I just graduated this month, I want to work to BIG 4 accounting firms, but I did not get a job offer from any public practice firms. I want to work in public practice so badly. While I don't have a job yet, I want to get a CPA(US) designation. *I am Canadian) Will a CPA designation make me more marketable in the BIG 4's eyes? Does getting a CPA require work experience? Should i go for a MSc in accounting in the states or study with test preparer like CPA BECKER? I started out as a science student but change into accounting during my third year, so i have a GPA from two different institutions, my accounting education GPA is 2.91 and I took all advanced accounting courses during my undergraduate years and many finance courses as well. I just want to work with BIG 4 accounting firms.
2007-01-02 09:41:51 · 2 answers · asked by chartacc 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
May I ask why you want to work for a Big 4 accounting firm so badly? The reputation? There are a lot of really good mid-tier accounting firms you can work for as well (i.e. Grant Thornton, BDO, McGladrey), so just make sure to keep all your options open.
To be honest, a CPA designation will most likely not make you more marketable in the Big 4's eyes, unless you bring considerable work experience with it. You either start at entry level or you can come in as an experienced hire. As an experienced hire, you don't necessarily need a CPA license (unless you are planning to come in as a Manager or above), but you need public accounting experience.
CPA requirements differ by state in the US. But generally, you will need 1-2 years of work experience, depending on the type of license you want to get. You should check the website of the state board of accountancy in the state you wish to work.
If you already have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and just want to pass the CPA exam, it's better to go with a review course than to try to get a Master's degree. If you would like to obtain a Master's degree, then you should by all means pursue it, but I just mean it's not necessarily in order to sit for or to pass the CPA exam.
I hope this helps, and wish you the best of luck in your pursuits! Feel free to e-mail me if you have further questions.
2007-01-05 16:32:10 · answer #1 · answered by Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A quick Yahoo Search: CPA requirements
will get your answer.
2007-01-02 09:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by kearneyconsulting 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋