I'm looking for ways to validate skills I have learned while serving in the Finance Corps with the US Army. I have reached out to the Institute of Management Accountants, but they sent back a form to verify my work experience. Before I embark on this route, I like to evaluate the ROI if possible because tracking down my previous supervisors (NCOs, CPT, and etc) can be a drawn out task. I have also attempted to reach out to schools that provide CMA preparation courses, these range from $2000 - $3000, I would not consider this an option, if possible.
With a CPA, it looks like I would have to enroll in accounting classes to fill the void since I pursued a degree with a finance concentration. Then work directly for someone that has a CPA designation for 2 years before I can sit on the exam.
The ultimate goal I have is to work with SAP FI/CO or with Oracle Enterprise Business Suite. Any advice, guidance, or feedback would help. Thank you in advance.
Answers
Thanh,
I thought I'd try to help clarify the question. Darlene is quite right...working with an ERP platform is the credential you need to work with an ERP platform! But, to back up a bit: The CMA is a credential for people who are accounting/finance functionally qualified. The folks who sit for this exam are versed in functions in the office of the controller of the organization, for example. They close books/do the statutory reporting, do financial planning/analysis, budgeting and forecasting etc. The CPA exam is a credential for tax accounting and is largely a requirement to go into that field or the audit field with any credibility. You don't NEED a CMA to work in the office of accounting or office of finance; but it telegraphs your capabilities. You can always sit for it AFTER you are working for a bit.
Be aware that ERP systems, such as SAP are huge complex animals. The ability to use them and the ability to configure them are two very different capabilities. Plus they have LOTS of different modules--some for accounting, finance, for manufacturing etc. If you are interested in becoming certified in implementing these tools, I'd look to the organization itself. You can work for the vendor for a few years and then spin yourself off to your favorite customer. (Just an idea.) There's a lot of mobility among those ranks in all directions.
Much success to you,
Sherry
Darlene -
Tom -
Thank you for your insightful reply, I will definitely seek out potential companies that uses SAP, Oracle, or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms. I only hope if there's anyone that is currently using these platforms, please let me know. Thanks.
Thanh,
Please let us know what you think of the information and advice above, as well as the information in the discussion below. Feedback and interaction is important to us, and critical to your success.
https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/1302/how-valuable-sap-certification
Hi Thanh,
Personally, I do not feel that obtaining either of those certifications will help you very much in reaching your goal of working at a SAP company. My best advice is to locate finance jobs that match your skills at companies who use SAP software. You just need to get your foot-in-the-door at an SAP company even if it is entry-level so that you can learn more about SAP. SAP experience is what is going to count the most in the job market not CPA or CMA. I know someone who learned SAP on-the-job at a bank, then they earned a Masters in IT and they are doing great right now! You might be able to go that route. You will be more marketable if you can show that you are tech-savvy. Good luck!
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