Q&A (back to index)
CPA / Career Adivce
Posted by Anonymous on 09/17/2009 - 09:33
I have recently started working for a large accounting firm that requires its employees to obtain CPA certification in order to make any kind of progress. I live in MA, and in order to sit for the exam you need to have 120 credit hours, 21 of which have to be accounting credits. I recently finished my undergraduate studies with 128 credit hours, but only 15 accounting credits. I am therefore 6 credits short (or 2 classes) away from being able to sit for the exam. In order for the CPA to stay valid, 150 credits are needed. I find myself stuck and was wondering if anyone knew what the best course of action for me to take would be? I don’t know if I should take 2 classes just to sit for the CPA exam, focus on the exam, and then worry about getting my 150 credits? Or if I should focus on getting into grad school, get my 150 credits, and then focus on the CPA? I need an idea that helps me accomplish these goals as quick as possible. The firm where I work is highly competitive. The majority of the people I have been hired with are already studying for the CPA exam and have completed graduate courses. I feel paralyzed and I'm confused as to where to place my efforts. Thanks in advance to anyone who answers!.
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Get your CPA
Get the degree and get your CPA. It will be easier to do now rather than later.
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Career Advice
I recently finished my MBA with a concentration in Accounting. My classes included a study of the Becker review for CPA exam. I have gotten credit to my MBA for taking these courses and at the same time allowed me to prepare for the exam. I took my courses at Keller Graduate School of Management (Devry University). You can see if their program will help you.
CPA/Career Advice
My advice is to do the harder thing first, now, when you are just starting out. Get into graduate school. After 2 courses, you will be eligible to take the CPA exam, and you will have credits towards a master's degree. Finish the 150 hours and then take the CPA exam. It gets harder to go back to school after you have been out for a while, whereas I found studying for the Exam a little easier once I had practical experience.
Think of it this way - you must really have impressed your employers to be hired without the graduate courses! So you are doing something right already.
Good luck!