CPA and CFA Prospects
Hey guys (and gals),
I graduated last year from an ok business school with a double major in finance and accounting. I started working for a Big4 firm soon after as an auditor in the Financial Services practice. All of my experience is with Banks, PE and Hedge Funds, REITS and some consulting firms. I passed the CPA exam and now want to figure out a way to make my next move. My ultimate goal is to get a job at PE/Hedge Fund or Bank as an analyst. Therefore, I am wondering if it would be worthwhile for me to pursue a CFA license. It's definately something I am very interested in but I would really appreaciate any insight you guys could give me. I have a 3.96 GPA so I could potentially get into a good MBA program if I study hard for the GMATs, but right now school is not an option for me financially. I was wondering if it would be lucrative for me to pursue the CFA designation in addition to my CPA license and experience working in the financial services industry as an auditor with the Big4. My current reasoning follows that my present position might land me some good contacts in the incestuous industry of banking and asset management, and the CFA designation would essentially serve as proof that I am proficient in finance as well as accounting. In my opinion it would be a worthwile pursuit, even though I know that I would not be eligible to actually receive the CFA title until I have 2 years of relevant work experience in finance and my present experience probably would not qualify. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or advice on this issue. I did hear rumors that CFA and CPA holders make good money, but I have not been able to confirm it myself. I need to get a better understanding of my prospects before I put myself through the agony of taking anothe really lengthy exam.
Thanks in advance!





Mind me asking what school
Mind me asking what school you're from?
You need four years of
You need four years of relevant experience to fulfill your CFA requirements not two. A top MBA is the traditional route for career changers like yourself but isn't required if you are willing to take an entry level position. The CFA designation is not a guarantee of better money than a CPA but is encouraged by many and required by some banks. My advice would be research what positions you would like to fill and work your contacts to see what they are looking for.
Only if you tell me how
Only if you tell me how that's relevant? It doesn't have the brand recognition of Wharton/Stern.
If you are certain that you
If you are certain that you want to do asset management, CFA is far better bang for your buck in most cases (v. MBA). Unless you are strictly doing accounting, the CFA carries much more weight than a CPA in the buy side community. Nothing wrong with a CPA, the CFA is just much more applicable to the analysis in an investment environment. Also, a far more rare...and difficult...designation.
As for banking, while the material is applicable (especially at level II), opinions are mixed on how much weight it carries and thus how useful it is in breaking in. An MBA is a better route if you decide on banking.