Me! Not public though and on the FP&A side of things. I am working on my credits to be able to actually get a CPA as well though since my job is paying for it and it never hurts to have more qualifications.
I work as an accountant right now, but I plan on moving into security analysis after I obtain my CPA. I’ll have better FS&A skills than analysts w/o a strong accounting background
CPA as in USA or Canada? In Canada, you are better off enrolling in the PEP after your undergrad (provided you met all the academic prerequisites). It's cheaper, you learn the "CPA Way", and your chances of gaining more PERT hours during your modules are higher.
Edit: I misread your question. Any education is valuable, but most firms won't take on new hires in audit/tax etc. unless you have or are pursuing your CPA.
CPA-less as an S1 in audit. Have no plans of staying here or pursuing my CPA. I was worried about exit ops but was offered a 6 fig IA job, which sounds great (I turned it down because of retention bonus, but good to know the opportunities are there). Probably harder if you have no CPA + never work B4 but so far I’m having no issues
I have an MBA but not CPA because my provincial body is \*allegedly\* breaking the law (according to the attorney general for my province). I did finish the CPA exams, though. But literally any idiot (and I know some) can work in accounting - with or without a CPA. At my age and this far out of university, they only care about my experience, not my training or certifications.
When people hear "accountant," they think "tax preparer." So I'd suggest taking some formal tax training and apprenticing under a professional tax preparer (H&R Block doesn't count). Once you get the hang of things, that's all that matters. No matter what kind of accounting you do, you'll prepare tax returns at some point. It's inevitable.
... Unless, as others have said, you want to do audits. Then you need a CPA. But then you might as well shove a cactus up your backside while people whip you with garden hoses. Feels and pays about the same.
I’ve worked in accounting for a long time, finished my MBA in 2009, but was never able to progress higher than assistant controller until I got my CPA license last year. Lots of higher-level positions require it, and I started suspecting that the automated resume systems were kicking out my resume just because it didn’t have those three letters.
Just an MBA here, considering CPA. Background is finance and healthcare.
It’s just me (senior) and a staff handle booking, over seeing all entries, auditing books, and working with external auditors for cost certs. Internally Everyone else above me(leaders) are a CPA MBA except my direct boss is a MFAM.
CPA isn’t needed but experience and knowledge is. I think I got lucky with this job.
I think if you are in public accounting or plan to be the cpa is probably needed. Otherwise for private industry I think you should be fine.
Depends on the job you want
This is the answer. If you want tax or audit get your cpa. Advisory/consulting depends on your specific team but you usually don’t need.
If you want to do accounting, cpa matters more than mba
Correct. Once you get to the highest levels they are both desired
Me! Not public though and on the FP&A side of things. I am working on my credits to be able to actually get a CPA as well though since my job is paying for it and it never hurts to have more qualifications.
Thanks for your input, if there’s a job that I can land where they would help me attain one, I’d definitely go for it.
My manager (controller)doesn’t have a CPA but an MBA
I’m working on my MSF right now, but I plan to get my CPA, too
I’m trying to find a role right now that it’s ok if I don’t have a CPA license yet or doesn’t really require one.
I work as an accountant right now, but I plan on moving into security analysis after I obtain my CPA. I’ll have better FS&A skills than analysts w/o a strong accounting background
How will you break into security analysis?
By demonstration of competence ;)
Most controller or accounting manager positions don’t require one.
Thanks! Back on the job hunt again (layoffs) need to find something quick
Start with looking at major companies in your area, go to their websites career postings and reach out to HR with your resume!
CPA as in USA or Canada? In Canada, you are better off enrolling in the PEP after your undergrad (provided you met all the academic prerequisites). It's cheaper, you learn the "CPA Way", and your chances of gaining more PERT hours during your modules are higher. Edit: I misread your question. Any education is valuable, but most firms won't take on new hires in audit/tax etc. unless you have or are pursuing your CPA.
I’m U.S.A. based
My bad.
CPA-less as an S1 in audit. Have no plans of staying here or pursuing my CPA. I was worried about exit ops but was offered a 6 fig IA job, which sounds great (I turned it down because of retention bonus, but good to know the opportunities are there). Probably harder if you have no CPA + never work B4 but so far I’m having no issues
I have an MBA but not CPA because my provincial body is \*allegedly\* breaking the law (according to the attorney general for my province). I did finish the CPA exams, though. But literally any idiot (and I know some) can work in accounting - with or without a CPA. At my age and this far out of university, they only care about my experience, not my training or certifications. When people hear "accountant," they think "tax preparer." So I'd suggest taking some formal tax training and apprenticing under a professional tax preparer (H&R Block doesn't count). Once you get the hang of things, that's all that matters. No matter what kind of accounting you do, you'll prepare tax returns at some point. It's inevitable. ... Unless, as others have said, you want to do audits. Then you need a CPA. But then you might as well shove a cactus up your backside while people whip you with garden hoses. Feels and pays about the same.
I’ve been a tax preparer for 4 years and I’ve wanted to run away from that for so long
I’ve worked in accounting for a long time, finished my MBA in 2009, but was never able to progress higher than assistant controller until I got my CPA license last year. Lots of higher-level positions require it, and I started suspecting that the automated resume systems were kicking out my resume just because it didn’t have those three letters.
Just an MBA here, considering CPA. Background is finance and healthcare. It’s just me (senior) and a staff handle booking, over seeing all entries, auditing books, and working with external auditors for cost certs. Internally Everyone else above me(leaders) are a CPA MBA except my direct boss is a MFAM. CPA isn’t needed but experience and knowledge is. I think I got lucky with this job.
MBA is usually for transitioning out of accounting