[MRgoodbar]

First, this question may be lurking somewhere on this website, but I did a quick check and was unable to locate it. Plus, by me making this thread, it will appear on the front page thus giving it more visibility. Other topics / areas of this website seem that they aren’t visited too frequently.

I’ll keep this as brief as I can: Within the last 6 months I’ve taken REG twice and failed both times (not too far off from a 75. SIMS killed me both times). No doubt I was discouraged, but by not passing it also let me reflect on what I truly want in my future. I went to a top 25 undergraduate university and currently work in finance for a global oil company.

Coming out of college, I always wanted to do my MBA after 4-6 years. The CPA came out of nowhere; my dad is an accountant and highly advised that I should pursue it.

Long story short, no way do I want to stay in accounting / finance long term (another 3-4 years max). Would it then make sense to pursue the CPA? Not having any true desire to do it probably does impact my studying. Whereas an MBA I would actually want to study for and do well along with having the ability to specialize in something other than accounting / finance.

Thoughts?

[MRgoodbar]

One thing I forgot to mention: In regards to cost, I would also be working while getting my MBA.

[acamp]

Do you currently work under a CPA who will be signing off on your hours? That is, if you get these damn tests out of the way will be a CPA? If so, I would keep plugging along, CPA on the resume carries a lot of weight, and might even help with B-school admission. If your current job won't fulfill the experience for a CPA and it doesn't sound like you truly want to go that route, than skipping it for an MBA might not be a bad choice.

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[MRgoodbar]

acamp,

I currently do work under a CPA who would sign off on the requirement. True, the CPA does carry a lot of weight, but is it helpful outside of finance / accounting? As mentioned, I probably see myself working in finance / accounting for the next 3-4 years max. Say, supply chain for example, I find an MBA (from a top 15 school) to be more useful. Not sure if a CPA would add any value in that. Just feel that an MBA provides for more opportunities in different areas.

[jeff]

Public Perception: CPAs adds credibility.

While something like Supply Chain isn't CPA-related…having a business-minded/accounting-brained person on the job will be a plus for the person doing the hiring.

I was hired to work a rate case for a public utility. I knew nothing about regulated utilities or utility rates…but the fact that I was “studying” for the CPA Exam got me the job and they threw me in the deep water because I must be capable.

If you can hack it – get your CPA.

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[jgrfan1]

I have an MBA from a top 15 program. I attended full time. I definetly reccomend getting a CPA. The new semi-gold standard is an MBA/CPA. It is a great differentiator. Get the CPA then if you still feel the urge, get the MBA. I found the CPA related knowledge has been very helpful.

BEC - 5/2012 - 91
AUD - 8/2012 - 89
REG - 1/2013 - 90
FAR - 5/2013 - 88
Wife, 2 kids and a job

[J]

One of the best things about the CPA designation is that it is a standard examination across the board; it means that each and every individual who is a CPA had to pass the same four sections of the exam.

This is not the case with an MBA; I have an MBA from a top level business school with a very good reputation. However, someone can also get an MBA from the University of Phoenix or some other online school (and do not think that I'm attempting to belittle anyone here; it's just a point of comparison), and make the same claim as me… it's not until further examination that one can tell the differences.

I find that people who have an MBA are becoming more and more common, to the point that it means a lot less than it did even 10 years ago. The CPA designation definitely still sets you apart from others.

Obviously a CPA/MBA combination would be ideal, but I would highly recommend putting the CPA first unless you're going to Harvard or Stanford for your MBA.

[Author]

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