Fund Accounting

jkjhngk

Just quick question regarding Fund Accounting jobs in ireland, but is it standard for people to do the accounting exams or do they encourge other qualifications?

Might be a stupid question but just thought that i would ask it, as i would like to do accounting exams, so that if i turned out not to like FA that i would have the qualifications and would be easier to switch jobs.

jonnybravo

jkjhngk wrote: »

Just quick question regarding Fund Accounting jobs in ireland, but is it standard for people to do the accounting exams or do they encourge other qualifications?

Might be a stupid question but just thought that i would ask it, as i would like to do accounting exams, so that if i turned out not to like FA that i would have the qualifications and would be easier to switch jobs.

I know people working in funds companies and some are doing their accounting exams and others aren't. Not sure if it depends on what company your working in or not. Obviously it'd be better for your career to do some exams as the more qualified you are the better. You might have more luck with responses if you post in the accountancy forum. There's also a lot of info in their about the different types of accounting qualifications.

Adrock-aka

Hey jkjhngk,

Unfortunately, there is no common exam/designation route for Fund Accountants. This is flexible in one way but career debilitating in another.
It seems like people choose the accounting route as a default choice because it's kind of close to real accounting.

How long have you been in FA if you don't mind me asking?

Start exams within 6 months of starting fund accounting if you can -PLEASE Do NOT wait. Any longer than 2 or 3 years in FA (without another professional designation) and you become very pigeon holed career-wise.

I did the CAIA's www.caia.org after 20 months with my previous company. I wanted to understand everything about the hedge funds I was administering. The CAIA only covers Alternative Investments (funds, special investment vehicles, real estate, commodities, infrastructure, PE, VC etc). It is a good designation for someone who may want to transition at some point into a middle/front office role. It's a relatively new designation but is gaining some currency in the AI market. Another great thing about this designation is that you can complete it within a year if you are successful.

If you want to go down the equity analyst route or work in the trading side of things - start the CFA. Even having the 1st level of the CFA completed can give you good leverage when looking elsewhere for world. It's the gold standard finance designation world wide and includes a huge range of topics. Alternative Investments is a small section in the CFA so the CAIA gives exponentially more coverage in this area if you wish to specialise.

From your post, it's clear that you want to go for accounting exams. FA provides a relatively good platform to get the accounting exams. Your hours aren't crazy so you can study more and your company should provide funding for the exams too. Realise however, that most companies stipulate that you stay with them for up to 2 years after you complete exams they fund. So if accounting exams take 3 years and you start TODAY then expect to be with that company for 5 years (unless you want to take on the cost yourself, which may be worth it!)

Just start as soon as possible whatever you choose to do. Like, ya know, now! Today. Before January. You won't be sorry

PM me if you'd like any more info. Sorry for rambling. I feel quite strongly about this!

Mr. Loverman

A friend of mine is a fund accountant. He has no accounting/business qualifications or knowledge of accounting, etc.

He says it is a very easy job, anyone can do it. I would describe him as very much a non-maths, non-business person. He's a stoner.

Not sure if that's useful or not.

tenchi-fan

jkjhngk wrote: »

Just quick question regarding Fund Accounting jobs in ireland, but is it standard for people to do the accounting exams or do they encourge other qualifications?

Might be a stupid question but just thought that i would ask it, as i would like to do accounting exams, so that if i turned out not to like FA that i would have the qualifications and would be easier to switch jobs.

If I were you I'd enroll with ACCA. It means if you left fund accounting, at least you have a qualification that can be used in other accounting roles. The courses & exams can be expensive so you might as well get your employer to cover them if they're offering!