Hello everyone.
I have my degree from Ukraine, evaluated in WES. They gave me 150 credits, and it says "Bachelor's and Master's degree". Major is Economics.
I have total of 12.5 credits in Accounting:
Accounting and Analysis of International Economics (1 credit),
Accounting (2 cred.),
Financial Bookkeeping and Accounting (3 cred.),
Management Accounting (2 cred.),
Accounting in Credit Institutions (4.5 cred.).
4 credits in Auditing (Auditing (2 cred.), and Internal Auditing at Banks (2 cred)).
Also have 16 credits from local US College, including:
Financial Accounting (4 cred.),
Business Law (3 cred.).
So have in total 16.5 credits in Accounting + 4credits in Auditing (20.5)
I'm thinking to get US 1-year Master Degree in Accounting. (Each Semester has 15 Accounting credits + 3 Credits Business). University is not pretty expensive. Full time annual around $10,000 - 15,000. It seam, after first semester, I should be ready.

Also, I don’t have any experience in the US. Don’t really sure if they accept my country experience. I did not work with CPA or Auditor.

2 years for City Financial (Tax) Department, One year in Bank.

Questions:

1)      Should I study and get Master’s, or just go and get some courses online to fit requirements.

2)      I’m residing State New York, but they require 2 years experience, besides that evaluation system is pretty tough.

3)      I was thinking about 2-tier states (like Illinois), or some others, but without experience requirements. I have plans of moving to Chicago later. Or moving back to the Europe, than I don’t need license, just certificate. As I know, with license I need to take CPE every year or couple years. And it’s valid only in the State.

4)      If I have certificate, is it gonna expire any time?

5)      Illinois is changing two 1 tier in summer 2010. If I apply before that (I plan in the Fall) do I feet in old requirements?

OK. Thanks everyone who reads and answers. Sorry for a long post, just wanted to explain situation in full.

Hi,

I've got same education BS/MS  in Economics (from ex-USSR) and was in same place couple years ago...

My answer - go get MS in accounting if you can afford it (10-15K sound like a good deal, in my area there is nothing for less than 40K)

first, It is easier to get job (and experience) in public accounting if you have US degree

second, not all state boards accept online courses - check NY & IL educational requerements first 

Nope, in my to-do list...

Anyway - all states have different rules about it, so I check your state BOA website