University of Illinois is rated #1 in the country for accounting. I'd like to go there, but it's tough to get in. Can I still get a good job as a CPA down town if I go to a cheapy shcool?
2006-10-22 08:16:13 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
yeah, I mean that's the whole point of it, right? Why shoot for an acocunting degree and CPA cert if I'm gonna work for Bubba's Accounting Service and make < $40k /year.
2006-10-24 04:46:30 · update #1
YES you can get a good CPA job even if you don't go to a prestigious school. However, it would be best if you go to a school that if not the #1, at least in the top 15 schools in accounting. Check with the job placement officer and inquire whether big accounting firms have recruited from the school -- that can be your cue. If they don't, then maybe that is not the best school for you.
I suggest you check out U.S. News lists of Best Colleges for Accounting for potential options
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/majors/brief/major_52-0301_brief.php
I think the key is not really "prestigious" but REPUTABLE. If you have a decent GPA above 3.5 and you are from a reputable school, then your chances of getting entry-level jobs can be as good as any in the top school. Also apply for their internship programs as this can be your doorway to getting a permanent position with the top accounting firms (in talking with the colleges or universities, check also if the big guns recruit interns from their schools)
2006-10-30 05:31:26 · answer #1 · answered by imisidro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UI is rated #1 only due to its size. The best school for accounting in the US is Northern Illinois University - based on CPA exam pass rate and published texts of its professors who also actively teach.
The key isn't to get into a prestigous school. Get into a school that has a high rate of recruting by major employers such as PWC, E&Y and KPMG. Employers like this visit schools which produce only the best accounting students.
2006-10-28 09:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by Philip S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rankings are overrated. But, if you're concerned about it, try to get into another top tier school, or at least a second if you're trying to make the big bucks or get jobs with major accounting firms.
2006-10-22 08:18:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
UIC also has a good, solid accounting and finance program. To become a CPA, you have to pass an exam, anyway.
2006-10-28 14:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by Lea 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋