[Anonymous]

I’m thinking of doing it. Who’s with me?????

Level 1 will be slayed in December 2013.

Per my research, Level 1 = 75% of total CPA exam. If that’s true, then it will be a breeze. (maybe a strong gust…but nowhere near a hurricane)

Level 2 is the beast I’m worried about.

We must escape public accounting!!!!!!!!!!

[RedBullRacing]

I've actually toyed around with the idea of CFA designation after CPA. I'm just not sure if the time put in will come out monetarily like it will with a CPA…or will it?

BEC - 85
FAR - 72, 80
REG - 79
AUD - 81

Used only Becker. Let the book burning begin!

[RedBullRacing]

I've actually toyed around with the idea of CFA designation after CPA. I'm just not sure if the time put in will come out monetarily like it will with a CPA…or will it?

BEC - 85
FAR - 72, 80
REG - 79
AUD - 81

Used only Becker. Let the book burning begin!

[musicamor]

No CFA for me!!!

I now have my CPA and employers are saying it's not enough for the positions I want–they want Big4.

I do not think the CFA has a significant enough monetary return based on the work that is required to get the designation.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[musicamor]

No CFA for me!!!

I now have my CPA and employers are saying it's not enough for the positions I want–they want Big4.

I do not think the CFA has a significant enough monetary return based on the work that is required to get the designation.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Anonymous]

Well a CFA is about a grand per part? So three grand in total? These numbers could be way off because I have not done the research, but I think my number is fairly close. I don’t think that’s too much compared to what an MBA could cost.

I’m wondering if a CFA/CPA combo could help someone to transition out of accounting and into some finance/private equity/hedge fund type role. I think banking would require an elite MBA, but perhaps a CFA could help achieve a more obtainable goal?

[Anonymous]

Well a CFA is about a grand per part? So three grand in total? These numbers could be way off because I have not done the research, but I think my number is fairly close. I don’t think that’s too much compared to what an MBA could cost.

I’m wondering if a CFA/CPA combo could help someone to transition out of accounting and into some finance/private equity/hedge fund type role. I think banking would require an elite MBA, but perhaps a CFA could help achieve a more obtainable goal?

[Sandra]

The problem with an MBA is either the cost or the lack of “name recognition” if you get one from a cheaper school. I think MBA should either be CHEAP or a BIG NAME if possible.

I have my MBA from a cheap online program (cost me around 3500), and there are parts of me that regret going that route. It made me CPA eligible (I was missing credits) which was my goal. If I had to do it over again I'd go with a bigger name online program. That being said- I still think my MBA carries more weight than the CFA would, especially in private companies. I'm thinking of taking the CFA at some point to supplement, but I'm a little over it at the moment. I've never worked in public accounting so I don't know about making the jump, but I do know that recruiters really like my MBA.

[Sandra]

The problem with an MBA is either the cost or the lack of “name recognition” if you get one from a cheaper school. I think MBA should either be CHEAP or a BIG NAME if possible.

I have my MBA from a cheap online program (cost me around 3500), and there are parts of me that regret going that route. It made me CPA eligible (I was missing credits) which was my goal. If I had to do it over again I'd go with a bigger name online program. That being said- I still think my MBA carries more weight than the CFA would, especially in private companies. I'm thinking of taking the CFA at some point to supplement, but I'm a little over it at the moment. I've never worked in public accounting so I don't know about making the jump, but I do know that recruiters really like my MBA.

[porschify]

@Sandra I would love to hear more about your $3500 MBA. Ive been going back and forth about getting an MBA from an AACSB school (which is in the range of $25k) or not doing it at all because I have this mentality that have a CPA is much better career wise. Thoughts?

REG- 81
BEC- 72,76
AUD- 67,88
FAR- 78

Done!

[porschify]

@Sandra I would love to hear more about your $3500 MBA. Ive been going back and forth about getting an MBA from an AACSB school (which is in the range of $25k) or not doing it at all because I have this mentality that have a CPA is much better career wise. Thoughts?

REG- 81
BEC- 72,76
AUD- 67,88
FAR- 78

Done!

[SeattleAccountant]

I've looked into CFA. Still on the fence about it. From my research & Stalla demo, I know that I can take Level I sooner than later but there are more parts that not may not be as doable and i'm worrying of dumping $$ and time for little in return. On one hand, I enjoy financial accounting but on the other, I crave more analytics & data modeling than accounting can offer. I guess, I shall concentrate on passing last section of the CPA exam, take a break from studying and decide on CFA once finally licensed as CPA.

@RedBull, how did it turned out? Did you ended up pursuing CFA or not?

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[J]

I briefly looked into the CFA… might be an interesting option down the road, but as for now I just don't have the ability to commit the time and energy necessary. I'm thinking the CMA as my next three letter designation; there's so much overlap with the CPA exam that it doesn't seem like it would require a tremendous amount of effort to get through both parts in a month or so. Maybe the CFA in a few years…

[kcrc]

I personally wouldn't take the CFA. The work and ethical requirements are too stringent. I met several guys in grad school that passed the CFA and couldn't get CFA jobs because they weren't allowed to use the CFA designation until they had two years of portfolio decision making experience. You need to have a job locked down in treasury or equity finance before you even think of taking the CFA. Otherwise it's just a huge weight around your neck.

[SeattleAccountant]

@kcrc,
Good point.
I guess I must add, that position indeed became open a few days ago and despite me being swapped with BEC prep, I had thought about CFA once again although that position does not call for it and requires Masters in Econ or Acct, CPA candidate or licensed CPA and over 5 years of experience in accounting. While i'm working on CPA candidacy, I got the rest of the requirements. Official position title is “Economic Analyst”.
CFA fits into here due to very specific job description that mimics it very closely.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[J]

@kcrc – Not exactly CFA related, but What did you think of the CMA exam compared to the CPA with respect to difficulty?

[Author]

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