9 Best Accounting Software Certifications For Upskilling In 2025
Getting certified in accounting software isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. Outdated knowledge can hold you back, but the right certifications help you stay sharp, boost your business skills, and open doors to new revenue opportunities and career growth.
With a deep understanding of financial operations and cash flow management, I’ve done the heavy lifting to identify the top accounting software certifications for the year. These picks are practical, relevant, and perfect for busy financial professionals looking to stay ahead.
Whether you’re aiming to boost efficiency or take your career further, these certifications can make a big difference—let’s find the one that’s right for you!
Best Accounting Software Certifications Shortlist
- QuickBooks Online Certification (Intuit QuickBooks) — Best for mastering QuickBooks online accounting
- Certificate in Cloud Accounting (NIAT)— Best for understanding cloud-based accounting systems
- Zoho Books Training (NSDC) — Best for proficiency in Zoho Books applications
- Sage 50cloud Accounts Certification (Sage University) — Best for expertise in Sage 50cloud accounts
- Accounting with QuickBooks Certificate (Cincinnati State) — Best for QuickBooks accounting skills
- Accounting and Payroll Specialist (MTC) — Best for payroll and accounting management
- Accounting Certificate (NSCC) — Best for foundational accounting knowledge
- NetSuite Certification (Oracle NetSuite) — Best for NetSuite ERP expertise
- SAP Certified Associate (SAP) — Best for SAP S/4HANA management accounting
Overview of the Best Accounting Software Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best accounting software certifications to boost your professional development.
1. QuickBooks Online Certification (Intuit QuickBooks) - Best for mastering QuickBooks online accounting
The QuickBooks Online Certification is an advanced training program designed to equip accounting professionals with the skills and knowledge required to proficiently use QuickBooks Online. The course covers the complete accounting lifecycle, enabling participants to effectively support small business clients by managing tasks within QuickBooks Online Accountant.
Issued by: Intuit QuickBooks
Focus:
- Client onboarding and setup
- Managing client work
- Banking and reconciliation processes
- Reporting and preparing client books for period-end
- Utilizing accountant tools within QuickBooks Online
- Best practice workflows
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, annual recertification is required to maintain certified status and stay updated with new QuickBooks features and workflows.
Price: Free
Who It’s For: Accounting professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in QuickBooks Online, enhance their service offerings to clients, and gain recognition through official certification and badge.
2. Certificate in Cloud Accounting (NIAT) - Best for understanding cloud-based accounting systems
The Certificate in Cloud Accounting offered by the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) is a workshop aimed at equipping participants with the skills to effectively use Xero for client work. Key learning objectives include setting up business data in a computerized accounting system, processing advanced transactions, and producing various accounting reports for financial information management.
Issued by: National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT)
Focus:
- Setting up initial business data in a computerized accounting system
- Processing and completing advanced business transactions
- Producing and analyzing end-period reports
- Creating and reviewing a range of routine and non-routine accounting reports
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Accounting professionals and financial analysts seeking to enhance their proficiency in cloud-based accounting systems, financial statements, and financial planning, particularly Xero.
3. Zoho Books Training (NSDC) - Best for proficiency in Zoho Books applications
The Zoho Books Training program is designed to equip participants with the skills to effectively manage business finances using Zoho Books, a leading cloud-based accounting platform. The course covers company setup, voucher entry, invoicing, GST management, and financial reporting, enabling professionals to streamline accounting processes and enhance financial decision-making.
Issued by: ICA Edu Skills
Focus:
- Company setup and configuration
- Voucher entry for financial transactions
- Purchase and sales invoicing
- GST management within Zoho Books
- Financial performance reporting and analysis
Prerequisites:
- Education: A basic understanding of accounting concepts is beneficial
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in enhancing their financial management skills with Zoho Books software.
4. Sage 50cloud Accounts Certification (Sage University) - Best for expertise in Sage 50cloud accounts
The Sage 50cloud Accounts Certification is a performance-based program designed to validate expertise in using Sage software. It’s targeted at experienced users seeking to advance their skills in managing accounts with Sage 50cloud. The certification includes four stages, covering essential functions such as navigation, record management, opening balances, and user access control.
Issued by: Sage University
Focus:
- Navigating and configuring Sage 50cloud Accounts
- Creating and amending records
- Managing opening balances and user access
- Processing day-to-day transactions
- Performing period-end tasks, returns, and reconciliations
- Handling product invoices, orders, and stock control
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Accounting professionals and bookkeepers who want to demonstrate their proficiency in managing accounts using Sage 50cloud.
5. Accounting with QuickBooks Certificate (Cincinnati State) - Best for QuickBooks accounting skills
The Accounting with QuickBooks Certificate is a program designed to develop proficiency in using QuickBooks accounting software and applying basic accounting principles. Completing this certificate enhances opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in accounting, bookkeeping, office management, or business.
Issued by: Cincinnati State
Focus:
- Setting up and configuring company data in QuickBooks
- Processing financial transactions, including banking, customer, vendor, inventory, and payroll activities
- Generating and customizing financial reports
- Applying basic accounting principles within QuickBooks
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Individuals aiming to enhance their accounting and QuickBooks skills, preparing them for career paths in bookkeeping, accounting, and office management.
6. Accounting and Payroll Specialist (MTC) - Best for comprehensive accounting and payroll training
This certification course provides training in accounting and payroll processes, equipping participants with the skills needed to manage financial transactions, payroll systems, and compliance with financial regulations. It’s designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the accounting and payroll fields.
Issued by: Midlands Technical College
Focus:
- Business math fundamentals
- Accounting firm essentials
- Payroll preparation
- Proficiency in Excel (Introduction and Intermediate levels)
- QuickBooks training
- Organizing computer files
Prerequisites:
- Education: Require basic computer skills
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: From $897-$2,094
Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to develop the necessary skills for entry-level positions such as Bookkeeper, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk, Accounting Assistant, or Payroll Coordinator.
7. Accounting Certificate (NSCC) - Best for foundational accounting knowledge
The Accounting Certificate program at North Shore Community College prepares students for various entry-level accounting roles. The curriculum includes analyzing and recording transactions, maintaining financial records, and preparing financial reports. Students gain hands-on experience with software tools such as Excel, QuickBooks, and individual tax preparation software.
Issued by: North Shore Community College
Focus:
- Analyzing, calculating, and recording financial transactions
- Maintaining financial records
- Preparing financial reports
- Managerial accounting and taxation
- Budgeting and accounting for payroll accounts receivables, and accounts payables
- Hands-on computer experience with Excel, QuickBooks, and other tax preparation software
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: Free (for Massachusetts residents without a bachelor's degree)
Who It’s For: Individuals aiming to start a career in accounting. It also serves as a pathway to continuing education, as all courses count towards NSCC’s Accounting Degree program.
8. NetSuite Certification (Oracle NetSuite) - Best for NetSuite ERP expertise
The NetSuite Certification program by Oracle NetSuite is designed to validate the skills and expertise of professionals in managing and implementing NetSuite's ERP solutions. It also provides a structured pathway for individuals looking to enhance their proficiency in using NetSuite's suite of applications.
Issued by: Oracle NetSuite
Focus:
- NetSuite user interface
- Standard NetSuite process flows
- SuiteAnalytics
- Setup and administration
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in NetSuite ERP solutions, enhancing their career opportunities in business management and IT roles.
9. SAP Certified Associate (SAP) - Best for SAP S/4HANA management accounting
The SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA for Management Accounting Associates certification is designed to validate a candidate's foundational knowledge and skills in SAP S/4HANA management accounting. This certification confirms that the holder has an understanding of the key concepts and functionalities within the SAP S/4HANA Management Accounting module, ensuring they are equipped to contribute effectively to management accounting projects within a business environment.
Issued by: SAP
Focus:
- Cost center accounting
- Internal orders
- Product cost planning
- Cost object controlling
- Profitability analysis
- Profit center accounting
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Must pass the SAP S/4HANA management accounting certification exam
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Every 12 months
Price: $1,392
Who It’s For: Professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in SAP S/4HANA management accounting.
Accounting Software Certification FAQs
What is accounting software certification?
An accounting software certification is a credential that verifies an individual's proficiency in using a particular accounting software. This certification often involves completing a series of courses or exams provided by the software developer or a recognized training organization.
Why should I obtain an accounting software certification?
Obtaining an accounting software professional certification can enhance your career prospects by demonstrating your years of expertise and competencies in specific software to potential employers. It also helps in staying updated with the latest features and functionalities of the software, thereby increasing your efficiency in managing financial tasks.
How long does it take to get certified in accounting software?
The duration to achieve certification in accounting software varies depending on the software and the level of certification. Some enrollment courses may take a few weeks to complete (either in-person, through webinars, or online), while others could extend over several months, depending on the depth and complexity of the material covered.
Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an accounting software certification?
Prerequisites for accounting software certification can differ based on the software and the certifying body. Generally, some basic understanding of accounting principles is recommended, and prior experience with the software or other information systems may be required for advanced certifications.
Can an accounting software certification be done online?
Yes, many accounting software certifications offer online courses and exams, allowing individuals to complete the certification process remotely. This flexibility enables learners to balance their studies with other commitments through self-paced learning.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
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