PROGRAMS
Global Accounting Programs
CPA, CMA, ACCA, EA, CFA & FRM
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
CPA is a licensed accounting professional who provides a range of financial services including auditing, tax preparation, consulting, and financial planning. The CPA designation is highly respected and indicates a high level of expertise in accounting and finance.
Educational Qualifications
Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited institution.
Additional Coursework: Completion of specific coursework in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law, as required by state regulations.
Examination
CPA Exam: Successful completion of the CPA Examination, which typically includes sections on Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment and Concepts.
Exam Score: Achieve a passing score as defined by the state board of accountancy, usually a minimum of 75 on each section.
Professional Experience
Experience Requirements: At least 1-2 years of relevant accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA, as per state board requirements.
Types of Experience: Experience in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, tax preparation, and consulting.
Ethical Standards
Code of Conduct: Adherence to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct and state-specific ethical guidelines.
Background Check: Completion of a background check as required by the state board of accountancy.
Licensure
State Licensure: Obtain a CPA license from the state board of accountancy where the CPA intends to practice.
Requirements can vary by state but generally include passing the CPA exam and meeting educational and experience requirements.
Specialization (Optional)
Areas of Expertise: Specialization in areas such as forensic accounting, international accounting, or management consulting, if applicable.
Professional Competence
Client Relations: Ability to maintain professional relationships with clients, uphold confidentiality, and demonstrate ethical behavior.
Responsibility: Demonstration of a high level of responsibility and accountability in professional duties.
Professionalism and Integrity
Code of Conduct: Adherence to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct and state-specific ethical guidelines.
Background Check: Completion of a background check as required by the state board of accountancy.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Ongoing Education: Commitment to continuous professional development through CPE courses to stay current with industry standards and regulations.
CPE Hours: Fulfillment of the state-specific CPE requirements, typically around 40 hours annually or 80 hours every two years.
CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It signifies expertise in management accounting and financial management, focusing on financial planning, performance management, and decision-making.
Accreditation
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is accredited by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a globally recognized professional association for management accounting and financial management.
The IMA’s accreditation ensures that the CMA certification meets high standards of quality and relevance in the field.
Eligibility
Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or a professional certification.
Experience: At least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
Examinations: Passing the CMA exams, which cover financial planning, performance, and control, as well as financial decision-making.
Opportunities
Higher Earning Potential: CMAs often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.
Career Advancement: The CMA can lead to roles like financial manager, controller, or CFO.
Global Recognition: The certification is valued internationally, providing opportunities in multinational companies and diverse industries.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional accounting body that offers the ACCA qualification. This certification is designed for individuals pursuing careers in accounting, finance, and business management.
Accreditation
The ACCA qualification is accredited by the ACCA itself, which is an esteemed and established organization with a global presence.
The ACCA ensures that its qualification adheres to high standards of education, ethics, and practice.
Eligibility
Educational Background: A minimum of three GCSEs and two A-levels, or an equivalent qualification. For those with a degree or relevant professional qualifications, exemptions may apply.
Exams: Passing a series of exams divided into Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels. Some candidates may also need to complete the Strategic Business Leadership (SBL) and Strategic Business Management (SBM) exams.
Practical Experience: Accumulate a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in accounting or finance, which can be gained before, during, or after completing the exams.
Opportunities
Global Recognition: ACCA is recognized worldwide, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Diverse Roles: Qualified ACCA professionals can pursue various roles such as financial analyst, auditor, tax advisor, and CFO.
Career Progression: The ACCA qualification is highly valued by employers, often leading to enhanced job prospects and higher earning potential.
EA (Enrolled Agent)
The Enrolled Agent (EA) is a professional designation granted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated expertise in tax matters and tax law.
Accreditation
The EA designation is accredited by the IRS, which ensures that EAs adhere to federal regulations and standards for tax practice.
This accreditation validates their ability to represent taxpayers before the IRS effectively.
Eligibility
Pass the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE): This comprehensive exam consists of three parts covering individual and business tax laws, as well as representation, practice, and procedure.
Background Check: Candidates must undergo a background check conducted by the IRS.
Application: Upon passing the SEE and clearing the background check, candidates must submit an application to obtain their EA license.
Opportunities
Tax Representation: EAs are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, appeals, and collection matters.
Career Advancement: EAs can work in diverse roles such as tax advisor, preparer, or consultant, in both public and corporate sectors.
Client Trust: The EA designation provides a high level of credibility and trust with clients due to its stringent requirements and IRS endorsement.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a prestigious certification awarded by the CFA Institute, focusing on investment management and financial analysis. It is recognized globally for its rigorous standards and comprehensive curriculum.
Accreditation
The CFA designation is accredited by the CFA Institute, a leading global association for investment professionals.
This accreditation ensures that the CFA credential meets high standards of professional excellence and ethical practice.
Eligibility
Educational Background: Hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of a bachelor’s program or have a combination of professional work experience and education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
Examinations: Pass three levels of the CFA exams, which cover areas such as ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting, corporate finance, equity investments, and portfolio management.
Work Experience: Accumulate at least four years of professional work experience in investment decision-making or related fields.
Membership: Become a member of the CFA Institute and adhere to its ethical standards and professional conduct guidelines.
Opportunities
Career Advancement: CFAs often pursue roles such as portfolio manager, research analyst, or financial consultant, with enhanced career prospects and higher earning potential.
Global Recognition: The CFA credential is respected worldwide, providing opportunities to work in various financial markets and institutions globally.
Professional Expertise: The CFA designation equips professionals with a deep understanding of investment management, financial analysis, and ethical standards, leading to greater credibility and leadership in the finance industry.
FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation is a globally recognized certification awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). It signifies expertise in risk management and financial analysis, focusing on identifying, analyzing, and mitigating financial risks.
Accreditation
The FRM designation is accredited by GARP, a leading professional association for risk management.
GARP ensures that the FRM certification adheres to high standards of practice, reflecting current industry practices and ethical considerations in risk management.
Eligibility
Pass the Exams: Successfully complete two levels of exams:
Part I: Focuses on foundational knowledge in risk management, including quantitative analysis, financial markets, and risk management tools.
Part II: Concentrates on advanced topics such as market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and risk management in investment management.
Work Experience: Accumulate at least two years of professional work experience in risk management or a related field.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to GARP’s ethical and professional standards.
Opportunities
Career Advancement: FRMs are well-positioned for roles such as risk manager, risk analyst, or chief risk officer, with opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
Global Recognition: The FRM credential is respected worldwide, enhancing job prospects in various financial institutions and multinational companies.
Expertise in Risk Management: The FRM designation equips professionals with specialized knowledge in financial risk management, making them valuable assets in managing and mitigating financial risks.