[ronald_mcdonald]

Hi guys,

I am hoping to get some career advice if you don’t mind. I am currently working on an MBA with a concentration in Finance. I have recently been accepted to be an intern in accounting at a federal facility with the intention of being converted to a permanent position after graduation. I only have two accounting courses, one from undergrad and one from the MBA program and I am wondering if it is feasible to become an accountant/auditor in the federal government without the CPA designation and without the 24 semester hours if I continue with the federal government and obtain the certified internal auditor designation? I am also planning on obtaining the Certified Fraud Examiner as my ultimate goal is to become a federal criminal investigator and work financial crimes.

All of the job postings that I see for federal jobs, like this posting for example https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/395504800, states:

. Degree in accounting; or degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience – at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant’s background must also include one of the following: 1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law. 2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written exam.

I guess I am just wondering how reasonable this plan is and how competitive I would be for an accountant position with the federal government if I am unable to obtain a criminal investigator job. I appreciate any and all advice.

[Vern -No what I mean]

If your main goal is to become a federal criminal investigator and work financial crimes, then a CPA license would be the best credential followed by the CFE. You should consider doing both at a minimum. Credentials are extremely important if your going to ever testify as an expert witness.

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

Becker + Ninja MCQ's

[ronald_mcdonald]

Thanks Vern, I appreciate your post. For the accountant positions listed on usajobs, would you happen to know how the CIA would look vice the CPA when applying to those types of jobs? I only ask because I'm starting to get burnt out working full time and taking classes full time. I'm trying to avoid having to take more classes when my ultimate goal is not to be an accountant; however I still need to have back up plans.

[Author]

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