[jckund]

Just about to finish off the CPA (taking BEC Oct 12), and I’m starting a job in Big 4 Transaction Services. So my question now is, what next? This early in my career I’d like to advance as much as possible… I understand the two options are pretty different, but is either one logical? Has anyone pursued either of these options?

If I took the LSATs and didn’t score in top tier school range, I wouldn’t go to law school since I don’t think the cost would be worth it. There I’d hope to get into M&A law.

On the other hand, the CFA is tough I’ve heard and not something I’d want to commit so much time to if I don’t think I’d use it. What is it good for except financial planning?

[Mayo]

Lol, who said CFA is good for financial planning?

Now Asset Management, B. Val, or Equity Research is another story.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[tough_kitty]

Now – how about a break for a year or two? 🙂 concentrate on your new job and see how you like it.

Not sure what transaction services entail exactly so can't give a good advice on that one.

But I am like you – almost done with CPA exam and already thinking what's next…. So my original question is also something I ask myself…

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[barelystayingsane]

If you are interested in financial planning, the CFP would probably be better than the CFA. I believe it's also a much easier series of exams than the CFA.

I have a friend who did tax for a Big 4 firm, went to law school, and then practiced tax law. He said that working at the Big 4 firm was a lot more figuring out how to structure the transactions, working with numbers, and getting into the nitty gritty details, while the tax law work is more drafting the documents and making sure everything is air-tight. Makes intuitive sense. So I would consider thinking about whether you would prefer to be down in the mud working with the numbers. If so, the CFA may be a better option. If not, check out the law degree. So much happens in those first couple of years that I second what tough_kitty said. Give it a year or two, and find what really lights your fire!

[Author]

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