Relevance of Accounting Background & CPA in Corp Fin (Non Big 4)
Planning on starting out in a rotational FLDP role after graduating with a BS/MS in accounting (5-year combined MAcc) as well as a CPA. I’m curious to see what everyone’s thoughts are on having this background, without having started in Big 4. Obviously a CPA isn’t a necessity in corp fin but I’ve heard from my sources (think SVP/Director) that it certainly wouldn’t hurt if shooting for VP/CFO down the line. Thoughts?
Hi BoyScout, any of these discussions helpful:
You're welcome.
Ultimately, your success in corp. fin will come down to how well you know the business. If you end up in a FLDP, your exposure to different areas of the business will be incredibly valuable. The CPA is nice to have but like I mentioned earlier, it is more important that you really dig into what you do to understand how you fit into the broader scope of the business function. Then, once you get a more permanent assignment, you work your ass off to master your role.
My accounting manager is in her late 20's, doesn't have a CPA designation, and didn't start in Public. She is absolutely killing it because she knows the entire business better than anyone (Company w/over 200M NI). She realizes that she is hitting her ceiling without a designation, so she is looking at getting her CMA. So if you end up getting your CPA, at least you don't have to worry about that down the line. Not sure if this helps but from my experience, working hard at understanding accounting/finance functions trumps any designation but it will be helpful later.
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