top accounting schools in U.S. - Page 2

granted_business · 10-12-2006, 08:39 PM

I just finished my A.S. in Business Administration and am finishing my Bachelor's in Accounting.

Right now I have a 3.33 GPA overall, but a 3.5 GPA in business related classes (not the general education requirements).

Am I on track to having a good any good job offers when I graduate? I just joined the Accounting Society at my University to network and have a good EC besides intramural sports.

taxguy · 10-13-2006, 09:43 AM

Granted_business: Yes, you are on a good track. Just keep a good GPA in your accounting classes and maintain your overall GPA, and you should be fine.

granted_business · 10-13-2006, 06:25 PM

Thanks Taxguy; I appreciaite it.

I start my first accounting classes November 30th (well, I've taken the Intro Managerial and Financial Accounting classes, but the other business classes were just general business type of stuff); it's a class I could get into early.

I should get a 4.0 GPA this semester, so I'm hoping that will help boost my overall GPA.

Are you an accountant? How do you like your job?

taxguy · 10-13-2006, 07:28 PM

I did study accounting as an undergraduate and got my CPA. I practiced accounting with both the IRS and major CPA firms before I left the practice to write books and give lectures.

kinkid · 10-14-2006, 07:34 PM

hey, taxguy, can i ask is it better to have master degree in accounting or a cpa? Cuz i m tinking of going for masters after graduating but i heard tat a cpa has a better prospect for accounting? Can i progress in company which not an accounting firm even w/o a cpa?

taxguy · 10-15-2006, 12:45 AM

A CPA is in my opinion MUCH better than a masters in accounting. However, don't forget, in order to get a CPA, you must have at least 150 credits. This means either a 5 year bachelors or 4 years of undergraduate and 30 credits in grad school, which is about equal to a masters.

As far as progressing in a company without a CPA, it would be possible especially for governmental jobs; however, you will be far better served geting your CPA. It will open more doors especially if you want to go into public accounting.

Even in academia, every accounting professor that I have met have a CPA in addition to any terminal degree.

Did I say that obtaining the CPA is far better than geting simply a masters in accounting without the CPA?

alexray · 10-13-2009, 02:19 AM

I just got licensed as a CPA. And if you wander how I met the experience requirement, I worked under the supervision of someone I knew personally. I really know my stuff and I am very motivated. However, I find it difficult finding a real job, as a CPA. I don't have a degree in accounting. That's the biggest set back. That's because in my opinion I am dealing with HR people who are not even accountants themselves, who do the hiring. They want to see accounting degree and go from there. It's literally treating us sort of like cattle. Believe it or not it's possible to pass the exam and not have your accounting degree. So, I guess all I am saying is you need both. That's why I am enrolling into a master's of accountancy. Ultimately I would want to have my own practice, because I am already doing taxes on the side. One day I may want to go for a master's in taxation too. I just don't want to make same mistake again by thinking I could skip the accounting degree. I may need to work for an accounting firm for some time before going on my own.

AnyColour · 10-13-2009, 10:43 AM

Taxguy if I go for the 5-year bachelors option can the extra 30 credits be in anything, even lower level courses? For example, American literature, intro psychology, intro sociology, etc, etc?

openedskittles · 10-13-2009, 12:46 PM

UT Austin has had the number 1 accounting undergrad and masters program for years. Wharton is to finance what UT is to accounting. Over 6 in 7 Texas accounting grads get a job with the big 4 or mid-cap and almost 1 in 10 get one in investment banking before graduation.

That said, it is in Texas:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs.../economist.jpg

sdmatt · 10-16-2009, 10:12 PM

i believe you. but its hard to believe... that sounds ridiculos. having your cpa, and not being able to get a job as an accountant. your doing it backwards.

taxguy · 10-16-2009, 10:50 PM

Anycolour, your answer to the question posted by you is found in post one of the thread, "Everything you wanted to know or should know about accounting." Read over the thread.