[MrCPA2B]

Hello All,

Of course I’m back with another question 🙂 . I was in one of my Gemini moods today and began to think about a lot of things. For the past 5 months, I have been working on my MS in Accounting online while working full time as an accounting clerk for a private company. As stated in a previous post, I am interested in public accounting but unfortunately hadn’t had any luck yet. I am also studying concurrently to take the CPA exam (AUD first up in January 14). I have been back and forward on career blogs reading about the value of a MSA and reading the different opinions. A few blogs made a valid point that the MSA is redundant if you already have a bachelors in accounting. In which case, I do. So I have been toying with the idea of completely stopping my MSA mid-way. I have completed 15 credit hours of the 30 required credit hours needed for the degree. However, I already have my 150 needed for the CPA. Should I stop and focus on the CPA? I am scared that even after my MSA, I still will not find work in public accounting and I’ll be swamped with debt. Feedback please!

AUD- FEB 2014
BEC- APR 2014
FAR- MAY 2014
REG- AUG 2014

Using Wiley CPA Exam Review and Ninja Notes
May the "Force" be with me!

[UNC MAcc]

If you have enough credits to sit for the CPA don't bother with the MS. An online MS degree won't get you a job in public accounting. Your CPA will give you a shot, but the MS will add no value.

” Should I stop and focus on the CPA? I am scared that even after my MSA, I still will not find work in public accounting and I'll be swamped with debt. Feedback please! “

This is correct. Pass the CPA, and start applying. The MS isn't doing anything for you.

B - 89
A - 80
R - 78
F - 86

CIA, CFSA, MBA, MAcc (too many f'ing degrees and certs, I know, trust me)

[UNC MAcc]

If you have enough credits to sit for the CPA don't bother with the MS. An online MS degree won't get you a job in public accounting. Your CPA will give you a shot, but the MS will add no value.

” Should I stop and focus on the CPA? I am scared that even after my MSA, I still will not find work in public accounting and I'll be swamped with debt. Feedback please! “

This is correct. Pass the CPA, and start applying. The MS isn't doing anything for you.

B - 89
A - 80
R - 78
F - 86

CIA, CFSA, MBA, MAcc (too many f'ing degrees and certs, I know, trust me)

[Tncincy]

You are doing the right thing by counting the cost. You'll be able to find work, because you should be looking now and gaining all the experience possible on the job you have now. It is hard to concentrate on the CPA and a Master's Program, I had the same decision and my counselor advised me to finish my MSA then concentrate on the CPA. I was almost finished though so it made sense to finish first. Some people can walk and chew gum at the same time, you have to determine what you are able to do and weigh it against what you are not able to do. We all have found Is that that studying for the cpa exam and passing requires tireless commitment, unusual perseverance and mental toughness. With classes we can get by with out reading a chapter or add fillers to term papers, but with the cpa exam there is no short cuts to a 75.

So to answer your questions: What are you able to do and how long do you have to finish. If the finish line is near, finish. If the finish line is two or three years then decide if you want to concentrate on the exam and come back to classes. In some states you have to have the hours before you can sit for the exam. So if that's the case get the hours and make sure you grasp as much concept as possible.

There is no easy way to answer this question but to weigh everything out.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

You are doing the right thing by counting the cost. You'll be able to find work, because you should be looking now and gaining all the experience possible on the job you have now. It is hard to concentrate on the CPA and a Master's Program, I had the same decision and my counselor advised me to finish my MSA then concentrate on the CPA. I was almost finished though so it made sense to finish first. Some people can walk and chew gum at the same time, you have to determine what you are able to do and weigh it against what you are not able to do. We all have found Is that that studying for the cpa exam and passing requires tireless commitment, unusual perseverance and mental toughness. With classes we can get by with out reading a chapter or add fillers to term papers, but with the cpa exam there is no short cuts to a 75.

So to answer your questions: What are you able to do and how long do you have to finish. If the finish line is near, finish. If the finish line is two or three years then decide if you want to concentrate on the exam and come back to classes. In some states you have to have the hours before you can sit for the exam. So if that's the case get the hours and make sure you grasp as much concept as possible.

There is no easy way to answer this question but to weigh everything out.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[mla1169]

Do you get tuition reimbursement from your employer? If so, stay the course.

Otherwise I'd find the least expensive way to obtain your last 15 credits. And it is entirely possible to work full time, take courses and do the CPA exams if you are so inclined. Its not easy or fun, but its not as overwhelming as people seem to think it is.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Do you get tuition reimbursement from your employer? If so, stay the course.

Otherwise I'd find the least expensive way to obtain your last 15 credits. And it is entirely possible to work full time, take courses and do the CPA exams if you are so inclined. Its not easy or fun, but its not as overwhelming as people seem to think it is.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[UNC MAcc]

This degree literally adds nothing. Being a CPA people already assume you've mastered accountancy. It's seriously a waste of time, money, and effort.

B - 89
A - 80
R - 78
F - 86

CIA, CFSA, MBA, MAcc (too many f'ing degrees and certs, I know, trust me)

[UNC MAcc]

This degree literally adds nothing. Being a CPA people already assume you've mastered accountancy. It's seriously a waste of time, money, and effort.

B - 89
A - 80
R - 78
F - 86

CIA, CFSA, MBA, MAcc (too many f'ing degrees and certs, I know, trust me)

[M.O.D.]

I spoke to a recruiter in the SF Bay Area and he said employers prefer a Masters degree to a CPA because most can pass the CPA without knowing English, whereas one cannot complete a Masters without knowing English well, at least by the end. This is a location where there are many Asian immigrants.

And I tend to agree. The students who get the CPA credits via community college are not as bright (in general) as those in graduate school.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[M.O.D.]

I spoke to a recruiter in the SF Bay Area and he said employers prefer a Masters degree to a CPA because most can pass the CPA without knowing English, whereas one cannot complete a Masters without knowing English well, at least by the end. This is a location where there are many Asian immigrants.

And I tend to agree. The students who get the CPA credits via community college are not as bright (in general) as those in graduate school.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[mla1169]

understood UNC, and I never claimed it added anything. But if its on someone else's dime, it certainly can't hurt.

Only time I'd ever consider advocating in favor of a masters is a free one. Because if someone needs the add'l 30 credits to get to 150 anyway, may as well.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

understood UNC, and I never claimed it added anything. But if its on someone else's dime, it certainly can't hurt.

Only time I'd ever consider advocating in favor of a masters is a free one. Because if someone needs the add'l 30 credits to get to 150 anyway, may as well.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

M.O.D. thank you for the best laugh I've had in ages. That was hysterical. Anyone can pass the CPA exam without knowing English? BWAHAHAAHAAHAA!!

That recruiter was beyond incompetent.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

M.O.D. thank you for the best laugh I've had in ages. That was hysterical. Anyone can pass the CPA exam without knowing English? BWAHAHAAHAAHAA!!

That recruiter was beyond incompetent.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[M.O.D.]

@mla, It might seem ridiculous but I met several CPAs here with a limited knowledge of English, both recent students and those in full-time practice. Several are even professors. Don't ask me how they do it, but the test-focused study habits of Asians are legendary.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

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