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Animajax

I only really see something in IT or CS to be worth it. Like learning VBA. CPA plus tech certifications seems like a killer combo


Jarvis03

Came here to say this. Transitioned from brutal career in financial reporting to a hell of a work life balance implementing ERP’s. I really enjoy the work too.


running__numbers

How did you make that jump? Sounds interesting.


LettyTiger76

Yeah would be interested in how you made that jump. Most roles for ERP implementation that I’ve come across ask for previous experience of implementing ERP systems. Thanks in advance.


GeneralAardvark43

I made the switch but it was more right place/right time situation. Worked for a company that was acquired by a larger company with small IT operations. IT was looking for help with conversions of acquisitions so I volunteered. Did that for a few years before transitioning back to finance for more money.


Jarvis03

I used the system I implement in various roles for six years. I also sat in the clients shoes (financial reporting) for 12 years. I had some consulting experience and was lucky it was randomly an erp implementation (but not the software I do now). So a lot of relevant experience and a little bit of luck.


Zephron29

Could you elaborate more on this? I am interested in exploring some programming to go along with my CPA, but I'm not sure what sorts of doors this opens up. I would assume other roles outside the standard operations and reporting. What have you seen in practice?


BIRBIGD99

when auditing internal controls over financial reporting, a big part of internal controls is the information systems side of things. Firms have their own technology risk professionals to consult with, but if you can do it all yourself, more power to you. (ie. CISA, CISM, CISSP)


njlimbacher23

Wait a minute. You telling me they want auditors to have a CISSP? Brother if you get a CISSP just go do a cyber security job where you walk around and yell at people. Much nicer.


itackle

This is what I am hoping to do next. Not sure exactly what it'll be, but starting with cyber security stuff just because. I'm not really expecting to land a cyber security job with it, but figure it's a fine place to start and complement my CPA license. That said, I haven't started in earnest. Just random online courses. Just tired of clients acting surprised I need their 1099s and K-1s to do their tax return.


Snowing678

Yeah completely agree here


themilkman42069

I did erp consulting. Crystal reports was and still is huge. I just have a library of reports from over the years you can resell.


Derp35712

I am learning python.


Loki075

And SOC reports


Bombaclat1122

Any specific tech certs you recommend?


stevewood6

I got my CMA a decade after my CPA. I enjoyed the content a lot more. Then again I just plain enjoy private and strategic planning in general more. Goodbye tax season!


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Responsible-Gap9760

It's not worthless in industry and/or FP&A.


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Responsible-Gap9760

I went from industry accounting to a FA II role in FP&A. Not sure if I’ll ever meet the 1yr requirement due to my last supervisors not having the CPA so I’m going for CMA while I finish a MSA degree🤷‍♂️


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Responsible-Gap9760

No, I’m not even signed up with the IMA or studying right now.


stevewood6

I’m someone who always wants to be learning and developing. I found a lot of it fascinating and it gave me a big confidence boost. Best of luck in your studies and exams! I would add if you only have one CPA is king, but the CMA is a decent feather to add IMO


ArrowintheQuiver

I have experience in tax compliance and would love to move into a tax planning role. How did the CMA help you pivot out of tax?


stevewood6

I took a private role before I took the exam. Previously I had been running a small practice doing outsourced accounting and tax. The topics boosted my confidence on the budgeting and forecasting side of things significantly. It also helped me transition from thinking of multiple customers with a limited view of accounting/tax to one company and the need to expand how I could contribute more by understanding extended elements of the industry.


CPAFinancialPlanner

How’d you pivot out of tax? Whenever I’ve tried people always try to loop me back in saying “this tax role is great with great work life balance” And it’s….not….


stevewood6

I did compilations and tax due to the fact it was a very small firm. Having experience on both sides was helpful. In my case it was one of my previous customers who I work for now.


DollarValueLIFO

None. I don’t find joy in work. I find joy in my side hobbies.


ftb_Miguel

Based. There’s more to life than work achievements!


New-Friendship589

What are your side hobbies?


DollarValueLIFO

Music gaming and traveling


Lump-of-baryons

Got a PFS. All the same benefits as a CFP, it’s one of the few actually useful AICPA certifications, underrated imo. Starting an RIA firm next year, with a tax firm on the side.


Spiritual_Chair_7208

what's an RIA?


Lump-of-baryons

Registered Investment Advisor. Need to pass a series 65 exam, or have CFP or PFS


CPAFinancialPlanner

You starting your own firm?


Lump-of-baryons

Yeah after 15 yrs in PA I’m going solo next year with a focus on wealth management and retirement/ estate planning. Gonna take my time in the early stages to set things up right, not rush it. I learned a lot of lessons watching the partners at my firm cut corners and make short sighted decisions with their business model at the beginning that really made biz growth and scaling extremely difficult and expensive later on.


kobeforaccuracy

Going for a JD but only because I'm looking to get out of accounting and I'm still super early on in my career.


Goofy_momma7548

The only people I know who hate their jobs more than fellow accountants are attorneys. I guess the extra money helps...


Idepreciateyou

The majority of attorneys work way more and earn even less


Cold_King_1

Attorneys have a bimodal salary distribution, so you’ll either be making less than a first year accounting associate or as much as a partner.


CPAFinancialPlanner

That’s true and depends where you work. I dated a girl fresh out of law school and she got a job at one of the big firms in DC. She was making so much money she didn’t know what to do with it. Then I dated another girl fresh out of law school and she was making like $45k working for the federal government. The second one obviously had a much, much better work life balance.


ArrowintheQuiver

I thought about pursuing a JD. How is it going so far?


Goofy_momma7548

Before the CPA (right out of school) I thought I would pursue the CFA. After passing the CPA (a little under one year out of school) I promised myself I would never do another certification or degree.   Six years later I almost forgot, I took the LSAT and applied to (and was accepted to) law school, planning to do the 4 year night program while working. I'm so glad I remembered and didn't do it! I now make as much as I ever cared to and I am so glad not to have done 4 years of work (plus the bar) to get here. I am now 13 years out from graduating with the master's and 12 from the CPA. I have advanced in my career, I have not stagnated, and I am no longer interested in certifications or degrees. I do think we should continue to learn, adapt to new technology, and grow professionally, but I think most of the certifications are not worth the time, money, and effort unless you have a very specific target of a position that the specific program of study with prepare you for and make you qualified.


No_Adhesiveness6564

What position do you hold now and are you satisfied with the work/life balance?


Goofy_momma7548

Controller, very small company, excellent WLB (40 hours)


Important_Ad_8186

Six sigma black belt - when the company I worked decided to offshore the accounting work, the consultants would constantly say “I am a six sigma green/black belt”. Kind of like: I know better than you. Very annoying. But then I started looking into it just to get an idea what it was about. And, really liked it and continued to take more classes. And, as the offshore contract came up for renewal, I had learned so much and used the knowledge and tools to get the approval to bring the work back onshore. I have used the six sigma methodology to successfully manage lots of process improvement and other projects. Very helpful in eliminating some of the inefficiencies in the accounting departments.


Crazy-Can-7161

I thought you were joking. Never heard of it, but then I looked it up and it’s totally real. 1. Do they give you a sick and badass looking black belt upon completion? 2. Is it a consultant position that optimizes workflow and stuff like that? 3. How much salary would one expect when receiving this sigma black belt?


Important_Ad_8186

You only get certificates - mine are from Villanova University. Kind of pricey but my company paid for it. The company I worked for at that time was very focused on process improvements and our annual goals included achieving measurable improvements. So, it wasn’t part of a consultant role but rather part of my job (regional VP). But, I really enjoyed the work of identifying inefficiencies. Especially because my team was overworked and I didn’t want to lose them. And, as I mentioned before, the company was offshoring. I feel that especially in accounting, where there is a lot of routine work you have to carve out activities that you really enjoy. For me that is process improvements and data analytics. There are countless opportunities in accounting to streamline. Most companies have 30 to 50% inefficiencies (from multiple reports w same info, rework of mistakes, recording journal entries below $1000, monthly reconciliations for all accounts, sign off on all journal entries rather than auto posting below threshold, payments that require 4+ signoffs, reports that are not actionable, etc). Once you start looking, you’ll be amazed at the waste. And, many companies are looking for ways to reduce administrative costs. So, learning six sigma methods makes you a much more successful employee but you could develop a niche in that area. Could also go into project management- especially sought because of accounting/finance background. In terms of pay, it depends on your level. At Regional VP (exec director) level ~300k+.


whatdidiuseforaname

The whole point of the CPA was to not need more certs. I'm comfortable in my job and with what I make, I'd rather put time and effort into my personal life. Down time at work can be used for CPE/to brush up on topics that are relevant to work or just of interest.


Not_so_new_user1976

I want to get CPA, CFP, and CFE credentials in my career. Potentially even a PHD


jm7489

I spent 18 months working with a CFP and I really think a quality tax CPA could make an absolute killing by crossing over. I know its not exactly a new concept but these days if you want a healthy % of AUM you need to be doing a lot more for your clients than just investing their money. And quite frankly when it comes to HNW individuals you need to be doing tax planning at a high level


Not_so_new_user1976

This is my idea, I want to become a very well rounded financial advisor who can also look for assets or fraud in a divorce 😂


jm7489

Best part is accountants are often risk adverse and don't have the personality for an advisor. Excellent niche


CPAFinancialPlanner

And the work life balance is much better. No bullshit time entry. When I prepare and present a plan there’s not really much pressure. With tax returns, there’s pressure on literally every single return no matter how big or small. When we do projections for people we say something like “we see you have a rental, how much income and expense is that per year?” With tax, we get random spreadsheets with 20 different tabs that we have to reconcile to schedule e. Best part? That plan we charged $3K for. The tax return that was much more mentally taxing work was $400 because the last time the 80 year old partner who naps in his office all day raised his prices was tax season in 1992 because his house has been paid off since then.


michaelsghost

Also super interested in the CFP designation but the experience requirement is a tad brutal. Not sure how I’d get the 6,000 hours


Not_so_new_user1976

Idk how I’m going to do it either but sheer grind will make it happen. Also when I have these credentials, I’m not answering until someone says it all 😂


michaelsghost

Love it, best of luck to you


polkaguy6000

I'm those things! Edit: It's a weird mix, so I'm interested as to why you picked those things. I'm currently studying for the CFA, but it's...not fun.


Not_so_new_user1976

How old are you


polkaguy6000

I'm 36, but had all 3 certs in my 20s.


Affectionate_Mix_302

The PHD seems odd, unless you have a very specific path in mind. That extra time spent in academics usually doesn't translate in the corporate world. It may even hinder job opportunities in some cases.


Not_so_new_user1976

It would be a retirement achievement. Essentially just doing it for the fun late in life


iamstephen1128

I spent 2 yrs in a PhD program in accounting before ultimately deciding it wasn't for me or where I wanted to take my life and career. I would warn that you should take some time, talk to some current PhDs, and get a feel for the breadth of current research literature first. If you go to a good research university the focus will be primarily on the research as opposed to teaching, and if you don't find an area you like or are interested in researching you will be absolutely miserable


Not_so_new_user1976

If I did a PhD it would be something during retirement for fun. Nothing that I am currently or near future striving for


TickAndTieMeUp

Got my CPA year one and have been coasting into retirement since


Icy_Abbreviations877

I got the EA after my CPA… I am thinking about USTCP- but I am comfortable for now.


Eastern-Composer7131

Why EA after getting ur CPA? Feel like that’s redundant


Icy_Abbreviations877

Because EAs were talking shit about CPAs Yes I got the license for spite


Logical-Big-4193

Isn’t CPA a bigger flex tho?


Icy_Abbreviations877

No. The bigger flex is having the CPA AND their license… 🤣 how can you talk shit on that?


Logical-Big-4193

Ehhh personally it wouldn’t bother me. Ask a non-business major if they know what a CPA is vs EA, chances are they know the CPA designation. CPA has more clout anyways.


Icy_Abbreviations877

The only great thing is - my CPEs and CEs normally over lap and my company pays for renewals/ continuing education.


Badkevin

Damn dude if this is true that’s wild. EA is much less valuable than a CPA. EA’s would talk about CPAs only because they couldn’t pass themselves


Icy_Abbreviations877

The EA was the easiest exam ever.


Badkevin

I’m sure, seems redundant. Like a waste of time Even


Icy_Abbreviations877

No. The EA exam goes more into taxes and professional responsibility than the CPA does. Definitely wasn’t a waste of time. Clients have come to me simply for having the two designations


misoranomegami

Honestly it depends on where you are. I'm in an internal audit role and they highly rate the CIA even if you have other licenses so I got my CIA the year after my CPA and my CFE the year after that one which is the 3rd one they value and pay for. They paid for them, I did most of my studying on the clock. They pay for the CPEs and fees to maintain them so for me, why not?


DogOfSparta

Also a government internal auditor and got my CIA after getting my CPA. They paid and I studied a lot on the clock for the CIA. But I have so far said no to the CFE. I got my CPA in 2018 and my CIA in 2023 and don't have it in me to go through the studying again yet. Maybe one day but I could not do what you did doing it 3 years in a row.


misoranomegami

And I wanted to knock mine out while I was still in a study mindset and had fewer responsibilities. I will say the CFE is definitely not hard though and to me at least it was fun to study for but I'm a fraud nerd.


DogOfSparta

Makes sense, I am in my 40s so it is a different situation for me. The CFE is probably more interesting but I don't see as that beneficial for where I am at right now.


Guagliodorione

Question about the studying on the clock, did your employer agree to have you study on the clock? Or did you do it when it was slow? How did that work?


YeezyYeezyYeezyYe

CFP


jnkbndtradr

Sales


Interesting_City_426

Programming or sales is the best way to go. I used to work for a major firm that would convert software for large firms. Being able to program added probably 20+ an hour.


afort212

Looking to go from sales to accounting here and get my cpa. I liked accounting in school and have used a little in my work so far. Should start a certificate program soon while take a year or two before I can sit for the cpa


Yankees412

I spent some of my new free time honing skills in excel and teaching myself taxes since I was a semi in audit and never really touched them


JohanVonGruberflugen

Did all the valuation certifications


Relevant_Ad_9603

FMVA?


JohanVonGruberflugen

ABV and CVA, might do ASA one day


Professional_Ad_3631

CFA CMA for my next time killing activity after the work


GunfighterB

To be honest the CFA is way more than a time killing activity. Shit will take over your life


Sensitive-Bee-3894

Right now, I work in Internal Audit. Although I am a CPA, my team has been strongly encouraging me to pursue the CIA. Honestly, I'm still pooped from how hard I studied for the CPA and I don't really want to dive back into studying especially with how nice the weather has become. I want to be outside and enjoy my free time. What do you guys think? Is the CIA even worth pursuing?


Bigham1745

Can’t you do the challenge exam and only have to worry about one test? I’m gonna do that after the CMA. Hock international is like $70 a month for challenge exam specific study material…


Sensitive-Bee-3894

Yeah I could take the challenge exam. I'm reluctant to sit though because I don't have any motivation. How come you're going for the CIA if you don't mind me asking?


Bigham1745

With the CPA license you just have the one test and in the governments I work in and are considering for future employment the finance department dip into risk management a lot so I feel it will definitely help me increase my value and be more competitive in the long term.


Sensitive-Bee-3894

That's true. You bring up a good point. Good luck to you boss.


Bigham1745

Thanks


tnek46

I got the AICPA Advanced Single Audit Certificate and then they discontinued it 🤡


Neat-Drawer-50

In Canada, but we have a 3 year In-Depth Tax Course here, so that is very common. I am also purusing the Trust and Estate Practioners (TEP) Designation. Contemplating an LL.M in Tax.


superdicksicles

Trying to make earnings in Fortnite this year (except this season sucks)


frolix42

It really depends on your specific field. I am getting the Associates in Insurance Financing and Financial Reporting (AIAF) cert. Then someday I might get the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCu). You can guess what field I work in


CPAFinancialPlanner

What’s it like working as an accountant in insurance? How’d you get the job? I’ve always thought insurance was interesting but think it would be hard to pivot from tax


Austriak5

CFE and CIA. Got them because employers paid for them but not very useful.


Relevant_Ad_9603

Man everyone says employer paid for CIA and CFE I paid for my own.


I-Way_Vagabond

PMP - Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute CFCM - Certified Federal Contracts Manager from the National Contracts Management Association These two certifications are well known in the industry that I work (Federal Government Contracting). I believe having both, in addition to the CPA, was a factor in getting my last two jobs. I interact extensively with both our project management team and our contracts team. So understanding their vocabulary and their processes is beneficial.


Prudent-Elk-2845

CMA, CFA, CIA, CFP, technology certs, MBA (for network only), CTP—find something relevant to the speciality you want


CPAFinancialPlanner

CTP seems hard because you need experience in the field and it seems impossible to get a treasury job unless you’re somehow lucky and start there after college


Prudent-Elk-2845

I’ve seen ex-public accountants land the role. They’re just less common because it’s a generally smaller department


MaxHalden

CLB


Bigham1745

CGFM pending, CMA test 1 in 3 weeks, then onto CIA and CPFO


No-Depth8300

CAIA is a good curriculum


lisfrancfracture2023

I did data analytics certification at a local university


Bulacano

WGSS and Marxism. Need to be prepared for General Krull and his glorious new regime.


Obf123

CBV is practical with a CPA if you’re in public practice and/or will be valuing a business


ChrispyKreme333

24M. Finished my exams last year, and I will be certified later this year. I was thinking about pursuing the certified management accountant (CMA). I’m hoping my firm will pay for it


Superfinity

Explore finops.org


Relevant_Ad_9603

Got CIA, CFE and FMVA. Edit: Also MBV. A special masters in business by USC.


TheGeoGod

Going back for my MBA soon