Selecting a Bookkeeper or Accountant what certifications should I Look for?

As like any industry accounting has several organizations which monitor and enforce codes of conduct and ethics. Within the accounting and bookkeeping areas there are several which include: AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers); BBB Online (Better, Business, Bureau). Also, there are software certifications including: Quickbooks, Peachtree, etc. But one of the most important is to know what all the abbreviations mean. Following is a list:

CB - Certified Bookkeeper:
The work of a Certified Bookkeeper is interesting, stimulating and varied. They work for public accounting firms, both small and large, as well as small neighborhood businesses. As essential members of the organization they are involved in many aspects on a daily basis.
CFM - Certified in Financial Management:
Designed to recognize the unique qualifications and expertise of those professionals engaged in management accounting and financial management.
CGA - Certified General Accountant:
Certified General Accountants are professional accountants who have acquired their accounting education through and are members of the Certified General Accountants Association. Many CGAs own their own accounting firms and provide tax and financial advice to individuals and to businesses of all sizes. Other CGAs are employed in senior positions in industry, commerce, academia and government. As trusted accounting professionals, CGAs offer the highest standards of expertise in taxation, finance, information technology and strategic business management.
CIA - Certified Internal Auditor:
Reflected competence in the principles and practices of internal auditing and has served as the only internationally accepted designation for internal auditors.
CMA - Certified Management Accountant:
Certified Management Accountants are strategic and financial management professionals who combine accounting expertise and business acumen with professional management skills to provide leadership, innovation and an integrating perspective to organizational decision-making. They apply contemporary and emerging best management practices in a wide array of business functions, including strategic planning, sales and marketing, information technology, human resources, finance, and operations. CMAs bring a strong market focus to strategic management and resource deployment, synthesizing and analyzing financial and non-financial information to develop total business solutions, identify new market opportunities, and maximize shareholder value.
CPA - Certified Public Accountant:
CPAs are many things. A public accountant who has been certified by a state examining board as having met the state's legal requirements. They are chief financial officers for Fortune 500 companies and advisors to small neighborhood businesses. They work for public accounting firms, both small and large. They are well-respected strategic business advisors and decision-makers. They act as consultants on many issues, including taxes and accounting.
CPB - Certified Public Bookkeeper or PB - Professional Bookkeeper:
Building on basic general accounting concepts, the Professional Bookkeeper is seen as an Affordable Professional Alternative to a self-preparation, a CPA or an independent tax professional for the following taxpayer segments: (1) professionals, (2) small business owners, and (3) small not for profits. The PB designation can only be used by the graduates of the Universal Accounting Center.

So, at the end of the day talk to your prospective bookkeeper, accountant and cpa. In addition to having certifications and letters after there practice make sure that your comfortable with them. How did you find your accountant? Are they certified? What does that mean to you? Let us know.

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