Hey MillionDollars, I'm currently pursuing my MBA and planning to complete atleast level 1 exam for either CFA or CPA before the graduation. But haven't been able to decide which one would suit more to my personality. I am comfortable with both accounting and finance; and can shift to either. Since you have the real world exeperience with CFA, which one would you recommend - CFA or CPA? I know the requirements of CPA, if I decide to go for CPA, I can extra classes. Both are tough nuts to crack but am ready to work my ass off to get the designation.

The other day, I was speaking with the VP of finace from ConAgra, who has a CPA designation, he recommend me to go with CFA coz he said most of the companies today are synchronizing their accounting and financing department and relying heavily on the outside accountants for auditing and accounting.

However, the auditing manager at Deloitte N Touche, had the other opinion and suggested me to go for the CPA. Her argument was with CPA degree, you will have more career options and can shift to finance sector if you don't like working in accounting in future, but that's not the case with CFA.

What's your thought on CPA and CFA? Which one would be better for the international students? As I told you, I'm comfortable with both accounting and finance. Just curious, which one stores better future for international students. Looking at the current economy and US market, CPA sounds a more secure option than CFA. What's you thought on this?

Any suggestions or advices will be highly appreciated.