certification: Those who pass the exams and meet educational and experience requirements

• Criteria for the certification: Examination

CGFM - Certified Government Financial Manager

• Who gives the certification: The Association of Government Accountants

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants, auditors and other government financial workers at the federal, state, and local levels

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, 24 hours of study in financial management, two years of experience in government and passing scores on a series of three exams. The exams cover topics in the governmental environment such as governmental accounting, financial reporting and budgeting, and financial management and control

CIA - Certified Internal Auditor

• Who gives the certification: The Institute of Internal Auditors

• Who is eligible for this certification: Graduates from accredited colleges and universities who have worked for two years as internal auditors

• Criteria for the certification: Two years as an internal auditor and a four-part examination

CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor

• Who gives the certification: The ISACA, formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association

• Who is eligible for this certification: Those with five years of experience auditing information systems

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates must pass an examination and have five years of experience auditing information systems; information systems experience, financial or operational auditing experience, or related college credit hours can be substituted for up to two years information systems auditing, control or security experience

CITP - Certified Information Technology Professional

• Who gives the certification: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants with their CPA

• Criteria for the certification: The technology designation requires the achievement of a set number of points awarded for business technology experience and education

CMA - Certified Management Accountant

• Who gives the certification: The Institute of Management Accountants

• Who is eligible for this certification: Applicants who complete a bachelor's degree or who attain a minimum score or higher on specified graduate school entrance exams

• Criteria for the certification: Applicants must have worked at least two years in management accounting, pass a four-part examination, agree to meet continuing education requirements and comply with standards of professional conduct

ECS - Elder Care Specialist

• Who gives the certification: The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants specializing in tax preparation for small and medium-sized businesses

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates must complete the required coursework and in some cases pass an exam

PFS - Personal Financial Specialist

• Who gives the certification: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Who is eligible for this certification: Accountants with their CPA

• Criteria for the certification: Candidates for the personal financial specialist designation also must achieve a certain level of points based on experience and education, pass a written exam and submit references

Source: Institute of Internal Auditors, theiia.org