@CPA50 I have always been curious about forensic accounting. I can see the work being far more interesting than what I do now. I have looked into the CFE exam, it doesn't seem too bad if I can get through the CPA. I don't know if it would do me any good to get it first or first get a job at a forensic accounting firm? I'm assuming its already very competitive to get in.
@CPA50 I have always been curious about forensic accounting. I can see the work being far more interesting than what I do now. I have looked into the CFE exam, it doesn't seem too bad if I can get through the CPA. I don't know if it would do me any good to get it first or first get a job at a forensic accounting firm? I'm assuming its already very competitive to get in.
Dear Huge, Yes – check it out if you have an interest in it! The CFE exam is challenging, but not in the same ballpark as the CPA exam. It used to be you had to have personal references write letters and then show that you had already been involved in investigations. I'm not sure what the requirements are now, but check the website at http://www.acfe.com.
Depends on the firm, but if you can express an interest and then have them pay for your exam and membership, that would be great. On the other hand, if you show the initiative and already have the CFE credential, it shows them that you are really serious about it as a career. I don't know how hard it is to join a firm since I started my own when I got my CFE.
AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77
@CPA50 I just started in the forensic field 16 months ago when i was fresh outta college, kinda lucky that the opportunity fell into my lap. Hoping to finish all CPA tests by oct 20th b/c I am starting a masters in financial fraud investigations then, should be interesting. CFF is kind of requirement at my firm so that is the goal for me as well. It will definitely give you more credibility as it is the new standard when it comes to finding an expert to testify in court.
A - 89 10/23/2014
R - 90 2/27/2014
F - 75 5/25/2014
B - 83 8/28/2014
Hey Soccer, That's great! Where are you doing your Masters?
I can only report in ADRs and mediations right now. I can't get named an expert to testify at trial until I get those additional letters after my name!
AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77
Public accounting, the actual work, isn't bad at all and you learn a ton. However, the lifestyle is horrendous. On the audit side, travel isn't horrible as I love hotels, but the hours, having to keep track of every hour, and loss of weekends is depressing. I recommend at least some time in public for everyone as it really motivates you to get your CPA license and you gain exposure to all sorts of sectors, but constantly watching client employees leave at 5 p.m. and you staying until 7-8 will wear on you. Also, losing PTO because you're so busy (as the firm doesn't pay out PTO and only allows accrual of up to 160 hours for the first couple years) really makes you evaluate how long you want to stay.
H0wdyus: I'd say it's held in high regard because it's so specific to what they do in Treasury. Most treasury jobs I see list it as preferred, so it might give you an edge all else equal. What it doesn't do though, is replace the experience they look for in Treasury. So if there is a guy with 2 years treasury experience they still have an edge if you've got none. Still, I don't think it's a waste if you really want to go that way. It's one exam and although I wouldn't call it easy….I would probably put it slightly easier than any of the 4 parts of the CPA.
I honestly think the best way to get into Treasury is probably internal transfer. Think medium to large corporate conglomerate/manufacturing companies. Those in the retail and services industries usually don't have a strong treasury function because they are missing a huge part of the cash cycle so they are usually small treasury departments that wouldn't offer much opportunity. I would consider a corporate accounting or finance job in one of those and look to make friends and transfer in.
Thanks for the update. I work for a Brokerage cum Investment Banking Firm in NY, butttt in IT. I want to try an internal transfer to switch from IT to Business side.
Now , what do you think would be a good move, keeping in mind I prefer something like finance, treasury, something dynamic and exciting so to say, than being in Internal Audit or Controller etc .
There is a back office function too which supports the trading desk, that would mean controller function. I don't mind controller staff function, but would want to get into the best possible situation if I can. Would a CTP help here in any way.
FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager
@CPA50 thanks for the tips, look like you still need educational and professional references. I did some digging around and see that a few firms have a fraud risk management department. I have a degree in Risk Management, I hope that will factor in somewhere when I start looking again.
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