<p>Hi,
I am considering doing pursing a CPA license, however, I am not sure if it's a wise choice for me. I would have to get a second masters (in accounting) in order to be licensed, which requries taking all senior level actg classes first (undergrad level). Also my direct supervisor is not a CPA, however his boss is (FL requires 1 yr experience under a CPA). So I am not sure if the board will accept my work experience or not. </p>
<p>My goal is to become a financial executive one day. I never have worked for a big 4 firm, so I think a CPA might be a foregivness in this aspect.</p>
<p>Work Experience: I currently work as a financial analyst at a large non-for-profit hospital in FL. I mainly work on the operating and capital budget of the hospital. I have been working in this function for 3 years now. </p>
<p>Education: I have an undergraduate dregee in Finance (major GPA: 3.5) and an MBA (3.9).</p>
<p>Please let me know what you think. Any comments will be very much appreicated.</p>
<p>The CPA will only be useful if you get the audit experience. Companies that are specifically looking for CPAs want that. The other reason to get a CPA would be if you wanted to start your own public accounting business. There is also a CMA certification which might be more helpful in your chosen career path.</p>
<p>So, if I don’t work for an auditing firm, you don’t think that a CPA would increase my chances of becoming a CFO/Finance Director at a company? </p>
<p>Also, concerning the CMA, I heard that it was not a very valuable credential.</p>
<p>Do most companies realy require big-4 or auditing experience in their Finance leaders?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the company and the individual. If you really want to know you can google CFO’s of large companies and see how many of them are CPAs. For example, Cathie Lesjak of HP and Jon Moeller of Proctor and Gamble are not CPAs whereas Gary Fayard of Coca-Cola came from Ernst & Young. The CFO at the large company I work for is a CPA and he came from Arthur Andersen. Also, many large companies have a rotational program where young accountants can get experience in the internal audit department so it’s possible to get audit experience without working for one of the big 3.</p>
<p>Ricegal, thanks for the advise. What do other think?</p>
<p>Does anyone know if direct supervision of a CPA is requried for licensure, or indirect supervision is okay? My boss is not a CPA but his boss is, and he oversees our work, but does not directly supervise my work.</p>