Need a New Job -

Smac355 · 08-03-2010, 11:23 AM

So currently I'm rocking the CPA profession. I more or less hate accounting. I will have my CPA license in a month and looking to find something new ASAP. Also I am thinking of taking the CFA come december. Do any of you have experience or suggestions in getting a Financial Analyst position?? Thanks guys.

sb335is · 08-03-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smac355

So currently I'm rocking the CPA profession. I more or less hate accounting. I will have my CPA license in a month and looking to find something new ASAP. Also I am thinking of taking the CFA come december. Do any of you have experience or suggestions in getting a Financial Analyst position?? Thanks guys.

you studied hundreds of hours and are going to take hours and hours of continued education on accounting to become a CPA.... one of the hardest tests to pass and you hate accounting? LOL

Smac355 · 08-03-2010, 11:30 AM

I am already a CPA i graduated college w/ a accounting degree started at a big 4 firm and got my CPA (not that unheard of). I do not like auditing and prefer financial analysis/investment stuff so I want to transition. As of right now the CFA exam looks like a good option to get my foot in the door. Plus having your CPA is always a fall back plan, I'll always be able to get a job somewhere.

abisson · 08-03-2010, 11:32 AM

My friend just passed his CFA Level 3.

He is said it was a HUGGGGE PITA, but def worth it. Good luck if you do it!

MJC///M3 · 08-03-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smac355

So currently I'm rocking the CPA profession. I more or less hate accounting. I will have my CPA license in a month and looking to find something new ASAP. Also I am thinking of taking the CFA come december. Do any of you have experience or suggestions in getting a Financial Analyst position?? Thanks guys.

+1 on the CFA.

i'm sitting in December....absolutely fantastic program.

Cyrax91 · 08-03-2010, 12:01 PM

Im finishing my CPA too. Hopefully ill be passing the last part here in October

Anyways, I started in public accounting and hated it so I moved on to a corporate accounting tax manager position. I do the companies financials and taxes. I actually like it much more. Maybe worth a look. Either way good luck with everything!

Red Bread · 08-03-2010, 12:45 PM

Yep, I knew coming out of school with my accounting degree that I had no interest in being an auditor. I've been doing financial and business analysis since. It's been a great industry, and to be fair, having the CPA on your resume won't hurt. The CFA is certainly more useful, but you might also look into the CMA.

I've actually found that other certifications, like the PMP, make more of a difference, but it's one of those fields that you really can't be over certified. Entry level FA roles will usually be open to hiring accountants rather than finance majors, I prefer to hire accountants as they're usually a little more structured and I also work heavily in treasury and forecasting, and accountants seem to have an easier time with both.

Find a good recruiter, or better, work your connections and see what you find, analysis has been relatively steady during the down turn in the economy, you should have luck finding a good fit, and with your background, you should have an easy time making a good, quick impact.

T-MC-G · 08-03-2010, 12:58 PM

Abercrombie???

Smac355 · 08-03-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-MC-G

Abercrombie???

...thanks for the great input, do you got an application??

OC Guy · 08-03-2010, 01:32 PM

My economics teacher once said if you become an accountant you fail in life.

Sorry, not much less to add. Good luck.

The_DDub · 08-03-2010, 02:56 PM

Maybe try to steer your career into investment banking/trading?

BimmerPod · 08-03-2010, 03:48 PM

CFA is definitely worthwhile. However, figure out what you want to do before starting to study for it. CFA + no applicable work experience doesn't always work out. I know people who started studying for their CFA straight out of college without even having a job, then landing a job as an admin. They're still stuck in that position. CFA doesn't guarantee a foot in the door if you have no applicable experience to the position you're applying for (ie, we turned away someone who obtained their CFA designation at 25, but has no relevant experience).

Hawkeye · 08-03-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoturboz

you studied hundreds of hours and are going to take hours and hours of continued education on accounting to become a CPA.... one of the hardest tests to pass and you hate accounting? LOL

One of the hardest tests? lolz. 3 difficult exams should not be enough to deter you from switching paths to something you like. Besides, from what I hear the CPA exams are not half as difficult or time consuming than some of the other professional exams you could have to take.

CFA is good, I know a lot of people in my profession that add a CFA designation to their FSA and it helps a ton! I personally think CFA is much more useful than a CPA. Sounds like a good change to me. What matters most is that you enjoy what you are doing!

MJC///M3 · 08-03-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerPod

CFA is definitely worthwhile. However, figure out what you want to do before starting to study for it. CFA + no applicable work experience doesn't always work out. I know people who started studying for their CFA straight out of college without even having a job, then landing a job as an admin. They're still stuck in that position. CFA doesn't guarantee a foot in the door if you have no applicable experience to the position you're applying for (ie, we turned away someone who obtained their CFA designation at 25, but has no relevant experience).

+1.

You also need four years of relevant work experience (which must be approved my the CFA institute) before you can receive the charter and the right to use the designation.

Smac355 · 08-04-2010, 09:10 AM

thanks for the advice guys. I definitely want to take the Level I at least b/c i think it will at the minimum benefit my personal investing choices. Also i think it will at least show a prospective employer im serious about the transition out of public accounting. This is what i wanted to do out of college but unfortunately only job i could land was big 4 accounting, which all in all is not a bad place to start your career.

double_j · 08-04-2010, 05:19 PM

Depends what you want to do.

Investment banking or investment related, etc. - go the CFA route.

Corporate finance/taxes, etc. - no CFA necessary, many companies think very highly of the CPA/big 4 combo and most people end up making this jump. The CFA won't really add much to what you already have.

08-03-2010, 11:23 AM	#1
Smac355 Lieutenant 43 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	Need a New Job - So currently I'm rocking the CPA profession. I more or less hate accounting. I will have my CPA license in a month and looking to find something new ASAP. Also I am thinking of taking the CFA come december. Do any of you have experience or suggestions in getting a Financial Analyst position?? Thanks guys. __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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08-03-2010, 11:30 AM	#3
Smac355 Lieutenant 43 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	I am already a CPA i graduated college w/ a accounting degree started at a big 4 firm and got my CPA (not that unheard of). I do not like auditing and prefer financial analysis/investment stuff so I want to transition. As of right now the CFA exam looks like a good option to get my foot in the door. Plus having your CPA is always a fall back plan, I'll always be able to get a job somewhere. __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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08-03-2010, 11:32 AM	#4
abisson Canada FTW. 196 Rep 519 Posts Drives: 2016 VW R - Stg 2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maple Syrup Country iTrader: (0)	My friend just passed his CFA Level 3. He is said it was a HUGGGGE PITA, but def worth it. Good luck if you do it!
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08-03-2010, 12:01 PM	#6
Cyrax91 YNWA 199 Rep 1,814 Posts Drives: Imola Red F80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NM iTrader: (18)	Im finishing my CPA too. Hopefully ill be passing the last part here in October Anyways, I started in public accounting and hated it so I moved on to a corporate accounting tax manager position. I do the companies financials and taxes. I actually like it much more. Maybe worth a look. Either way good luck with everything! __________________ Imola Red ZCP F80 M3
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08-03-2010, 12:45 PM	#7
Red Bread Major General 4458 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Yep, I knew coming out of school with my accounting degree that I had no interest in being an auditor. I've been doing financial and business analysis since. It's been a great industry, and to be fair, having the CPA on your resume won't hurt. The CFA is certainly more useful, but you might also look into the CMA. I've actually found that other certifications, like the PMP, make more of a difference, but it's one of those fields that you really can't be over certified. Entry level FA roles will usually be open to hiring accountants rather than finance majors, I prefer to hire accountants as they're usually a little more structured and I also work heavily in treasury and forecasting, and accountants seem to have an easier time with both. Find a good recruiter, or better, work your connections and see what you find, analysis has been relatively steady during the down turn in the economy, you should have luck finding a good fit, and with your background, you should have an easy time making a good, quick impact.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2010, 12:58 PM	#8
T-MC-G Captain 73 Rep 671 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Trier, Germany iTrader: (5)	Abercrombie??? __________________ "tell me what you don't like about yourself..."
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08-03-2010, 01:32 PM	#10
OC Guy General 558 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	My economics teacher once said if you become an accountant you fail in life. Sorry, not much less to add. Good luck. __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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08-03-2010, 02:56 PM	#11
The_DDub Mmmm torque 19 Rep 318 Posts Drives: Like a Boss, hard and fast Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Livermore, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 328i Sedan [0.00]	Maybe try to steer your career into investment banking/trading? __________________ Monaco Blue E90 328i with Nav, Sport, Premium and Comfort Access packages, 6FL with iPod cable SAE spec Depo with HIDs and HID fogs Depo AE replacement Album
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08-03-2010, 03:48 PM	#12
BimmerPod Private First Class 26 Rep 144 Posts Drives: e92 335i, f85 x5m Join Date: May 2009 Location: lost iTrader: (0)	CFA is definitely worthwhile. However, figure out what you want to do before starting to study for it. CFA + no applicable work experience doesn't always work out. I know people who started studying for their CFA straight out of college without even having a job, then landing a job as an admin. They're still stuck in that position. CFA doesn't guarantee a foot in the door if you have no applicable experience to the position you're applying for (ie, we turned away someone who obtained their CFA designation at 25, but has no relevant experience).
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08-04-2010, 09:10 AM	#15
Smac355 Lieutenant 43 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	thanks for the advice guys. I definitely want to take the Level I at least b/c i think it will at the minimum benefit my personal investing choices. Also i think it will at least show a prospective employer im serious about the transition out of public accounting. This is what i wanted to do out of college but unfortunately only job i could land was big 4 accounting, which all in all is not a bad place to start your career. __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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08-04-2010, 05:19 PM	#16
double_j First Lieutenant 86 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2008 JB/B E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	Depends what you want to do. Investment banking or investment related, etc. - go the CFA route. Corporate finance/taxes, etc. - no CFA necessary, many companies think very highly of the CPA/big 4 combo and most people end up making this jump. The CFA won't really add much to what you already have.
	Appreciate 0 Quote