schase08

Or is it better to graduate in 5 years with 150 credit hours, take the CPA exam while everything in fresh in mind, work (hopefully for Big 4), and after the working requirement is met, get the actual license? So I wouldn't have to leave work at all?

Also, is the job outlook as steady as you say? Because I don't want to take out a big loan for another year of college and find myself jobless (assuming I do my part and keep a good GPA)!

Thanks in advance.

taxguy

First, the job out looks is very strong now. However, all things have cycles, and I can't guarantee anything in the future.

As for the education, you can go an extra year and take an extra 30 credits for your 150 total. Frankly, I don't recommend that. I think you are better off getting a masters in something. However,that is my opinion..

taxguy

Most people get the 150 credits immediately before they commit to a full time job. I have seen folks go the other way because the better MBA programs do want work experience. I guess it is up to you. However, you will need the 150 credits before you can become a CPA. Some states want the 150 credits first before you take the exam. Some states,which are becoming more common, will let you take the exam with 120 credits ( assuming you otherwise meet the educational requirements of that state) and then take the exta 30 credits at your leisure before you can be awared the CPA. Check out your state's requirements.

radronOmega

I asked earlier in the thread about a site with a directory of information to teach me about a college level accounting curriculum before I hit campus and was provided with the Rutgers website.

Unfortunately the site looks more like a blog website than an actual place to learn accounting fundamentals. If anyone can point me to a site with EVERYTHING accounting I need to know (for free), that would be sooooooooo helpful! Thanks!

ABCB7099

I've got a question for you, taxguy. More like a request for some information.

I'm going to be entering the workforce as an accounting graduate in 2 years, and I hope to work for a big 4 firm to pay my dues. After a couple years, with a CPA I hope to move on to greener pastures.

What I want is some real-world perspective on this. What kinds of options will be open to me as a new CPA? Also I've been hearing of companies "head-hunting" for new CPAs at these huge firms to quit and join them. What's the real scoop?

taxguy

ABCB, accounting grads, especially after big 4 experience, have a lot of opportunities. They can work in Ibanking, consulting, start their own business or accounting practice, can work as CFO for companies, can become audit or tax managers. They can do seminars or selling research services. There truly is unlimited potential.

I can't speak about head hunters since I know lttile about them.

DaNDHSIrishGuy

I recently saw that SUNY Binghamton had a 95% placement rate with Big 4 firms... Would schools like Baruch, Northern Illinois, and UIC have the same placement? How does Binghamton have such a high placement?

ferryboat10

I was wondering about the reputation of Northern Illinois, especially its masters program. The MSA and undergrad programs rank in the top 10 in Public Accounting Report's survey of accounting professors and its professors are well published, but the business school or college doesn't yield many accolades. Is it a great program trapped in a mediocre school or the ranking off?

Also any thoughts on Villanova's MSA program?

taxguy

To Dandhsirishguy and Ferryboat10., Again, read over the first post in this thread several times.

Today, accounting is in BIG demand. Thus, any accredited school is going to have a strong placement rate. I would bet that the placement rate at Baruch matches that of SUNY Binghamton in accounting.

As for Villanova, I will say this again: IT DOESN'T MATTER where you go except that partners in that area will usually recruit from the local schools. Thus, if you want to work in Pennsylvania, Villanova will have an edge over other schools outside the state. Please reread the first post in this thread.

aurovon

That's the one thing I am very worried about. But then one of my accounting professor told me the international standards are going to be similar/closer to American standards. So it can't be too bad?

ferryboat10

Okay. But then should we assume regions in which there is a huge supply of accounting grads, such as Chicago (over 25 AACSB schools in IL, so. WI, no. IN) are at a disadvantage if they go to a lower-tier school? In Georgia alone, there's 18 AACSB schools! In those areas, you may need more than a 3.5 at a second or third tier to merit an interview.

taxguy

As long as the school is accredited and AACSB accredited, it won't matter. However, to get the better accounting jobs, you should have a strong GPA, which means preferably 3.5+ overall and in accounting. Less that that will reduce your choices.

aurovon

Taxguy: thanks for your input, it helps a lot. but should an accounting student be worried about the international changes? Although I love the idea of having a global standard, I am worried what I will learn today in class will be useless once I graduate.

taxguy

aurovon, accounting is akin to law,which is why accountants make the big bucs. This means that most accountants NEED to keep up with the changes! There are many ways to do this;however, it is up to each accountant to keep their knowledge up-to-date. This is one reason why we make the big bucks! Moreover, all professions require constant updates,even teachers.

In addition, change is the lifeblood of accoutants. The great the changes, the more accountants are needed.

aurovon

Do you think it's beneficial to start studying for your CPA even when you are just starting out with the accounting classes in undergrad? Or will one have a hard time grasping the concept? I understand a CPA route isn't for everyone but I read an article on WSJ that most undergrad programs tend to focus more on the corporate side. Do you agree?