| Topic Name: |
Corporate Finance or Securitization Audit |
| Message Name: |
Thank you |
| Date Posted: |
02/28/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Some random thoughts and questions designed to get you thinking - not to give a definitive answer.
(1) In which industry do you want to be a CFO?
(2) How does being a securitization auditor advance this goal?
At first (but perhaps wrong) blush, the corp fin position seems more relevant.
Why? What skills and exposure do you get as an auditor that advance your CFO career?
Now, if you're trying to become a CFO in banking, perhaps there is some logic in getting into a bank. But then the question is - can you move from auditing?
(3) CFO Qualifications
Working hypothesis: strong accounting and corporate finance skills along with knowledge of financing -instruments and markets.
From the qualifications side, you seem to have the accounting nailed down with the CPA. Not clear how heavy the corporate finance component is in your MBA.
Not clear what your work experience is - which will probably matter more than degrees you got long ago.
Assuming your goal is CFO in non banking industry, then a banking path to a CFO might be through a coverage area (where you transition from the bank to a corporate in the industry you cover) or perhaps a product group (where you could round out capital raising skills or get involved in what are perceived as "value creation disciplines" - M&A, equity raising).
Or perhaps a controllership position within a bank.
Or through an auditing/accounting firm.
(4) How to Proceed?
The task is to identify the skills and experience you need and then set a plan to get this. As well, if you've got a specific industry in mind, you should look over its structurally-induced strategy and requirements. A CFO in a coal mining company is a different kettle of fish than one in a tech company.
You also need to think how you can build a network of contacts to move your career forward. If you've got all the skills/experience in the world, it won't do much good unless you can find a way to make your sales pitch.
(5) Your Particular Situation
You've got 7 years under your belt, but it's not clear how much traction you have towards your goal.
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| Message: |
Yea, I have alot of thinking to do. I really appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
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