Just curious if anyone out there is also a CPA? If so and you have your CFA or are applying now, what line of work do you do? Not sure if this is rare or considered a valuable combination. Thanks for your input.
yes, there are people that exist in the world with both. Also use the search function, you will see a gazillion threads on this. If that doesnt work, then PM greenman. He will talk your ear off about how having the combo can net you $70K salary in West Texas.
I’m a FP&A analyst and a CPA. Most people I know that have both did the CPA first then the CFA program mainly as a career boost. However, I personally think it’s stupid for the other way around.
I am a CA (Canada) and I’m in equity research. I think it’s considered valuable because you really know what’s going in to the financial statements to make adjustments and carry out valuations/other analysis.
^Are you based on Toronto?
I have a CPA and I’m a level 3 CPA candidate…it’s an excellent combo you’re an investment accoutant for example…most CPA’s I know can’t wrap their heads around FAS 133…as a CFA you’re able to do this…
CPA here, and completely agree. CPA => CFA makes sense to me, CFA => does not…
LOL!
CPA to CFA here. I’m in private wealth management.
CPA and CFA (passed level III) here and CFP. I’m in private wealth management as well (multi-family office).
Vik - based in Vancouver.
I would generally agree doing an accounting designation first then CFA is probably more beneficial than the other way around.
CPA/CFA here. I am doing business valuation.
persistentmind - awesome. Don’t think I’ve ever met an AFer from Vancouver. I only know like one person in ER from RJ as it’s quite small here. I’m in Vancouver as well, but on credit side.
Doubled majored in accounting and finance and decided to start my career in public accounting upon graduating in 2011. Obtained CPA license during my 20 months in public accounting and switched careers to work at an investment management firm as a senior investment accountant where I’ve been for the last 16 months. Working towards the CFA designation with the hope of meeting more investment focused folks and opening opportunities in mid- to front-office roles, with equity analsyis and research being what interests me most.
As far as the CPA and CFA - if you’re really interested in investments, the CPA and then CFA route makes sense and is very beneficial. The CPA license isn’t necessary, though, if you already have the CFA designation. There is a lot of crossover between CPA and CFA in the Financial Reporting & Analysis sections of the curriculum. I don’t think CFA and then CPA makes much sense though. Different routes for different people.
If you are in welath management/private banking, you are much better off building up your clientele base and networking+Spending time with family
If you are in equity research/valuation, you are much better off spenidng time analyzing market trends and spottting undervalued opportunities or potential growth companies + Networking + spenidng time with family
If you are an accountant, you are better off spending more time with family.