The Other Certifications Financial Professionals Need

Financial professionals know how important certifications are to their careers. The certified public accountant license, for example, remains a key requirement for advancement in public accounting and private industry.
But soft skills, such as the abilities to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others, are often just as integral to career success as technical know-how. Of course, soft skills cannot be verified through a certification process. But if doing so were possible, the following hypothetical credentials would be worth earning:
Certified in Transparent Communications – Financial professionals must be able to clearly communicate sometimes complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
Professionals certified in transparent communications would be adept at tailoring their messages to the knowledge and interest level of their audience. They would avoid peppering conversations and presentations to nonfinancial personnel with acronyms that only an accountant could be expected to know.
Accomplished communicators also would be capable of conveying the business story behind the numbers. They would, for example, go beyond simply noting that a business unit posted a double-digit revenue increase to explaining in terms that everyone can understand what the key factors were that contributed to the strong results.
Finally, effective communicators would be good listeners. Listening skills figure prominently in a financial professional's ability to establish rapport and gain the trust of people with whom they interact.
Accredited in Ethical Behavior – Individuals with solid credentials in this area would demonstrate through their actions that they have a keen awareness of professional standards of conduct, such as a commitment to uphold generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and avoid conflicts of interest.
Principled accounting and finance professionals exercise independence in thought and action. They guard against pressure to simply go along with situations that seem unusual or troublesome.  They know that not understanding a business structure or accounting technique – and not bothering to question it – is unacceptable and potentially negligent. 
Professionals accredited in ethical behavior would raise concerns and seek guidance from supervisors, colleagues or outside advisers when they encounter gray areas or situations that cause uncertainty. Their desire to do what's necessary to clarify an issue helps ensure they ultimately choose the best course of action.
Specialist in Lifelong Learning – Change is the only constant in the accounting and finance industry. New regulations and evolving accounting standards are a given, and the most successful professionals continually expand their base of knowledge.
Those who are committed to excellence pursue continuing professional education – and not simply because it's necessary to maintain certain credentials, but because they're personally driven to acquire new skills and deliver greater value to their clients and employers.
Individuals earning a designation in lifelong learning would stay a step ahead of trends in the accounting and finance industry. They would keep all industry requirements current and remain active in professional organizations. Through these groups, financial professionals would prepare for emerging developments, learn from peers in similar positions and build a network of helpful contacts.
Certified Team Player – The ability to work well with others is a prized attribute in the accounting and finance field. Professionals are frequently called on to join cross-functional or project-oriented teams that require them to work collaboratively with employees from different business areas and backgrounds.
Certified team players would earn others' goodwill by putting the organization's or department's interests and needs before their own. They would treat all colleagues with respect and help foster an atmosphere that encourages each member of the team to contribute. These individuals also would be known for their highly developed skills of tact, diplomacy and persuasion that allow them to function effectively as either a team leader or team member.
Big Picture Specialist – In today's corporate world, businesses and top management are at risk for information overload, especially when it comes to financial data. Big picture specialists have the ability to pierce the information fog and interpret and synthesize data in a way that makes it meaningful to companies and their management.
Professionals earning this credential would operate from a broad base of knowledge about issues affecting the company and its industry. This background allows them to help their employers and clients weigh the implications of a variety of business and financial decisions, such as whether to outsource a business process or make a large capital expenditure.
As a financial professional, you already possess the essential technical skills and possibly one or more industry-recognized certifications required for your position. Your ability to advance will be limited, though, if the softer side of your skill set is lacking. To prevent this from occurring, look for ways to "earn" the professional designations described here by strengthening your abilities in each area. Although these certifications may not actually exist, the skills they describe have a real impact on your career success.