MSA vs MSF
I am going into my senior year of undergrad at a lesser known state school, majoring in Finance and minoring in Econ. I am hoping to get into corporate finance eventually and I want to improve my resume by going to a great masters program.
Would you suggest getting a masters in accounting and obtaining a CPA certification or pursuing a masters in finance?
I don't really want to go into public accounting, but if that's the best path, then I will do so.
CFA
Wondering about this as well.
Depends what you want to do in CorpFin, but I'd go for the MAcc. The majority of work in corporate finance is accounting. If you're really interested in the finance side, go for the MFin.
Also recommend CFA
You've already got the undergrad in finance so a masters in accounting will make you more rounded. Plus, even though a couple posters mentioned the CFA, the CPA will take you farther and is valued more in corporate finance.
What do you need a CPA for if you are going to be working in a non-public accounting role? You do a MAcc so you can get the necessary hours for your CPA. MSF gives you more optionality IMO. You can do corporate finance, banking, treasury, Big 4 TAS and Valuation, credit analysis, etc.
I am sure you can sell yourself with a MAcc, especially if you go to a big name school for it, but if you want to work in finance go do an MSF.
Only because it seems like big 4 and CPA seems like the track a lot of CFO's take. But I don't really like public accounting so I am leaning towards the MSF. Thank you for your suggestions, it helps a lot.
Yea I didn't really get the question. Not because there's anything bad about getting the CPA (in fact a good number of companies' CF departments like seeing the CPA for some reason), but because after you get your first job, why wouldn't you just wait a couple years and go for a part time MBA?
MAcc is more likely to land you a job in CF or a related field such as public accounting which you could use as a stepping stone to CF. If you hate public accounting and you are a hot shot go for the MSF.
Another thing to consider is that you might not have the required accounting classes for a MAcc. Some programs will let non accounting majors in, but some don't. You should check into this now that way you can add some accounting classes to your schedule if it is something you want to do.
I have looked at that and would just be applying to programs that don't have many prerequisites. Thanks!
If your goal is finance then MSF plain and simple. As ANT said it will prepare you for a variety of roles (ER/S&T/PWM/Cfin) that simply are less accessible to Macc students. Pursuing a CFA is a good idea but a MSF and CFA are obviously not mutually exclusive. Plus the CFA takes time and effort. Since you are coming from a non target why wait 2-4 years getting a CFA while earning likely poor experience when you can jump right in to a great gig from an MSF and then tackle the CFA?
I can't hate on the Macc though. Macc ----> Big 4/CPA ----> Industry has always been a safe bet. If you are smart and Corporate Finance is your goal then you will get there. The only question is which road do you want to take?
Exactly what I wanted to hear guys. Thank you for all your help
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