What is a typical career route and amount of time to a Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)?

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Generally anything above senior manager at big 4 theres a shot, but path will depend on the person and opportunities. Once you enter the world of senior management there’s really no set path. It just happens based on opportunities and experience/fit.

So rule of thumb is if your at least a senior manager you can probably get there in some way, shape, or form.

No nobody can guarantee some path will take you to CFO/CAO or whatever you will reach a certain point where 10+ years of experience in finance/accounting will make you eligible and a competitive candidate. Also depends on experience and industry focus, too many variables.

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F
One person I know made it to CAO after leaving their role as a Big4 audit partner. Not sure if this is typical though.

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Know one who left as SM4 to SVP Controller. CAO left and was promoted. Other CAO I know did 10 years audit to controller, VP Finance then CAO.

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This seems about right. Being an officer at a public company is roughly equivalent in experience to a some experience as a partner in PA. Highly varied, though, as others have said.

Super variable.

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depends on industry, financial services seems to be good, ive gotten offers for cao at smaller banks

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