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 fit in old requirements?

6) What about Ethic Exam? Does it varies from State to State? If I passed in one State, do I have to pass in another if transfer?

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