According to research, a large majority of chief financial officers believe industry accreditations, such as a CPA (certified public accountant), are valuable for career advancement. Often, this can be the deciding factor in whether you receive a new job offer or promotion.

The expanded roles accounting professionals are assuming demand a broader understanding of business issues. Accountants who acquire a professional certification enhance their expertise in areas critical to making strategic decisions, such as budgeting, financial analysis and business management.

Completing a certification program also demonstrates to employers that you have a lifelong commitment to your profession and to building your knowledge and skills. In addition, it can lead to monetary benefits: According to the 2004 Salary Guide from Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Accountemps, possessing a professional certification can increase your starting salary range by up to 10 percent.

And, flexing your intellectual muscles by keeping current on industry trends is important for long-term job satisfaction. Obtaining an advanced certification might require some sacrifices, but it will bring tremendous value to your career.

To learn more about the certifications available, the organizations that offer them and which is right for you, visit Professional Designations.

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.