[netaustin]

As far as I know, CPA in most states requires 150 hours of college credit, of which many must be in accounting. My CPA friends largely joined the big four firm on the strength of their CPA, spent a little time in audit, then promptly switched to consulting. What you get from that certification is the ability to sign corporate audits, own an accounting firm, and the right to prepare and defend tax returns. Unless you are preparing for a second career in accounting, CPA seems like a lot to bite off, but good on you! I don’t envy you all the cost accounting headaches and audit rules.

CFA requires that you have work experience making investment decisions and can get references to that effect, but in all it would be easier than CPA.

[camjohnson26]

Can confirm, plus there’s a 1 year requirement to work in the industry to get the certification after passing the test, and a continuing education requirement to maintain it. I studied accounting and passed the test, but immediately started working in tech so technically I’m not certified. The test was a beast and took about a year and a half to pass all 4 parts, and if you don’t pass all 4 within a window of time the old ones expire.

[robcohen]

Correct. I'll need to take classes. I found an online masters in accounting that's AACSB accredited https://onlinemsa.illinois.edu/

I'll knock that out then take the charter exam, if I pass then I'll consider doing part time work as an accountant for two years to get the hours.