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 Topic: Any advice for a science major?? ( Topic Closed)
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natsci98
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Joined: 26 Dec 2008
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| Posted: 27 Dec 2008 at 00:47 | IP Logged
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Hello, I'm new here and I just have a couple of questions regarding my situation and seek advice.To elaborate on my situation, I have a BS degree in chemistry from a top public university in los angeles(3.0 gpa). However, I have recently found a new passion in accounting (long story) and nowI am now preparing for the CPA exam. I would like to know how my non-traditional background would affect my career both negatively or positively. Would it affect my chances of getting into one of the big4? Are there any fields/pathways that I can take on to utilize my science background? Any constructive replies are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Edited by natsci98 on 27 Dec 2008 at 02:40
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lelik
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Location: United States
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| Posted: 27 Dec 2008 at 11:02 | IP Logged
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natsci98, I doubt it will affect your chances if you get a MSA/MST. An acquaintance of mine had BS/MS/PhD in history/ancient languages from a top-ranking school in the US. After being unable to find a job for several years, he got his MSA from an o.k. school (not the best). He was hired by one of the Big4 right before graduation.
In your place, I would move toward nanotechnology, though. :-) Much more interesting and lucrative. :-) Or, consulting would be great. However, you would need to get your PhD before you do it. Obama announced that he wants to invest more money into science. So, I would say you would be better off staying where you are. :-)
Edited by lelik on 27 Dec 2008 at 11:05
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natsci98
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| Posted: 27 Dec 2008 at 12:39 | IP Logged
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Thanks for the reply,lelik. Nanotech is an expanding field with lots of potentials that I once considered exploring, but it just wasn't for me. Unfortunately, I won't be able to pursue a MST/MSA or a Ph.D anytime soon as I am working 2 jobs(chem related). My plan is to stick to what I've decided (being a CPA and a successful accountant) and pursue it with passion. I have no experience in working in the accounting field yet. I am taking an evening class in business right now at a small local university to prepare for the CPA exam. Say hypothetically I do pass the CPA exam without having any accounting related job experience. Would I have major trouble trying to find a job with decent pay (50k and up)?
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lelik
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| Posted: 27 Dec 2008 at 13:05 | IP Logged
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natsci98, to take the CPA exam you need 24 cr/h of business and 24 cr/h of accounting. It would be better for you just to get a MSA/MST.
For example, IL requires:
With each of the conditions listed below, accounting hours do not include
business law, and no more than six semester hours of accounting may be
obtained through internships or life-experience credit posted on a college
transcript.
1) Earned a graduate degree with a concentration in accounting from a program
that is accredited in accounting by an accrediting agency recognized by the
Board.
2) Earned a graduate degree from a program that is accredited in business by
an accrediting agency recognized by the Board and completed at least 24
semester hours in accounting at the undergraduate level or 15 semester
hours at the graduate level or equivalent combination thereof, including
courses covering the subjects of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and
management accounting.
3) Earned a baccalaureate degree from a program that is accredited in
business by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board and completed
24 semester hours in accounting at the undergraduate or graduate level,
including courses covering the subjects of financial accounting, auditing,
taxation, and management accounting; and completed at least 24 semester
hours of business courses, or substantially equivalent (other than
accounting) courses, at the undergraduate or graduate level.
4) Earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited educational
institution or other institution recognized by the Board, including at least 24
semester hours of accounting at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
with at least one course each in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and
management accounting and at least 24 semester hours in business courses
or substantially equivalent (other than accounting) courses at the
undergraduate or graduate level.
Edited by lelik on 27 Dec 2008 at 13:06
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007CPA
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Joined: 08 Oct 2008
Location: United States
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| Posted: 27 Dec 2008 at 14:49 | IP Logged
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Hi Natsci98,
Congrats on your decision to pursue your CPA and a career in public accounting. Since you went to school in Cali, I will assume you want to stay in CA and get a job. The state of CA does not have a requirement for 150 semester hours and you do not need a masters. You only need 24 units in business and an additional 24 units in accounting to sit for the CPA exam.
It would be possible for you to obtain a job with the big4 even before you pass the CPA exam as long as you are eligible to sit for the exam. It may be worth your while to contact some of the local recruiters at the companies and tell them your situation. They may be able to give you more specific information as to what exactly that look for in candidates that do not have an accounting degree.
Your biggest efforts right now should be concentrated on become eligible to sit for the exam. Depending on where you are in this will determine how much time you have left in school. During your time at school, I highly recommend joining a accounting organization, such as Beta Alpha Psi, to network with the Big4 and other regional firms to give you a hand up in the hiring process.
Hope this helps
Edited by 007CPA on 27 Dec 2008 at 14:50
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