[Anonymous]

I just finished the CPA exams (besides ethics) and I’m thinking of going for another credential. I’m in Risk Assurance/ERS/IT Audit and I’m not really interested in IT as a career, but still think it’s useful experience I’m getting. I think my end goal career is in Corporate Finance/M&A, but I think I have to stay with my current firm for another year to get my CPA experience for the license and not pay back all the exam fees/materials. Also, I probably should stay til at least senior. I tried getting around it by requesting to switch departments, but I’m a first year so I don’t have much power with that one. They said if I do well in my first year or two it’s possible, but I’m kind of dubious about that. I think they just need staff and switching associates around when they’re probably thinking we won’t be around after a few more years would be costly to firm. I was thinking of maybe getting a CISA because I’m getting the necessary experience now, and my firm will pay for it. I’m thinking I may want to try and get a CFA, but there’s not a business need for it in my current department, so they wouldn’t pay for it.

Would getting a CISA be of any use in M&A? Would it label me as an IT person? I don’t think it could hurt but I’ve heard a bunch of different things. Also is it bad to be a “certificate junkie?”

[HoosierDaddy]

Getting the CISA would be a great plus if you were interested in the fast growing IT audit field. I'm not sure how much it would fit for M&A, but it would be a great cert to have under your belt.

You might want to consider the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. How about the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor (CMAA) from FINRA? That might be a great fit.

Good Luck!

 
CFA Review Test Bank

-Passed all four sections of CPA exam in 2010 using Becker.
-Former Seasonal Audit Senior with Big Four accounting firm.
-Plan to sit for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

[Author]

Replies