Breaking into LO AM from FP&A...

CPA with 8 years combined experience in FP&A (3 years) and public accounting/audit (5 years; Big 4; heavy valuation work) in a big market. Currently work in the FP&A group (not corp dev) at a Fortune 300. No MS/MBA yet but my company will be able to pay for the costs of a non-target. Getting the CFA is in the 3-5 year plan.

I am who I am: I enjoy staring at excel 80% of my day, going into rabbit holes of data, pumping out ad hocs and presentations, and presenting my findings. The mundane monthly FP&A cycle is getting old so I'm looking for something where I can leverage the valuation, reporting, business partnering, and analytical experience for a field with higher earning potential, similar WLB, and worker archetype (aforementioned 80/20 split). I came across LO AM recently and it seems like it checks a lot of those boxes. 

Let's assume LO AM is a good fit, what's the 3-5 year plan to breaking in? MS/MBA (which focus?), CFA, and network? Will major asset manager entertain someone in their mid/late 30s transitioning from FP&A to LO AM?  Any particular way to expedite the transition? Any and all input is appreciated. Be brutally honest. I'm here for it. 

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