<p>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?</p>
<p>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)!</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>First, the job out looks is very strong now. However, all things have cycles, and I can't guarantee anything in the future.</p>
<p>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..</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>I've got a question for you, taxguy. More like a request for some information.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>I can't speak about head hunters since I know lttile about them.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>Also any thoughts on Villanova's MSA program?</p>
<p>To Dandhsirishguy and Ferryboat10., Again, read over the first post in this thread several times. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>
[quote=]
For those reading this post who may be close to sitting for the exam, our state board director encouraged students to sit for the FARS section ASAP since the shift to IFRS will be incorporated into the exam soon (2 years?) and students may not have had the classroom exposure on this shift in governance that is about to occur and he mentioned that it wasn't incorporated into current textbook literature as of yet.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In addition, change is the lifeblood of accoutants. The great the changes, the more accountants are needed.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>big4 salaries start at anywhere from 45-55k? how common is it for people to get to 100k+ in 5 years?</p>
<p>Do CPA's with big4 exp ( audit/tax) have favorable chances at top15 MBA programs? Assuming the rest of the application is with relevant range. Do I-banks hire cpa with big4 exp as intern/FT hires during/after an mba?</p>
<p>it is highly unlikely you will hit 100k after 5 years.</p>
<p>So you don't have to start out at a Big 4 firm to be a big name/rockstar in accounting, right?</p>
<p>-Can you start at a Big 4 firm anytime in your career? If so, will you still have the same chance to one day become a partner, if you can bring in many clients?</p>
<p>-Does anyone reject a Big 4 offer to go to a different firm?</p>
<p>-Can you go to a small AACSB school in your hometown to save money and transfer to a good accouning school in "your desired place to live?" Here's the run down, basically go the University of Memphis for free and get my B.S. in accounting. I would be miserable living in TN, especially Memphis. Once I get my B.S. go to Baruch College or Northern Illinois for my MAcc, because I want to work for a Big 4 firm in either NYC or Chicago; they are both my favorite cities. Although, I do have some concerns. I'm afraid that I won't be able to get a Big 4 offer if I don't spend my whole college career at one college. Basically, when do Big 4 firms recruit the most? I'm afraid if I transfer to a great school near one of those two cities; it will be too late to be recruited, since it will be my last year...</p>
<p>sorry for the unclear, long post. My finger were killing me, cuz I use an Iphone for everything on here, and I had to rush things before I got carpel tunnel syndrome... (sp?) </p>
<p>If I left you unclear what I was asking, please ask, and I will clear my question s up...</p>
<p>Thank you, you're a saint taxguy...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You can get hired by the big 4 at various stages of your career, but you may drop down a position and/or receive a reduction in salary. This also embraces the opposite of what usually happens, but it is a viable alternative. People from small regionals to large nationals firms move to the big 4. It is easier to start at big 4 and move to a smaller firm</p></li>
<li><p>People reject the big 4. I have met people that have rejected the big 4 for anything from GT down to a small 50 person regional. Surprisingly those that rejected where the most sought after by the big 4 with very high GPAs and great social skills. </p></li>
<li><p>You can get your BS and go for your masters at northern Illinois, uic, or baruch. Get good grades (and GMAT) and you can greatly reduce your out of state costs. Good grades allow you to teach, help with research, etc, thus you get paid and often times, your get instate tuition. Must as well do this since 150 units will be required in NY (clueless about Illinois). And you have the option of graduating faster during your course to your bs. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Big 4 is not everything. The people who chose to reject realize that.</p>