[Anonymous]

I have just 1 section left of the CPA exam and am thinking about my next step. My choices are finish of my MBA or go for a CGFM (Certified Government Finance Manger) certification. Here is my current situation… I work for County government as a Finance Officer. My career goal is to become a Finance Manager for local government (Public Schools, City, or County). I expect to finish my CPA here in the next month. I want to have both a CGFM and MBA but can’t really decide which to do next.

The pro for doing the CGFM next is that some of the material I studied for the CPA exam will be fresh on my mind like Audit, Govt Accounting, etc. With this information being fresh, I will have an easier time studying. Also, the endurance and test taking skills I got from the CPA (7 tries to pass 3 sections) will be helpful for when I take the CGFM exams right after. Also the CGFM is directly related to the work I do and want to continue doing. I have no idea how long it would take me to finish the CGFM, but my assumption is it would take 3-6 months?

The pro for doing the MBA next is that I already have 1/3 of it done (needed for CPA eligibility) and it will have a greater affect on my career. An MBA will open more and bigger doors then the CGFM. So the sooner I get the MBA the sooner those doors will open. It will take me another 1.5 years to finish MBA.

I do not want to be studying 30 hrs a week like I did for the CPA so which ever one I decide to do next I would commit to only 10-15 hrs a week. I know the CGFM is easier than the CPA but I don’t know by how much. If I can do the CGFM in 3 months by studying only 10-15hrs a week then I would prefer to get it done first and then the MBA after since MBA will take a lot longer.

Does anyone know how specifically the CGFM compares to CPA? Is 3 months of studying at 10-15hrs a week reasonable? Any advice on which one I should pursue next, the MBA or CGFM?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My thought would be to do the CGFM next because it can build your resume sooner and, I assume, for less financial outlay. Then do the MBA next to round out the resume. That being said, I'm not familiar with the CGFM at all, so this advice isn't specifically based on the CGFM and the government accounting world – just more general advice for certification vs degree.

[Vern -No what I mean]

Good questions and adivce. I often wonder at what point does work experience mean more than certifications? Would a CPA not be enough to get you where you want to be?

AUD - 90
FAR - 71, 76
REG - 75
BEC - 76 (bubble sucks)

Becker + Ninja MCQ's

[EuroAddict]

Ever thought that your experience + CPA will give you the ability to do it and not need anymore credentials?

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[Thrawn]

I have never heard of the CGFM. What are the requirements for your eventual career goal? Are both the MBA and the CGFM requirements, or are they preferred? Run the numbers, see what you need and that will help guide you to the quickest endpoint of your goal.

Also, it is my view that a good MBA is purchased by your employer, because they want you to have it for their use, not the other way around.

BEC 87 Feb 14
REG 84 Apr 14
FAR 82 Nov 14
AUD 86 Feb 15

[Skynet]

Forget about the MBA and CGFM for now.

Just go golfing.

Go for the MBA and CGFM when you have a Mid CPA Life Crisis like everyone else.

[Mayo]

Have to echo what Euroaddict said.

At the end of the day, when you look around do people in the position you want to in X years have a CGFM? An MBA?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your advice and questions. In response, the people in Finance Manager roles in my county and other local governments have 15+ years experience. At this point I have only 5 years, and instead of waiting another 10 years I want to equip myself and do everything I can to get there in a lot less time. And once I get there I want to be ready to take on the challenge of the position by having the tools I need. My age and “lack of” experience has been keeping me from a few new job opportunities this year even though they were aware that I was a CPA candidate. I want to add CGFM and MBA to my resume so they can no longer overlook me because of my age (I'm 26 yrs old). CGFM will give me the directly related knowledge of being a government Finance Manager and the MBA is usually a preferred qualification for these type of jobs.

[cpagal]

I think your last post made your decision. Go for the CGFM first and then focus on your MBA afterwards. You should have that finished by the end of the year and can begin finishing your MBA starting with the new semester in January.

FAR - 08/30/15 - 90
AUD - 11/12/15 - 92
REG - 01/19/16 - 82
BEC - 02/29/16 - 83

Passed all on 1st attempt using GLEIM (full program) and NINJA (MCQ only)!!!

Louisiana Licensed CPA

[Author]

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