[Zackpasses]

Hey Everyone!

Are there any worthwhile certifications that can be acquired in three months or less? I am going to hit the job market in the next three months and want my resume to look even better to potential employers.

I have briefly researched the CFE and CMA (I think the CMA is a little to involved for such a short time frame and since I just finished my CPA I don’t know if it would be worth pursuing). Any suggestions would be great!

FAR - 8/16/15 - 82
AUD -10/26/15 - 87
REG -01/28/16 - 80
BEC -02/27/16 - 74 (very sad), 4/16/16 - 77

[Missy]

What types of jobs will you be applying to, and what is your background?

Certs are nice but mainly when they compliment experience. However if you are likely to be working with quickbooks (or with clients on quickbooks for an employer) you can't go wrong with a ProAdvisor course/cert if you haven't had Quickbooks experience.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[jessica8926]

Like mla11692 asked depends on your background and what you are looking to get into.

I would say the CIA is possible if you study full time for it without working and are looking to get into internal auditing. I have researched it myself and thought maybe it would be the next step for me once I finish my CPA.

AUD - 69, 77
REG - 74, 81
FAR - 75!
BEC - 71, 82

IL candidate!

Finally done (5/24/16)!! Yahooooooo!

[Zackpasses]

I am currently a financial analyst at a fortune 500 company. I have been in my position for about a year and a half. Prior to that I worked as a financial analyst for another fortune 500 company for a little over two years. I have experience using large ERP systems. I am experienced with SAP, Oracle Business Suite, Hyperion, and Cognos Business Intelligence tools.

In my first job I prepared revenue files for corporate, the free cash flow files and worked with management to project variances. In my current job I work with a small team to manage all the finance and accounting functions of the largest plant in the company. Besides the more mundane transactional accounting duties, I investigate inventory issues, project manufacturing variances, and work on capital projects. I also am above average in the office suite and have automated most of our files at work with VBA.

My current position has exposed me to all aspects of the business. I work with the supply chain team, operations, and management. I find the work to be incredibly challenging and interesting. The reason I am leaving is the company has decided to centralize the finance group and bring everyone to the home office. Not only do I not like the location of corporate, I also am not thrilled by the new roles that we will have at corporate. The transition will not take place until early 2017, but I want to get out ahead of it and try to find something while I have a job versus when I lose it next year.

FAR - 8/16/15 - 82
AUD -10/26/15 - 87
REG -01/28/16 - 80
BEC -02/27/16 - 74 (very sad), 4/16/16 - 77

[Zackpasses]

In terms of jobs I will apply for … I am looking to stay in finance/accounting but would be open to a business analyst type role. My ideal position is challenging and offers regular developmental opportunities, where I get to work with a smart, diverse group of people. The learning aspect is key to me. Any companies that invest in training and developing internal skills within their organization is extremely appealing. Hope this helps! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

FAR - 8/16/15 - 82
AUD -10/26/15 - 87
REG -01/28/16 - 80
BEC -02/27/16 - 74 (very sad), 4/16/16 - 77

[Missy]

In your case I probably would go for the CMA then. You have exactly the experience that combined with the CMA makes it value added, and are far more likely than most to be interviewing for companies that even recognize what a CMA is. Even if you weren't finished with it to be able to put progress toward it on your resume would help but it sounds like you have many attributes that will make you a great catch for somebody.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Mayo]

I second the CMA

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Zackpasses]

Thanks mla and mayo! I will probably take a little break from studying and then look into it. I know the CMA is shorter but have heard that the two sections each require a good deal of studying. I have to celebrate this victory and reacquaint myself with all my friends. I feel like we are strangers now before I buckle down. I also need to save up some money. The CMA exams are really expensive!

FAR - 8/16/15 - 82
AUD -10/26/15 - 87
REG -01/28/16 - 80
BEC -02/27/16 - 74 (very sad), 4/16/16 - 77

[Author]

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