Financial statement / accountant's report

A financial statement is a presentation of financial data including balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow, or any statement meant to communicate the financial position of a business or person. Financial statements are also sometimes called accountant's reports.

I recommend: Studyfinance.com provides an overview of basic financial statements.

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)

Created in 2002, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, also known as PCAOB, is a non-profit organization who main mission is to protect investors' interests. They investigate (and discipline, if necessary) public accounting firms and their employees.

I recommend: To learn more about the PCAOB, visit their official website.

Uniform CPA Examination

Once the requirements are satisfied, an accountant can sit for the Uniform CPA Examination, and upon passing the test, will then earn the CPA title. The education and experience requirements can vary between states, but most require a Bachelor's degree plus two years experience working in the field.

I recommend: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has information on the education, experience and examination requirements to become a licensed CPA.

Certified Management Accountant Program

The IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)conducts the Certified Management Accountant program for global recognition, faster career advancement and higher pay. A certified management accountant has to have a Bachelor's degree, two years of experience and a passing grade on the exam. CMAs work more with preparing budgets, business models and investment strategies.

I recommend: For more information on receiving the CMA credential, visit the website of the Institute of Management Accountants.

CFP certification

Certified financial planners, or CFPs, are certified by the CFP Board after completing a series of requirements that include education, experience, ethics and an exam. A certified financial planner's main work consists of developing an overall financial plan for his or her clients. Clients may be individuals, public or private companies or non-profit organizations.

I recommend: To learn more about becoming a CFP, visit the “Guie to CFP Certification on the website of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

CIA exam

To become a certified internal auditor (CIA), you must past the CIA exam administered by The Institute of Internal Auditors. Auditors monitor companies, usually on a consultation basis, to make sure that the company is running efficiently, that its financial reports are honest and correct, that they are behaving ethically, and they are complying with laws.

I recommend: The Institute of Internal Auditors maintains a website where people can get more information about the profession itself as well as the CIA exam.