[RHNotts]

I’ve taken courses applicable towards both programs but next semester is when I really have to specialize. I’ve read on here that a Tax degree is more applicable so I’m considering that. My concern is what if I decide to pursue audit next fall. Would being in the tax program look weird?

[roruss2k8]

I think you have to look at the bigger picture so it depend on what you want to do in the future. I have a practice that focuses on tax so my master in taxation was perfect for me. If you want to focus on audit an master in accountant would be more applicable.

REG 81 Nov2013
FAR 81 Oct2014
AUD 51 May2014, 71 Aug2014, 91 Nov2014
BEC ?? Jan2015

[Anonymous]

My impression (which is personal bias) has always been that a focus in Tax is the harder path but can lead to a more secure position (i.e. less likely to be let go). But the downside is that it's a bit more challenging and you really need to understand and like Tax.

General Accountancy is a more robust degree but it's not quite as secure and may not pay quite as much as the Tax. But it's easier to get and if you don't like Tax as much, it's the better option.

The big thing comes down to liking Tax. If you like Tax, that may be the best way to go. If you don't love Tax, General might be better. And for the record, my Master's was in the Financial Accounting / Auditing track (i.e. the General track).

[Anonymous]

Take master of accounting. U actually can pick tax classes for your electives so you wont be less competitive. Some schools may allow you to take 2 electives while some schools may allow up to 4 (like my college) because you've had previous knowledge of certain courses in their core requirements. I personally took trust tax, gift and estate tax, and SALT. However i still feel the need of real estate tax and international tax. So if u want to do tac, pick a side first then learn it.

[Anonymous]

I think getting a master's in tax may also be more flexible. i.e. you can switch from tax to audit but not audit to tax as easily

[soyanks]

If you already have an offer in hand, choose whatever you want to study. It won't matter.

If you don't have an offer for a job after graduation, choose carefully between MST and MAcc. If you go to an audit interview and they see MST on the resume and you can't provide a convincing answer (and vice versa), you might be viewed as someone who doesn't know what he/she wants. Audit people want to make offers to individuals who knows and wants to work as an auditor (and vice versa).

When I used to interview people on campus, one of the easiest way to weed people out was looking for a candidate who seemed indecisive or could not explain why he/she wanted to work in audit.

FAR - 86
REG - 85
BEC - 90
AUD - 84

[RHNotts]

@soyanks:I'll consider that advice. A huge reason I was considering the MST is because I was thinking I could be an attractive candidate if I pursued tax since it applies more but I would still be able to interview for other positions with no problem. Thanks for letting me know that's not quite the case if I decide to pursue audit. Knowing this has made my decision a lot easier.

[soyanks]

@RHNotts. Just to be clear. I am simply pointing out the fact that if you do pursue MST (because you are actually interested in this area and pursuing MAcc would be basically taking the same courses that you've taken as an undergrad), make sure you have a convincing reason or story for the interview. You can't go to an interview and say a general statement like, “I love both audit and taxes and please consider me for an either position.” As long as you can present yourself clearly as an applicant who wants a career in “audit” or “tax”, it should be fine.

FAR - 86
REG - 85
BEC - 90
AUD - 84

[taxgeek83]

Angelwatch is right – if you don't like tax, you should consider going the Accountancy route. I work in tax and personally love it, but it's not easy and if you aren't interested enough to put in the time to learn it, there's a chance you will be at best unhappy in your job down the road….

[Author]

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