Following on from Mark's posting below about MBA's and accounting qualifications, I was wondering whether or not it would it be advisable and worth my while as a qualified accountant to go for a MBA to help change direction in career?? Ideally I would like to try something more on the Strategy side and have been told that as I do not have any relevant experience an MBA would go well with an Accounting qualification and background. Feed back would be grateful as I wouldnt want to spend £40k for nothing - oh and FYI I scored 740 on my GMAT so a top school wouldnt be out of the question!

VFrom those i've spoken to in strat recently an MBA is a useful transitional tool to get from accountancy to consulting and combined with an ACA makes for a strong CV if experience is good.Apparently another useful recruitmetn technique si to start to move towards financial services consulting off the back of an accounting qual to develop further the softer consulting skills that may not appear so distinctly on one's cv from an accounting background. It is from this short term experience that a move toward strat is apparently easier!Following on from my posts below, with your quals and experience what do you think about the viability of CIMA through private study-is it possible with a demanding consulting career/travel/client demands and similarly do you think you accountancy quals will be worth the blood sweat and tears you inevitably poured into getting them in a consulting framework?Cheers, M

Also, it will NOT be possible to transition into top strat consulting without MBA education. Accountants have different requirements and mindset from consultants, so I would recommend you make your own judgment.

M Thanks for your input! You may be right about the softer skill set. In answer to your question - I would warn you that CIMA is not as easy as you think it is, especially if you are going to be travelling most of the time. Any professional accounting qual needs commitment and dedication - most of the junior in accounting firms get time off in order to prepare for exams etc.. Be warned its tough coming home from work and having to study or go to evening classes! I'm ACA and CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor) and work in Tax consulting so YES i would say its worth the blood sweat and tears over the last 5 years!! Even without Strat consulting experience i've managed to secure a few interviews! Accounting quals help!

Hero - what if i take a position drop and go for something which could in the long run lead to sponsorship for the MBA? That might be an option??

Am in strat consulting. I have done CIMA (in spare time whilst on consulting engagements) and it helps on the cv (remember developed corporate governance requires a certain number of financially literate members on the board – so from this perspective, depending on your ambitions, is very appropriate). It is tough to fit in and will take 3 years – so you need to consider where you'll be in 3 years and whether it will still be relevant. It is the most relevant accounting qualification for consulting. In actual fact, I found it easier to study when travelling – out of town projects make for it being easier to hide in your hotel room studying rather than when chilling at home. Be practical – if you're good at exams (i.e. revising for an exam in 3 days) then it's relevant. Otherwise you'll be pushed.I am not going for my practical experience chartership as this will not add that much credibility (and it is not needed for day to day practise). Any comments against this view much appreciated.I too am weighing up the £40k investment in an mba… but it is more critical if outside of strat consulting wanting to get in.