I graduated May 2009 with my Bachelor's in Accounting. The following semester I took Law and the Accountant to be eligible to sit for the CPA (FL rules). My plan is to complete the CPA exams by the end of this year, and within 2011 I hope to finish the necessary coursework for certification, and be licensed by the end of 2011.

Following this, I am considering the MAcc, depending on my career status in 2011. I work for a local, Fortune 500, utility company and I have been here 7 years with the last 5 being in accounting/finance. If I can progress in my company without the MAcc, I won't rush it. This gives me time to focus on the "smaller" things.

My logic in this plan is, like I said, not to rush anything. I have a stable job which has given me opportunities to progress and I'm satisfied. The company reimburses all my expenses related to school and even the CPA so why leave? Am I happy here...happy enough. Once I have my CPA + MAcc, I'll have 10 years tenure with the company which enhances my resume and I'm benefitting from the support they give in my progression.

So, hopefully that helps. In my opinion, the CPA can be used to start your career in a reasonable place, but the MAcc (my opinion) seems like it's more beneficial for someone with experience and is on a path to management. I am on a path to management but I strongly believe in working my way up through the company. Maybe this will work for you, this is my plan. My plan for now anyways....