I have CPA study materials with me and looking for a entry level accountant job. But I would like to do a course to show that I have a good understanding of GAAP, something that I can put under certifications so employers actually know. Because a certificate to show that I have good understanding of GAAP would be better than just saying I read CPA material, right?
GAAP certification which can be tagged in LinkedIn?
Answers
There are LinkedIn/Udemy/Coursera accounting courses you can pursue in a short time frame, the certifications from which you can tag on your LinkedIn profile. What I suggest you also do is to put up that you're currently pursuing CPA. Also, try focusing more on working on your referrals to land yourself the job. As attractive as the (certification of completion from) online courses look, they have become the new norm for the past couple of months.
AICPA is well respected and has a variety of certifications available, including one for IFRS.
Check this link out also as an example:
https://competency.aicpa.org/media_resources/211993-u-s-gaap-fundamentals-for-finance-professionals-ce
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Thank you Varun Jain and Eric Williams
Since you are looking for an entry-level accounting job, your proficiency in GAAP becomes secondary to your experience and level of proficiency in the actual tasks that each of the jobs you are applying for requires.
I suggest that you research the websites of Accounting Temp. Agencies. They do list in their open job section the required experiences for each job, and you will actually be tested on the speed and level of proficiency in these tasks during your first interview. (Word, digital keyboard, Excell, Powerpoint, Quick Book, Payroll software, Database research, etc.)
Entry-level accountants are expected to be "productive". At that level, the speed and the ability to work independently without constant supervision is key. (data entry, database research, filing, verification of approval of invoices, applying customer payments to their accounts............) That's way preference is always given to a candidate who has particular experience in a similar type of business segment. (Bank/Insurance/Telcom/Car Dealers)
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