Hey everyone,
I’m in a bit of a pickle and could use some advice. I’ve been working as an accountant for about 5 years now, but I’m not loving it. I passed CFA Level 1 last year with flying colors, hoping it would open doors in finance. But man, it’s been tough!
I’m currently a senior property accountant at a real estate investment firm. I’ve got some fund accounting experience too. The thing is, I’m really keen on switching to finance - maybe as an investment analyst or in FP&A. I’m open to any finance role in the investment world, not just real estate.
Here’s my dilemma: How do I break into finance with just accounting experience and CFA Level 1? What roles should I be targeting? I’m even willing to take a pay cut for the right opportunity.
I’m considering taking some real estate financial modeling courses. Good idea or waste of time?
It’s frustrating seeing folks with non-finance backgrounds killing it in finance while I’m stuck. I’m earning decent money in accounting, but I can’t see myself doing this long-term.
Any tips or advice would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hey CreativeChef15, I totally get where you’re coming from! 
Have you thought about leveraging your real estate background to break into finance? Your experience in property accounting could be a golden ticket into real estate investment trusts (REITs) or real estate private equity firms. They often value people who understand both the numbers and the industry.
What about reaching out to some boutique real estate investment firms? They might be more willing to take a chance on someone with your unique skill set. You could even pitch yourself as a hybrid accountant/analyst role to start with.
Oh, and have you considered getting your real estate license? It might seem left-field, but it could give you an edge in understanding property valuation from multiple angles.
Just curious - what drew you to finance in the first place? Was it the analytical side or the deal-making aspect? Knowing that might help narrow down which area of finance to target.
Keep pushing forward! Your transition might take time, but with your CFA Level 1 and accounting experience, you’ve got a solid foundation. Rooting for you! 
hey there, i feel ya on the career switch struggle. have you thought about networking? maybe reach out to some finance pros on linkedin or attend industry events. your cfa level 1 is def a plus. don’t give up, keep applying and highlight your relevant skills from accounting. good luck!
Your CFA Level 1 and accounting background are actually great assets for transitioning to finance. Have you considered roles in valuation or due diligence? These positions often blend accounting with finance skills, and your real estate experience could be particularly valuable there.
For breaking in, I suggest targeting boutique firms or smaller shops first—they tend to be more open to diverse backgrounds. Also, consider the power of informational interviews by reaching out to professionals in your areas of interest to learn from their career paths.
Although real estate financial modeling courses could help, prioritizing CFA Level 2 might better demonstrate your commitment and deepen your expertise. Stay persistent and continue refining your pitch; your unique blend of skills could set you apart in the right environment.