I work in Accounting now for a manufacturing firm. It’s not bad, and could see myself being satisfied with it as a career in the long run. I’m not entirely sure if it is truly what I want to do with my life.
I started my MBA with a concentration in Accounting recently, so that I can sit for the CPA exam. My B.S. is in Marketing though, with 85% of an engineering degree….so my educational background is diverse…which is making it hard for me to decide which direction to go.
Will a B.S. in Marketing, with and MBA and CPA license, and professional accounting experience be enough for a successful Accounting career if I decide it’s truly what I want?
Or should I go for a Masters in Finance because I lack an Accounting degree?
I choose the MBA because it was more flexible for career possibilities…
Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Your thoughts on the significance of public accounting experience would be appreciated too. Many Thanks!
Mr Give me a Break (nice name – do you like John Stossel?? his book was a good read!)
Anyway – I’ve researched the MD state requirements quite well….I only have 4 more courses to take – Woohooo!!! I already have 198 credit hours…so I’m good there too… The only thing that could bite me in the A** is if MD changes requirements to include 2 years of public accounting experience….
I just really wanted to know if a CPA lincense will be enough for a successful accounting career, since I lack an accounting degree?
My school offers an MBA and a MSF program….I am always debating between the too..
Thanks everyone for your help!
Thanks again! (MrGMAB)… that was one of my concerns…those with both a CPA lincense and an Acct Degree…
I need to seriously think about getting a full degree in Acct (or I must get an edge through professional experience)…. I don’t want to risk being viewed as not a “real” accountant after all of this effort!
Since I really want a graduate degree too, an MBA with an Acct concentration was the fastest way for both…Masters + CPA lincense.
To answer your question….The majority of my coursework for the CPA qualifications was done at the undergrad level…the remaining coursework will be at the graduate level. I can’t mix and match.
Loyola College doesn’t have a Masters in Accounting, but they do offer a Masters in Finance….This school is close to my work and has a good reputation.
I found out last week (advisor) that Loyola offers a “Master’s Plus” program…this would allow be to earn a certificate in Finance too. I’m leaning towards that option right now!
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Get the MBA with a concentration in Accounting. An MBA will get you much further than a regular Masters will be. Trust me.
I think it truely depends on what you want to do as a career. Focusing on finance or accounting more?
I’d go for the MBA in Finance.
The MBA course work I’ve had seems a lot more practical and applicable to the work environment than any regular college course work I’ve had. I’m guessing the M.S in Finance would be the best bet for those who plan on getting a PhD and teaching.
Having a concentration in Accounting may not be enough for you to sit for the CPA exam. You need to complete all required credits in core accounting courses, and various non-accounting courses. The state you live in will determine what that course work should be.
My opinion: If you become fully certified (CPA), then you wouldn’t need a degree in Accounting in order to have a successful career in Accounting. However, you may be in competition with others who have both a CPA license and a degree in Accounting.
Maybe you should get your answers from the Accounting professors in your school. Maybe even ask the Dean(s), and/or the President of the Accounting department. (If they have one)
They would be better qualified than us yahoos on Yahoo. LOL
Good Luck.