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Subject Topic: CPA vs MBA (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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Lam33gb
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Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 12:22 | IP Logged  

Right now, I'm considering a couple of different options.
Currently I am the "Accounting Manager" for a small auto
parts distribution company in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
I have about 9-10 years of experience working either as
an Accounting Manager, Business Manager, Accounts Payable
Clerk, or Staff/Senior Accountant. But, I do not have a
degree in accounting. I have a BBA in Management from
the University of North Texas.

Well, here's the problem. A few years back, I had to
take a significant amount of time away from work when my
oldest child was born with some health issues. After 2-3
years, I found it very difficult to get back into the
field. I worked doing whatever I could...substitute
teacher or temporary office employment. Well, a year
ago, I landed my current position as the Accounting
Manager. I basically landed the job because they wanted
someone inexpensive but with a work history that would
indicate that they were capable of doing the job. And
hey, beggars can't be choosers. I was in no position to
turn down the offer. However, the owner of the company
is lacking when it comes to any sort of business ethics.

That puts me in a position to where I need to strongly
consider my future and look for another position while
ratcheting up my marketability. I really enjoy
accounting. I am good at what I do. But, I don't have
all the skills/knowledge/credentials that it takes to be
as marketable as I would like. Right now, I'm exploring
two options along with looking for another job:

1. attend a CPA program from a community college. There
are 4 community college CPA programs in Texas. They are
geared towards individuals that already have a bachelors
degree. I could get my necessary hours in a year to a
year and a half while working and be eligible to test.

2. attend an MBA program focused on Accounting.
Obviously, this would be the much more expensive way to
go, but it is an option.

Basically, I need to be more marketable. And yes, I'd
like to have some sense of security. Which option do you
believe would be better for someone that already has
experience in the industry? I am more than willing to
start over and work my way up. But, at this point, I
feel as if there is only so high in which I can go. I
also feel as though I have to start over at the bottom of
the ladder because I don't have a degree and/or am not a
CPA.

Any advice?

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CPA24
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Posted: 10 Aug 2011 at 12:36 | IP Logged  

The CPA license will take you a long way.  Were you planning on pursuing the CPA if you chose to get your MBA?  If so, then take the economical route for you and go for the comm. college CPA program.  The CPA gives you a lot more options and will only enhance your resume along with your 9-10 years of experience.


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remlingerj
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Posted: 12 Aug 2011 at 16:45 | IP Logged  

Your undergrad degree isn't in accounting, so I'd pursue a masters in accounting instead. MBAs with accounting concentrations tend to be watered down. They include maybe 3-4 accounting courses and bunch of rehashed businesses courses that you already completed during your undergrad.

I have never heard of a community college offering a CPA program, since most states require a significant number of upper division business and accounting credits. Texas may be the exception, but you may run into difficulties if you ever plan on sitting for the exam in a different state.

Simply put, CPA/MAcc > MBA
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Virgil
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Posted: 27 Sep 2011 at 18:20 | IP Logged  

Lam33gb, any updates? Kind of curious if you ever made a decision...
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JR2012CPA
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Posted: 03 Jan 2012 at 20:32 | IP Logged  

Since you already have a bachelor's with 121-124 credit
hours, I would go ahead and go through your local
community college to obtained the required accounting
courses to sit for the exam. You'll be really close to
having the necessary 150 credit hours to be licensed after
these accounting courses. Then, after you've gotten your
license, worked for a while, then you can make the
decision to get a master's. That's my opinion. I hope
this helps.
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