Background: Currently on track to graduate in 2011 with a B.S. in accounting and a minor in finance from a third tier state school which is AACSB accredited. Cumulative GPA 3.94, Major GPA: 4.0. I have two internships in accounting, one being at a midsized public firm which I’ve been working at since last semester. Prepping for the GMAT now so I can take it in the summer (I need some work, heh).

I’d like some opinions on my career path and more importantly MSA vs MSF.

I feel well informed about the public accounting industry; I’ve been researching it since freshman year. My decision to choose accounting was primarily due to attending a third tier university. I understood that an accounting degree would be more valuable than a finance degree from a third tier.

That being said, I’m much more interested in the finance industry than audit or tax at Big 4. Would it be prudent to apply for an MSF in this case and try to jump into a financial analyst position? I would think an accounting undergrad would be just as good as a finance undergrad for an MSF. Later down the road I’d go for a CFA.

Alternatively, I could go the ‘safe’ route and apply for a MSA which would lead me to Big 4 recruiting and a CPA. Maybe down the line make the jump from accounting to finance through an MBA.


I don’t want to be kicking myself 10 years down the line unhappy and unengaged in my career!

(1) So in short, should I take the ‘risk’ and apply for a MSF? Or stay with the more conservative MSA, CPA route?

(2) What are my options right out of MSF with no experience (entry level)? The finance industry seems so vast to me that it's difficult to actually pinpoint what area is the best fit.

I think you should go with what you find more interested. Like you said, you don't want to be looking back in 10 years with regret. Just my opinion though...

You've hit the nail on the head perfectly. It depends on what certification you want. MSF is basically all the coursework you need to get to L1 and parts of L2. MSA will get to you to CPA level proficiency for almost all 4 parts. Career-wise the outcome would differ too obviously.

The choice is yours....
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