taxguy

Any connection like you mentioned can't hurt.

Normally, I would recommend finishing up your 150 credits before you apply for the job since public accounting firms want you to seek your CPA as soon as possible and don't want to wait several years for you to qualify to sit for the exam.

I won't say that firms won't hire you if you don't meet the 150 credit requirements. However, I think you will be better served almost completing your requirements first. You can apply about a month or two before you complete your requirements.

Gravitas37

Taxguy,

There's a seperate AACSB accrediation specifically for accounting in addition to the traditional AACSB accreditation for business programs in general. Are you referring to the business programs accreditation only or the accounting accreditation? Thanks.

aswedc

"Let me repeat myself: SATs are irrelevant once you finish college. Few, if any firms will ask for your SATs."

Not true. My memory is a bit hazy on this, but to the best of my recollection at least three of the Big 4 have a space for SAT on their applications. However, I agree with taxguy that I sincerely doubt this has much of any impact on hiring decisions.

aswedc

"I know some smaller companies are allowing some telecommuniting, can anyone address this further?"

I don't know about small companies, but at the large firms formal telecommuting or alternative work arrangements are reserved for those with a bit of seniority and a valid reason, usually family related.

However, outside the normal business hours you are expected to be in the office in case people need you, many people will take work home with them. As long as you are getting things in on time, I don't think it's going to turn any heads.

taxguy

Gravitas37, I am referring to both accreditations.

However, let me be clear: AACSB accreditation is NOT required...period! It is a "nice to have " accreditation. Basically, a number of colleges of business got to gether to set high standards for business and accounting education. Certainly a school can have high standards without being AACSB accredited such as Penn. However, all things equal, if I were looking at two schools of equal reputation, I would pick the one that is AACSB accredited. If there were a nationally known, reputable school, such as Wharton, I might pick that school even without the AACSB accreditation.

ferryboat10

Penn and the other top business schools that could stand on their own have made the effort and received AACSB accreditation.

A great part of going to an AACSB school is knowing your admissions process and curriculum is the same as any other top business school. It may be harder or easier, general or specialized. Because essentially the same material is covered, you're guaranteed your courses will transfer to other institutions and place out of the prerequisites of graduate degree programs. And you're assured your accounting program meets the qualifications of the state.

aswedc

Err, Penn (Wharton) is AACSB. In fact their web site even says, "In the U.S., look for AACSB as a minimum standard for an MBA accreditation."

taxguy, I think it's great you spend so much time trying to help students, but you have posted a couple things in the past few pages that are either just wrong or misleading. With all due respect I'd suggest it would be more helpful if you would stick to posting things you are sure about.

ferryboat10

I don't think he meant Penn was not accredited, but that accreditation doesn't make the school. As long as the school offers many the same opportunities an ACCSB does: a curriculum fits state CPA requirements and recruitment.
No boss out there is going to look down upon say unaccredited Lake Forest or Franklin & Marshall grad because there's a graduate from Chicago State or Bloomsburg next on his/her interview list.

taxguy

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I didn't mean to say that Penn was NOT AACSB accredited. I was just using them as an example of a top school that didn't need the AACSB. Sorry for the confusion.

ReadingFlutist

Thanks for the thread, taxguy!

I'm trying to decide on what career path to take and have been thinking about accounting. I'm 3 psych classes short of finishing my psych major, so I'll just finish it. I was originally thinking about getting a BS in Accounting through a post-bacc/adult education program (I really don't want to spend any more time at my current undergrad), and then getting a MBA or MS in accounting. From what I understand, either degree would be okay and both is unnecessary? So should I go for the BS or MS?

There's also a lot of talk the Big 4 and becoming partner on this thread, but what is the outlook and job descriptions for those who aren't that route? Do those who work just 40 hours/week and for small or mid-size firms make a pretty good living (like $50k starting and $70k maybe 10 or so years out)?

And can someone please elaborate on the different fields in accounting?

Thanks in advance.

taxguy

Your goal should be to make partner. Different firms have differing philosophies. In some firrms, you can become a "permanent"employee without making partner if you are very competant and willing to work hard. Other firms, such as the Big 4, generally lay off folks who they feel aren't partnership material.

You could always work for a corporation or go into government.There are many options besides working for an accounting firm.

recent grad

I'm in the same boat as readingflutist, recently finished a bachelor in psychology from Kent State and looking at accounting as a career since I'm no longer interested in pursuing psychology further. Is the MS in accounting or a BS a better route?
Also, what would you reccomend I do to determine whether an accounting career is a good fit? Ideally, I want to enjoy and excel at my career. I had a 3.9 in undergraduate and worked interpreting statistics and data on a couple of psychology papers, although advanced math is not my strong point. I took college algebra and applied calculus and two courses in statistics, but I am more of verbal than quantitative person which concerns me.
I'm planning on taking some night or online accounting classes and trying to see if there are any entry level bookeeping jobs that don't require an accounting major to get a feel for the job. I have been reading through some college level textbooks and found them fairly interesting. What should I do to see if an accounting career is a good choice?

pugfug90

What kind of personality is !required for your average, non big-4 accounting firm?

People laugh, joke, give hints to me...so I guess I'm not that weird. If they didn't, they'd either be polite, I'd be "special", or maybe I'm deluding myself of how "weird" I am...

So yah... If I had decent grades (3.98 freshman, upcoming soph), and a timid personality... Well Wendy's hired me (I quit in 3 days though haha).

If I get the message across, but don't necessarily come off as fuzzy wuzzy...

Oh yeah, if it helps, I feel like Dwight from The Office. He's weird but he can do it.. I just don't know if I can do it.

Can a seemingly cold, anxious, yet competent person do accounting?
How about a personality like Dwight from The Office?
What about moving up the ladder or being stuck (are there any higher technical positions as opposed to advisory/leadership ones)

pugfug90

An besides an answer to the 1st post...

Coming revolution in accounting :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Ted Pincus

What will this mean for the stuff I learned in college? I get out in 2011...they wanna change it 2011-2013, damn.

luisg99

Then we are gonna HAVE to get our Master's, lol