<p>Is this a credible path for one to meet the credit hour requirements of the CPA exam? Will it mean they’d appear as a stronger candidate for a controller position down the road?</p>
<p>I’m assuming you are talking about recent grads going directly into this program in which case i think this is a major disadvantage because you lose the option of going back for your MBA later (which makes it harder to switch careers if you decide). Also, you won’t get into a top MBA program by going directly from undergrad with the goal of becoming an accountant.</p>
<p>One does not need an MBA to advance in Big 4. However, the potential does exist that one would need an MBA in a fortune 500 executive level type position. However, it’s likely the employer would pay for an executive MBA at that point.</p>
<p>Personally, if I was looking to enter accounting I would at most go for a MPA type program and would leave the door open to go back for my MBA later.</p>
<p>I can’t speak on Acct concentration programs in general but mine was designed to meet the CPA exam requirements. I’d assume that it’s usually the case, but it’s easy enough to check in advance.</p>
<p>The path to controller positions will likely go through Public Accounting and/or Internal Audit. Both of these will generally require certification. The addition of the MBA should help as you gain seniority within the corporation, but might not be plus for getting into PA. In the past, and maybe still, some firms used IA as a training role for senior management candidates, but that may be less common under 404.</p>