ACCA + CFA - Opinions

imtdub

Hello guys, I'm doing my ACCA part 3, but I've always been interested in stocks/derivatives and all that Investment Banking/Financial analyst stuff. I actually used to do stock trading for myself. So on the basis of ACCA is it possible to get in to Investment Banking or do I need specialist qualification like CFA qualification? I would assume ACCA would already cover lot of curriculum of CFA, your opinion's would be much appreciated especially who are into Investment Banking or anybody who has experience of both ACCA and CFA

thanks

SBWife

I have both and to be honest there's not much overlap just F9 and P4 (corporate reporting will help with the CFA financial analysis but the focus is quite different). CFA is significantly more difficult than ACCA and the experience requirement more onerous. I'd try and get a corporate finance position before beginning the CFA exams but in all honesty most CFA holders are in research, sales trading or asset management rather then in corporate finance.

imtdub

SBWife wrote: »

I have both and to be honest there's not much overlap just F9 and P4 (corporate reporting will help with the CFA financial analysis but the focus is quite different). CFA is significantly more difficult than ACCA and the experience requirement more onerous. I'd try and get a corporate finance position before beginning the CFA exams but in all honesty most CFA holders are in research, sales trading or asset management rather then in corporate finance.

@SBwife, many thanks for your reply. So If I want to move into Investment Banking will the ACCA qualification alone suffice or do you reckon I've to get CFA as well.

SBWife

You can't get CFA without 4 years of investment decision making experience so you need to work in the industry before you can get the charter. BTW investment banking is a US term here it's corporate finance.

imtdub

@SBWife, thanks very much for your prompt reply, just couple more queries

1. Did you study for CFA here in Ireland or elsewhere
2. Did you join any Tuition provider or self study.

SBWife

imtdub wrote: »

@SBWife, thanks very much for your prompt reply, just couple more queries

1. Did you study for CFA here in Ireland or elsewhere
2. Did you join any Tuition provider or self study.

Self study while living and working as an equity analyst in NYC.

lopppy

Would 4 years in asset management audit be sufficient for the four year investment experience no?

imtdub

@SBWife- many thanks for all the info...