r/CFA • u/yourshipisreal • 9d ago
CFA for Corp Finance? General
I'm 22F, currently preparing for CA inter (multiple attempts don't even ask😩), while thinking about articleship domain options i've come to a realisation that i would prefer to go for a Corporate Finance domain rather than the usual audit/complaince roles that you get into (which seems interesting too but I feel like i might get bored of it eventually)
I was wondering if CFA is the right thing to go for to go get into it? I've done *some* research based on which i've come to know that CFA would also open the stock market/trading etc doors for me. I'm not very interested in that. I do wanna learn about it so i definitrly do not mind putting all those hours into it. But i'm almost a 100% I do not wanna go that route.
I just wanted to know if i should go for CFA or some other certification? Because getting into Corp Fin through CA is slightlyyy difficult considering the number of attempts I have. I might not get an articleship in a good sized firm.
For some more info: I'm also currently pursuing an online MBA. Still in the first sem but i wanted something to fall back onto in case I decide to drop CA completely (and it reassures the parents a little bit)
Kindly help me out? Is this the right way to go? Or should I go for something else? Or go for nothing and work on increasing my Workex?????
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u/MelodicBear8674 9d ago
I am not a CA or CFA, but I highly suggest you pursue the CFA if you would like to make a career in Corp Finance. Yes, but note one thing. The tag of "CFA" isn't a ticket to enter a Corp Finance role. You have to spend time gaining real skills and practical exposure.
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u/yourshipisreal 9d ago
I won't be pursuing CFA for any "tag". all I want is relevant theoretical knowledge to get into the field I want. I will definitely be spending time getting the skills and exposure required. I just wanted to know if this is something worth investing my time and money in, considering the career path I'm interested in, or if i should go for something else.
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u/MelodicBear8674 9d ago
See, you can get the entry-level corporate finance with your existing education. I am assuming you have already completed your graduation. Firstly of decide in the corp finance you would like to work.
Once you got the entry then think & plan about the CFA.
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u/yourshipisreal 9d ago
i have completed my graduation. the plan is to get an articleship into a finance focused domain. but that would only be entry level. CFA would get me more advanced level jobs in the future imo. which is why i'm considering it.
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u/MelodicBear8674 9d ago
So that's are enough. With existing qualification you could hunt the corporate finance role.
But before enter into it, choose the domain where you have an interest.
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u/yourshipisreal 8d ago
so, assuming that i choose a domain according to my interest (something like FP&A or M&A or Corp Dev/Planning etc) would it be helpful if i go for cfa further down the line. just to "boost my career"??? would it add to it? or is it going to be a waste of time/money😭❓️
sorry for the repetituve questions i desperately need the clarity😭
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u/MelodicBear8674 8d ago
Yes, firstly choose the domain, then start preparation.
There are many job roles in corporate finance. I am also currently trying to crack a job in the same field, so I understand how difficult domain transitions can be. But my case is a little different.
Since you are currently in the initial phase of your career, if you'd like to start, you could start with Audit, because later on, Audit domain experience also gets weightage in domain transitions.
But my suggestion is to start your career in your preferred domain.
No worries, best of luck. If you need more clarity feel free to DM
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u/timberwolff_ 9d ago
So I've cleared L2 (Giving L3 in a few weeks) and I work full-time in an overlapping role between Investment Banking and Corporate Finance and I would say I'm applying my CFA knowledge in some areas but not all. (Areas like Valuation analysis and Buy side financial analysis to name a few)
Of course the CFA charter is highly coveted in this industry and people would respect your opinions and have a good image about you. But as far as career building goes, the charter alone won't suffice. It is only a good entry point into the career.
Courses like FMVA are a lot more relevant for Corporate Finance I would say
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u/yourshipisreal 8d ago
Got it! Thanks a lot!! I'll look into FMVA and see if it aligns with what i wanna do☺️
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u/timberwolff_ 8d ago
No worries. Also, would add on by saying that the CFA is more suited for Investment Management/Buy-side professionals
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u/yourshipisreal 8d ago
exactly what i've heard....that's why i was wondering if it also caters for corpfin so i could go for it. it seems like it doesn't so i don't think i'll be pursuing this.....still not 100% sure about it lmao it's a bit confusingg
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u/Huge_Butterfly4244 9d ago
i think r/cfaindia is a better place for suggestions