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Management Accountant/Business Analysis role - How to stand out as an ACA?

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  • 09-02-2013 1:50am
    #1
    MagicWanderer
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭


    Is an ACA qualification adequate to secure such a role?
    Would a CIMA qualification be a plus in addition to ACA?
    Would there be any postgrad qualifications that would help one secure a role in this area>


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    #2
    superb choice of username
    Registered Users Posts: 140 ✭✭superb choice of username


    I can't see a CIMA qualification being of any benefit if you're qualified with ACA, they are both on the same kinda level - accountants are always in demand, the general hierarchy is ACA > ACCA > CIMA (although this is hotly debated!). If you wanted to stand out, you could get tax qualified on top - tax is always relevant in management accounting...


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    #3
    MagicWanderer
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭MagicWanderer


    What do you think the best Tax qualification for someone looking to get into Managmeent accounting/business analysis area?

    I looked at the ACA specialist tax qualification and it seems to be more geared at those working in Practise, which I have zilch interesr in.


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    #4
    SBWife
    Registered Users Posts: 1,287 ✭✭✭SBWife


    MagicWanderer wrote: »
    What do you think the best Tax qualification for someone looking to get into Managmeent accounting/business analysis area?

    I looked at the ACA specialist tax qualification and it seems to be more geared at those working in Practise, which I have zilch interesr in.

    I'd think SAP skills and advanced Excel, VBA would set one apart.


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    #5
    Jim2007
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 10,047 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    MagicWanderer wrote: »
    Is an ACA qualification adequate to secure such a role?
    Would a CIMA qualification be a plus in addition to ACA?
    Would there be any postgrad qualifications that would help one secure a role in this area>

    If you are a qualified accountant, you have sufficient accounting and tax knowledge for the job. What you should be looking at is things like:
    • Data warehousing
    • Data mining
    • Business intelligence

    As well as tools such:
    • Advanced Excel
    • Business Objects
    • Cognos
    • MS SQL Reporting services

    In fact some kind of MSc in these areas would be useful


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    #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I'd go for the number crunching systems/technical skills over gaining another qualification (CIMA or Tax)

    Other than that you could consider presentation skills if you aren't used to presenting financial concepts or results to non financial people.

    US GAAP Revenue Recognition training could also be handy for a multinational.

    Edit: If your experience is Big 4 audit the most likely route into those roles is to go into a control role in whatever sector you trained in, then transfer internally after a year or so. (by all means keep looking for direct opportunities too)


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    #7
    MagicWanderer
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭MagicWanderer


    Jim2007 wrote: »
    If you are a qualified accountant, you have sufficient accounting and tax knowledge for the job. What you should be looking at is things like:
    • Data warehousing
    • Data mining
    • Business intelligence

    As well as tools such:
    • Advanced Excel
    • Business Objects
    • Cognos
    • MS SQL Reporting services

    In fact some kind of MSc in these areas would be useful


    All of the Msc that I see tend to be focused on software development with a greater focus on programming than on these skills.
    Anyone know of any which would incorporate the skills referred to by Jim?


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