What are the steps to being an accountant?

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 12:18 PM

I've heard of several different things you need to do to become an accountant but i've never been able to find out exactly what they are, and get them explained.

So far this is what I think the steps are.

1. College major in finance/accounting
2. Interview at big 4 (Hopefully)
3. Get job and work for a few years
4. Go back for masters to get enough hours for CPA
5. Get masters
6. Take CPA

Is this correct?

openedskittles · 10-27-2009, 12:38 PM

You could do that, or you could do an integrated masters program, not have to sacrifice 2 years for the masters and not have to leave your job while you have experience, interview at big 4 (almost guaranteed an interview if you go to a top program), get the job and work experience for the exam, take it and pass it and work straight through the promotions until you decide to either stick with public accounting or go somewhere else and make a lot more than if you didn't have your experience.

Dawgie · 10-27-2009, 01:08 PM

Take CPA fresh out of undergrad. It is the best way to do it. Information is fresh in your head, and your responsibilities in life and at your job are minimal.

Forgot to add it is increasingly become a requirement or heavily preferred to have 150 credits going into Big 4.

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 02:12 PM

Well i'm already a freshman, so isnt it too late to start an integrated masters program?

The current amount of credit hours that I need for my dual finance/accounting major is 186, so it is above the 150.

I'm just worried that if I get my bachelors, and then work, and then try to go back to get my masters I won't be able to handle all of it.

Dawgie · 10-27-2009, 02:46 PM

If that's the case then you don't need a masters at all. Don't bother with it.

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 03:16 PM

Wont having a masters increase my chances of promotion and a larger salary?

taxguy · 10-27-2009, 03:21 PM

First, I HIGHLY recommend that you get your 150 credits finished before you go to work for a CPA firm. You will find it very difficult to take courses while you are working at the firm.

Secondly, you won't make much more money getting a masters. It might help in recruiting, however.

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 03:34 PM

Well I had two different plans.

The first one was without a masters

1. Graduate (I will have 186 credit hours total from doing my dual major)
2. Take the CPA
3. Hope to get hired by big 4

The other includes masters

1. Graduate
2. Get a masters in accounting or finance
3. Take the CPA
4. Hope to get hired by the big 4.

Assuming everything stays on a normal track I will be 21 when I get my bachelors and would be 23 if I get my masters.

Thetaxdad · 10-27-2009, 03:46 PM

Just curious, why will it take so many (186) credits to get a double major in finance, which is closely related to accounting in most schools? I would go with plan one, but try to get an internship while still in school, and you also should note that you can obtain the CPA while working. This is more beneficial because often employers will pay for the exam fees, pay for prep classes and some/many give a passing bonus.

jdnely · 10-27-2009, 03:54 PM

OSU, it wouldn't be too late to do the integrated program at my school. You apply to the program here beginning senior year, not that it matters anyway with the double major. Just FYI

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 04:10 PM

When you graduate in any business related degree (Econ/Finance/Accounting/Marketing etc,) you graduate from The Fisher College of Business. In order to graduate from this college you have to have a minimum of 186 credit hours.

My dual major will actually be closer to the 200 range because i'm majoring in two specializations.

Here are the links to the requirements page for accounting and finance majors at OSU.

http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/u-...df/accting.pdf

(fishers accounting program is 14th in the nation)

http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/u-...df/finance.pdf

(Fishers finance program is 13th in the nation)

So that is why I will have accumulated so many credit hours.

So it would probably be the better choice for me to not go for my masters?

Dawgie · 10-27-2009, 04:49 PM

Waste of time for 186 credits.

OSUstudent · 10-27-2009, 06:05 PM

What do you mean waste of time?

StephenR · 10-27-2009, 06:19 PM

OSU is on the quarter system. Multiply the hours by .667 to get semester hour equivalents.

Thetaxdad · 10-27-2009, 07:22 PM

I thought that number sounded too high... but back to your question. Do the 150 in undergrad. Do an internship in undergrad. Get a job, then get your CPA.