[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, I am a CPA and I work as a Cost Accountant right now. I really love accounting/fin. analysis type of work, but I want to get into data science as well. I am just wondering is there any good way to combine the two fields? Or maybe even develop into a Data Analyst from the Cost Accountant position? I am just afraid that if I finish the Master’s program finding the job in Data Science will be challenging without the relevant experience, and my Cost Accounting experience will hardly qualify as the Data Science experience.

I mean we use some statistics at work to figure out trends/patterns, we build some predictive models but it definitely doesn’t require the Master’s in Data Science degree.

Does any one have any idea of how to transition from CPA to Data Science or if it can be of any value to a Cost Accountant/Financial Analyst position???

[Anonymous]

Anyone?

[tg7174]

It could not hurt, but from what I hear the CPA and cost accounting experience will demonstrate your specialized knowledge, which can be really helpful in data science jobs. Basically, they look for someone with specialized knowledge (accounting), math and statistics, and a programming background. You can learn the programming on your own, and the math and statistics can be learned along the way or through a MS program. Like other fields, however, it's most important to network. I've been told that with my CPA and 6-9 months of programming experience that I could qualify for certain entry level jobs.

I would say that data science seems to care much less about credentials and much more about projects and demonstrable skills. So try to focus on those rather than the MS unless you have plenty of time and money for it.

[Wannafree]

You can enter Data Science domain without CPA ,unfortunately you wouldn't get any preference due to cpa by employer.In Data Science field it's all about programming ( SQL , NoSQL , Big Data etc ) so u will have to learn those things as well.

[Anonymous]

CPA doesn't have any value in D.S. – sounds pretty bad. And yes, M.S. degree costs tons of money…
Did anyone take any Coursera courses? Would they have any value to the potential employers for D.S. positions? They cost much less, but I am concerned about the quality.

Any opinions?

[Anonymous]

If you want to combine the two, look into actuary jobs and forensic accounting. I don't know whether the MS will make much difference or if the data sciences skills are sufficient.

[Author]

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