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ebitda
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| Posted: 29 Jan 2010 at 02:16 | IP Logged
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[I originally had this in the "Becoming a CPA" section but posted it here too since it's more about career advice.]
I apologize in advance if this has been discussed many times, but I
didn't get the specific answers I sought when I searched, so I thought
I would make a new topic about this.
What do you guys think of
satisfying the 150 hours through a post-bac certificate program? I mean
taking courses at universities with names attached like School of
Continuing Studies, Extension School, etc. I noticed that many programs
offer courses that have the same content as a typical accounting major
or masters program (audit, federal/individual tax, advanced accounting,
and many elective choices), only they are a lot cheaper. At the end,
they give you a non-degree Certificate in Accounting.
My questions are:
1.)
To get a job/succeed in accounting, is it enough to just get the 150
hours and pass the CPA? Will I be at a disadvantage compared to those
with a MAcc + CPA? I've been told that it doesn't matter what your
school/degree is as long as you pass the CPA exam. Many posts on this
forum suggest that idea as well. I was wondering to what extent this is
true.
2.) I understand that masters programs, unlike these
certificates, have on-campus recruiting to facilitate job placement. (I
guess that's what you're paying for, besides the tangible degree.)
After getting just a certificate, is it still realistic to land an
entry-level offer in accounting through a self-directed search?
3.)
Following question 2, how would it look to pass the exam's 4 parts
before the job search (no experience beforehand besides internships)?
Since many states require qualifying experience before you actually get
licensed, I was wondering if passing all 4 parts (but no "CPA" after my
name) signals anything for entry level job hunting. It seems like most
candidates, usually recently hired out of school, take the exams while
they start their jobs, not before. I just don't know if my situation
will just end up sort of like a chicken-egg dilemma, if you know what I
mean.
To give a bit of background: I recently graduated with a
BBA intending to go into finance, but due to the '09 market
I haven't been able to land any offers relevant to my interests. I'm
now thinking about doing a post-bac certificate program in accounting
to take the CPA, and go that route instead for more options. My resume
is actually a better fit for accounting than finance anyway, and I
wouldn't mind pursuing an accounting career. The only thing is I have
no full-time experience in anything, just internships. The main reasons
I was considering a post-bac certificate, not MAcc, were 1.) low cost
and 2.) I can just sign up to take classes right away without going
through an application process, meaning no rec letters and no GMAT
needed. I just don't want to waste much more time.
If
my thinking is flawed or under-informed, I'll be open to any insight
you can offer. Are there any other options you would recommend? Some
people seem to have gone the community college route to satisfy the
requirements. Is that better? Thank you for taking the time to read
this long post. I appreciate any input you may have.
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Kfan
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| Posted: 30 Jan 2010 at 13:47 | IP Logged
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A lot depends on the economy. In this job market, it probably does hurt some not to have an accounting degree, even if you've passed the CPA Exam. If the economy improves, then it won't matter as much.
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daydream
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| Posted: 30 Jan 2010 at 14:58 | IP Logged
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I would recommend MAcc, because of the on campus recruitment. Most accounting firms do their entry level hiring from universities so it would be hard to get a job without OCR for someone without experience.
And passing the 4 parts definitely will look better, IMHO it's only going to help during the recruiting process.
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onlyregleft
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| Posted: 31 Jan 2010 at 03:53 | IP Logged
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If you think that accounting is where you see yourself 10 years from now and you really like accounting, then go for the MAcc. Otherwise, I don't think having the MAcc in addition to the CPA will add much value. If you are going to pursue a Masters, then you are better off getting a degree in a subject that you really have a deep personal interest.
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Donald11
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| Posted: 31 Jan 2010 at 15:13 | IP Logged
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If your undergrad degree is not in accounting, I would do the Macc since that is whom the degree is primarily designed for.
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Topic: Post-bac Certificates vs. MAcc
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