Self-test "Finance and Accounting Specialist with Federal Certificate": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a specialist in finance and accounting with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination for the specialist certificate in accounting ("Fachmann Finanz- und Rechnungswesen mit eidg. Fachausweis / Fachfrau Finanz- und Rechnungswesen mit eidg. Fachausweis" (formerly Buchhalter / Buchhalterin (BP), abolished in 1999)) is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of finance and accounting specialists with a federal certificate look like?
The area of responsibility of finance and accounting specialists is very diverse, wide-ranging and varies depending on the size of the company. As experts in the field of financial accounting, they are professionally responsible for ongoing bookkeeping (general ledger as well as sub-ledgers) and prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements. They are responsible for all payment transactions, dunning, reporting and controlling.
Their comprehensive knowledge of figures enables finance and accounting specialists to carry out robust budgeting and compile meaningful statistics, which serve as a basis for management to make important company decisions. In most cases, finance and accounting specialists are also responsible for the entire salary system, VAT settlements and administrative work relating to insurance. As team leaders, they are also confronted with tasks relating to personnel management on a daily basis.
(Important note: The weighting/frequency of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the company and job profile/function).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a finance and accounting specialist?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training.
Or perhaps a different, related course would suit you better? Here are a few examples to inspire you:
Debt collection and bankruptcy specialist (BP)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination (BP) for finance and accounting specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional certificate in accounting are suitable for
- Professionals with several years of practical experience in accounting who would like to prove their skills and knowledge with a federal certificate and thus increase their career opportunities
- Ambitious professionals with 3 years of professional experience in accounting who would like to deepen their knowledge of the subject in order to be able to offer their clients enhanced skills and knowledge.
- Professionals in accounting who would like to take on more responsible tasks and/or a managerial role (e.g. team leader) in the future
Finance and accounting specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Analytical skills
- Flair for numbers
- Precise working method
- Ability to work in a team
- Flexibility
- Leadership skills
- Reliability
- Load capacity
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim for the federal certificate directly. There are numerous opportunities to enter the world of accounting. Take a look atthe following pagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also take a look at ourAdvisor"Training and further education in the areas of accounting, controlling, fiduciary services, taxes".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in accounting, then search for suitable jobs using professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this accounting role. Look for training opportunities that are more suited to your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role with a lot of responsibility, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination in finance and accounting with a federal certificate (BP):
In order to be able to take the federal professional examination for the specialist certificate in accounting, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations:
- Have one of the following qualifications: Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), high school diploma, vocational baccalaureate, technical high school diploma, a certificate or diploma recognized by the examination board as an accounting clerk, federal diploma (BP), federal diploma (HFP), HF degree or degree from a university or university of applied sciences
And
- 3 years of professional experience with a workload of at least 80%
Or
- None of the above qualifications, but 6 years of professional experience in finance and accounting, with a workload of at least 80%.
and
- Has an IT diploma recognized by the examination board
And
- Completed online modules in the area of leadership
And
- does not have an entry in the central criminal register in connection with the activity
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note: The requirements, such as professional experience, only need to be fulfilled at the time of the federal final examination/examination registration. Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for finance and accounting specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. You must then ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination or examination registration (the responsibility lies with you).
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for finance and accounting specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorship of the examination regulationsthe association for higher examinations in accounting and controlling BP/HFP.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in finance and accounting, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for finance and accounting specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorship of the examination regulationsthe association for higher examinations in accounting and controlling BP/HFP.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in finance and accounting, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the Federal Professional Examination in Finance and Accounting are based on the requirements of the professional examination sponsor, the Association for Advanced Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP.
The learning content taught in the preparation courses to acquire the necessary qualifications for the examination includes the following topics:
Accounting:
- Organizing finance and accounting
- Keeping the auxiliary books
- Management of financial accounting
- Management of operational accounting
- Preparation of accounting and consolidated financial statements
- Preparation of financial planning and investment calculations
- Establishing and ensuring financial management
Wages and insurance:
- Administration of salaries and social insurance
- Apply labor law
- Manage property insurance
Taxes:
- Accounting for value added tax
- Declaring direct taxes
- Settling withholding taxes
Data management
Guidance
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in this area. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
Obviously, the typical areas of responsibility of a finance and accounting specialist with a federal certificate are not your world. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
Apart from the examination fees (these are set by the sponsoring body of the professional examination), the costs are set by the respective schools and can therefore vary. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 4 to 6-semester course to become a finance and accounting specialist:
- Course feesBetween CHF 11,400 and CHF 21,000 Of this, you will receive around 50% back from the federal government on application after the examination (regardless of the result).* Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a member discount of up to 10% on the course costs. You can find more information here: https://www.kv-business-school.ch/mitgliedschaft-kaufmaennischer-verband
- IT-SIZ Certificate PU41between CHF 900.- and CHF 1'600.-
- Examination fees:CHF 2,000 (as at: March 2023) The amount of the examination fee is determined by the sponsoring body of the BP, i.e. this course. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example, are not included in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 13,400 - CHF 23,000 for course and exam fees?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The further training for the accounting certificate has a modular structure and lasts 4 to 6 semesters (depending on the provider). It is completed on a part-time basis.
- Lesson times vary depending on the provider. As a rule, the approx. 672 to 750 lessons take place on one evening per week and Saturday or on two evenings per week and Saturday morning or all day on a weekday and/or Saturday.
- Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The professional examination for the specialist certificate in accounting takes place annually, provided that at least 40 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 28 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The federal professional examination comprises the following parts:
1. accounting (written, 8 hours, weighting 3)
In the form of three to six guided case studies, candidates work on problems in this part of the examination. These cover the core processes of accounting.
2. wages and insurance (written, 3 hours, weighting 1)
Here too, candidates work on problems in one to three guided case studies. These cover the core processes relating to the administration of salaries and insurance.
3. taxes (written, 3 hours, weighting 1)
Candidates work on problems in the form of one to three guided case studies covering the core processes in the processing of company-related taxes.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Specialist in finance and accounting with a federal certificate".
- In French: "Spécialiste en finance et compatibilité avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Specialista in finanza e contabilità con attestato professionale federale"
- In English: "Chartered Specialist in Accounting and Financial Management, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: No protected title only a recommendation)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the federal certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams. (Exam series for download can be found, for examplehere.)
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorship of the professional examinationthe association for higher examinations in accounting and controlling BP/HFP. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams. (Exam series for download can be found, for examplehere.)
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school orSponsorship of the professional examinationthe association for higher examinations in accounting and controlling BP/HFP. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
No, the accounting certificate course does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Specialist in Finance and Accounting is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a finance and accounting specialist doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
The accounting specialist training program is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you will learn a lot more about further education and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Specialist in finance and accounting with a federal certificate"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Specialist in finance and accounting with a federal certificate"
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Specialist in finance and accounting with a federal certificate"