<p>I am just wondering, what are the benefits of taking and passing the CPA exam after obtaining a Masters in Accounting? What kinds of options does it add? If I am accepted and go to Northeastern for the Accounting/MBA program, I know I would be well-prepared for the CPA exam (of course I would study for it exclusively for a time prior to the exam) but am not sure if it would be worth the trouble. What can you do with CPA certification? Also, if I were to move to another state, would I have to retake the exam for that state?</p>
<p>A CPA on it's own is more valueable than an MBA on its own, unless that MBA is from a top school</p>
<p>How is the CPA vertification more valuable than the MSA/MBA on their own? What exactly can you do with it?</p>
<p>Well, I would agree with "everything" when he says that a CPA is more valuable than a Masters of Accounting, though I don't know that I would agree that a CPA is more valuable than an MBA overall.</p>
<p>The reason the CPA is more valuable than the Masters of Accounting is that you are required to have this certification in order to perform certain functions in business. For example, to be a partner in a public accounting firm requires it. A CPA also indicates that you have at least one to two years (depends on the state and country) of public accounting experience performing audits, management consulting, or tax work. A CPA is also required to file certain SEC forms, perform certain probate, or executor duties--and it allows you to appear before the IRS or certain courts without extra certifications or law training. Generally, no one will ever reach the level of senior at a Big 4 accounting firm without a CPA unless they are an expert in tax or technology risk or computer forensics--and even then the CPA is preferred. </p>
<p>And a CPA also means that the person is continuing with their accounting/finance/technology training, since in most states a minimum of 40 to 60 hours of continuing accounting courses is required each year--and in states like California, it is mandated that a certain number of theses hours must be in fraud detection, in accounting and auditing, and in ethics. Also, the actions of a CPA is tracked--and if they ever commit any unethical, illegal, or questionable accounting acts (even something simple like having a conflict of interest in serving multiple parties in a business transaction), they can be barred from ever serving as a CPA again. This is in addition to increasing their likelihood of being prosecuted or sued in court.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the information!</p>