Which accounting qualification would suit?

Hi all,
Before I start, I have searched the site to see if this has been discussed and haven't found what I'm looking for.
I finished a 4year degree course in Marketing 2 years ago. I'm now interested in going down the accounting route. I've settled on doing CPA but am now being told that the ACCA would suit me better as I work in industry. I intend to stay working in industry and in the future might like to run own business. Taking this into consideration - which qualification is best suited.

I would recommend ACCA over CPA.

The ACCA is internationally recognized and accepted. If you ever go abroad, people will instantly recognize and accept your qualification. They will not have heard of the CPA.

Even within Ireland, the ACCA has a much higher status than the CPA.

Brendan

Thanks Brendan

what role in industry? You could also consider CIMA, though ACCA is better if you are looking for corporate finance jobs in industry

I am in a similar position - just going into final year at college. Currently working for the Summer in an accountancy firm (~15 employees) and they have offered me a contract after my finals next June 2008 to complete CPA exams.

Can all the different accountants - ACCA, ICAI, CPA etc perform the same work. Are CPA's excluded from anything.

I am inclined to accept the offer as I feel that I will gain experience over a broader range than say going to one of the "big 5" where you could be "pigeon holed"


Anyone any advice

The advice i've being getting is that cpa is for those who want to work in practice and cima for those who wish to work in industry. Acca then is the middle man and concentrates on both. I've being told by a qualified acca accountant that cpa is worthless if you ever decide to go abroad and it isn't very practical-based. Acca is recognised globally and apparently offers more practical based learning.
These are only all opinions but if you are being sponsored by a company I would try talk to someone in same company that has done cpa and see what they think.

As a qualified CPA for almost 10 years I have to disagree with Brendans comment

CPA is an Irish accountancy body with international recognition

I have worked in both private practice and in industry my qualification as a CPA has always been held in the highest esteem

My salary is on par with friends and colleagues I trained with whom choose the ACCA/ACA route

CPA is a smaller body in terms of members but the exams and training required is just as intensive as the other bigger accountancy bodies

Thanks Telco, but for someone who will probably end up working in both practice and industry can you honestly say CPA will be as practical as ACCA. I'm just asking as I'm being sponsored by my boss, work in industry and want to get the most appropiate qualification

Hi

I have not trained as a ACCA so am just able to give you my experience as a CPA

Check out www.cpaireland.ie for further information

I have worked in industry post qualification for almost 7 years and spent the first 2 years qualified in practice ( having trained while in practice)
It was my choice to move sectors , the training and my qualifications allowed me to form a solid base for my choosen career in Finance . On going professional education is also required by the institute to keep updated on latest developments

I have a now have a senior role on the finance team of a medium sized company , there are plenty of roles out there , my experience is that recruiters see you as qualified or not , not necessarily the letters after your name

Good luck with whatever you choose !

Hi Seriams,

Another CPA here. It should be also pointed out that a number of ACCA's based in Ireland who work in Practice have applied for membership of the CPA on the basis of the greater level of technical support they receive from the Irish based body.

Past30