How is my education compatible with US job market

I recently took a job as Finance Manager/CFO of our affiliate in Houston, Texas. At the same time I started following a lot of the career and leadership discussions going on here in US and internationally in general. I see there is a significant focus on what skills and especially education a CFO needs.

The offspring for this discussion is the US education system where most have a bachelor, but then discuss what to do from there be it MBA, CPA etc. I find it difficult to compare with the Scandinavian education system from where I have obtained my degrees. Basically you go through university and obtain both a bachelor and a master leaving you with 5 years of education at university.

So the question is now how do my M.Sc. in finance and accouting track versus an MBA in same? Also if I were to progress further in the US job market within finance would I need to have a CPA or similar in order to be ranked equally towards my competitors?

Personally I think what matters is experience and achievements obtained on the job and not what degree I have, but is this a valid arguement in US?

Looking forward to gaining some insights into what is needed especially if I am to progress to roles of Finance Director and CFO of larger companies.

Answers

Samuel Dergel Director - Executive Search • March 1, 2012

Andres,

In working with CFOs, the order of importance in getting their next position is:

1) Who they know.
2) What they know.
3) Their education.

Your network is key to continue to develop to be open for further career opportunities.

Where you've worked and what you've accomplished set the stage for getting your next challenge.

Your education is important, as it brands you that you have knowledge that was recognized by an institution with standards and a specified program. But no one is given the role of CFO solely because of their education.

Spend more time on the 1st and 2nd. So long as you have a solid and relevant education, the specifics of the education is less relevant.

Let me know if you have any further questions,

All the best,

Samuel Dergel

Anders Liu-Lindberg Regional Finance Business Partner • March 1, 2012

Thank you Samuel,

I fully recognize the importance of my network and I strive to continuously build on it wherever I go. It has indeed proven its worth already as it got me my previous job and laid the foundation to get me to where I am now.

I find though that each time you take a step up you are left with few connections on the next level so my once extensive network in the previous position is now no longer as useful as before. That just underline that building a network is an almost every day activity.

Brgds,
Anders

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