The CPA and CFA are unlikely to lead to IB roles. See our previous coverage. You really need relevant work experience, such as valuation or transaction services at a Big 4 or other/independent firm.

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I have coming up M&A transaction parterner interview. How can i prepare for that?

It’s not going to help with this type of transition. No one will question your accounting/audit skills.

I appreciate your response, thank you! Would you recommend me getting my CPA?

I am not sure about internal mobility within PE firms, but your best bet is probably just to approach the senior-most deal team member (assuming you know them or have at least traded emails/calls before) and directly ask about transferring. If they don’t even seem open to it, then you may have to get deal experience elsewhere first, such as at a Big 4 firm or even a boutique bank. It doesn’t make much sense, but recruiting in this industry is strange.

If you’re still early in your first year at this firm, wait at least ~6 months until you get more deal experience and prove yourself first.

These roles sometimes open up when PE firms raise new funds or hire new Partners, but I would not wait too long for that to happen because the longer you wait, the harder it is to get in (you’d be better off by joining a different firm where you can get actual deal experience vs. waiting several years there).

After graduating from a mid-tier university, I went into a large accounting firm as an auditor specializing in financial services such as PE and hedge funds. After a year there I moved into a senior accountant role at a well-respected PE firm working directly with the deal/investment team. I am currently very early in my first year here at this PE role. What should be my next steps, duration, etc. to move into the investment side. Any tips?

Thanks

Yes, that would be one option. I can’t say why your first attempt at transferring didn’t work, but I don’t think it has much to do with your degree.

I can’t really say without knowing your full background (university, grades, experience, internships, networking), but at this stage, you’ll probably need a top MBA to break in. At the 5+ year mark, you’re over-qualified for Analyst roles, and firms generally won’t hire you as an Associate without an MBA or previous experience.