[sonygal57]

About Me:

I am working toward getting the CPA exams out of the way.

I graduated from Western International University with a 4.0 for my bachelors in accounting.

I currently work year-round at a McTax place (4yrs).

I do have my EA.

My Options:

WIU, UOP, NOVA (and other online schools)

State school where big four does campus recruiting (approx 90 miles away)

MAIN ?: I was wondering if I tried to get my masters from a college such as WIU, UOP, or Nova if I would be killing any shot I would have at a Big 4.

More info:

I am in a small town and would have to commute over 90 miles to go to the closest state school. I can’t move because I can’t afford to pay my mortgage and keep a second home (I don’t want to rely on selling or renting because neither market is good where I live). The commute would obviously be quite costly.

I am really considering returning to WIU for my masters because I can get the degree for less cost (including commute and living expenses) than any of the other schools I can find. What do you guys think?

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[sonygal57]

@Weston I meant NOVA southeastern U…they have an interactive online program….it actually looks pretty good.

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[nbad311]

For what it's worth, my manager (who I am pretty friendly with after 2 years of work together) said her and my boss would not consider resumes with online degrees for my position. Granted I am in private sector – not public or big 4 – it's still an important position with salary comparable to a senior staff in a large public firm. She said those resumes didn't hold much water in their candidate search. I got my degree in 5 years from a small liberal arts school (lol)

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[nbad311]

For what it's worth, my manager (who I am pretty friendly with after 2 years of work together) said her and my boss would not consider resumes with online degrees for my position. Granted I am in private sector – not public or big 4 – it's still an important position with salary comparable to a senior staff in a large public firm. She said those resumes didn't hold much water in their candidate search. I got my degree in 5 years from a small liberal arts school (lol)

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[acamp]

I don't know your plan, but if working less is an option, I'd go to that state school 90 miles away, and depending on how many units per semester you are trying to tackle, see if you could do it all in 1 or 2 days per week. One of my undergrad semesters I managed to take 18 units by going in just two days per week. As all were classroom classes, they were very long, horrible days lol, but I was about 50 miles from school and was trying to save on commute. Additionally, if the Big4 recruit from there, it will make your job hunt a lot easier. Only one Big4 recruited from my school the year I graduated and it took A LOT for me to get interviews with the others.

As mentioned, I would check to see if they offer any online classes or if any lectures are available online. I had a few classes that could be viewed online the next day–which might reduce the amount of travel and time away from work.

Lastly, I agree that online-only schools generally are not well regarded, (you may learn a lot), but perception is perception. I read an article a while back that basically pointed to the fact that for-profit online schools will let anyone in who is willing to pay and that people who can ace the GMAT and have a solid academic and professional background generally go elsewhere. So even if you have a great background, you are lumped in with a large population of people who may not be of the highest caliber.

Also, why are you going for your masters?

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

I don't know your plan, but if working less is an option, I'd go to that state school 90 miles away, and depending on how many units per semester you are trying to tackle, see if you could do it all in 1 or 2 days per week. One of my undergrad semesters I managed to take 18 units by going in just two days per week. As all were classroom classes, they were very long, horrible days lol, but I was about 50 miles from school and was trying to save on commute. Additionally, if the Big4 recruit from there, it will make your job hunt a lot easier. Only one Big4 recruited from my school the year I graduated and it took A LOT for me to get interviews with the others.

As mentioned, I would check to see if they offer any online classes or if any lectures are available online. I had a few classes that could be viewed online the next day–which might reduce the amount of travel and time away from work.

Lastly, I agree that online-only schools generally are not well regarded, (you may learn a lot), but perception is perception. I read an article a while back that basically pointed to the fact that for-profit online schools will let anyone in who is willing to pay and that people who can ace the GMAT and have a solid academic and professional background generally go elsewhere. So even if you have a great background, you are lumped in with a large population of people who may not be of the highest caliber.

Also, why are you going for your masters?

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[onmywhey]

Hi Sonygal57,

I have gone through 2 recruiting cycles with Big 4, have family members who work at Big 4, and work with mostly ex Big-4. I would STRONGLY recommend you go to school at a state school that Big 4 recruit from if at all possible. The Big 4 generally have very structured recruiting methods and generally recruit at state schools. It's possible to get in from a school they don't recruit from but you would need to bring something exceptional to the table for them to take the risk.

To address the online aspect, I have never seen anyone with an online degree at Big 4. I am sure there are capable/hard-working individuals that go to universities like U of P but the bottom like is why would they take a risk on an unknown school vs a school that may have produced good employees in the past. Turnover is high at Big 4, usually they will recruit from certain schools and then send alumni back to their originating school to recruit; and such, that's the cycle of life at the Big 4.

For your situation, I would make sure any school you attend is accredited, which I”m sure you did. You do have work experience and are an EA so I would try to sell yourself on that. More than likely since you are a small market, Big 4 will probably be structured around personal taxes like high net worth individuals or maybe tax planning, maybe some corps so you might be able to sell yourself on that if you have experience with that kind of tax.

More than likely your route could be online then try to go to a mid-tier accounting firm then lateral into Big 4. Research how many credit hours are needed to sit for the CPA exam and what type. You may be able to fit in accounting classes to reach the goal depending on your credits w/o as Masters in Accounting. If at all, reach out to a recruiter via Linkedin and network like you have network before.

Good Luck!

[onmywhey]

Hi Sonygal57,

I have gone through 2 recruiting cycles with Big 4, have family members who work at Big 4, and work with mostly ex Big-4. I would STRONGLY recommend you go to school at a state school that Big 4 recruit from if at all possible. The Big 4 generally have very structured recruiting methods and generally recruit at state schools. It's possible to get in from a school they don't recruit from but you would need to bring something exceptional to the table for them to take the risk.

To address the online aspect, I have never seen anyone with an online degree at Big 4. I am sure there are capable/hard-working individuals that go to universities like U of P but the bottom like is why would they take a risk on an unknown school vs a school that may have produced good employees in the past. Turnover is high at Big 4, usually they will recruit from certain schools and then send alumni back to their originating school to recruit; and such, that's the cycle of life at the Big 4.

For your situation, I would make sure any school you attend is accredited, which I”m sure you did. You do have work experience and are an EA so I would try to sell yourself on that. More than likely since you are a small market, Big 4 will probably be structured around personal taxes like high net worth individuals or maybe tax planning, maybe some corps so you might be able to sell yourself on that if you have experience with that kind of tax.

More than likely your route could be online then try to go to a mid-tier accounting firm then lateral into Big 4. Research how many credit hours are needed to sit for the CPA exam and what type. You may be able to fit in accounting classes to reach the goal depending on your credits w/o as Masters in Accounting. If at all, reach out to a recruiter via Linkedin and network like you have network before.

Good Luck!

[Kenada]

I will concur with nbad311. My degree is from the UK and one of the first questions I was asked, is this from a University that is online. At first I was a bit puzzled why are they asking but I showed them I had to physically attend the classes and do exams every semester.

Later on I found out that there are a lot of educational institutes that are online and apparently many employers in the private sector don't like hiring people with those types of degrees.

I may be stuck with having to make up the deficit semesters hours I have with the license requirement that kicks in 2014. I will consider a state university and pick one that has a lot of online courses. I think San Jose State University maybe my choice to pick up the additional credits I will need.

https://www.sjsu.edu/acctfin/docs/150-Unit%20CPA%20Requirement.pdf

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Kenada]

I will concur with nbad311. My degree is from the UK and one of the first questions I was asked, is this from a University that is online. At first I was a bit puzzled why are they asking but I showed them I had to physically attend the classes and do exams every semester.

Later on I found out that there are a lot of educational institutes that are online and apparently many employers in the private sector don't like hiring people with those types of degrees.

I may be stuck with having to make up the deficit semesters hours I have with the license requirement that kicks in 2014. I will consider a state university and pick one that has a lot of online courses. I think San Jose State University maybe my choice to pick up the additional credits I will need.

https://www.sjsu.edu/acctfin/docs/150-Unit%20CPA%20Requirement.pdf

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[GuitarSalad]

It's probably already been said repeatedly, but a degree from UOP or WIU will not really get you anywhere. More managers than not will throw out resumes that include degrees from these schools. Honestly, if I were a hiring manage, I would throw out those resumes. It's not a knock on your ability but rather a show of how little faith anyone has (and should have) in the ability of UOP and the like to provide appropriate education. When I went back to school for a MAcc programm, I could have gone to an online school for free but I chose to fork out 40k for a traditional school.

I used to work for a major online school, and boy I could tell you some stories. And just in case you didn't know, UOP owns WIU. They're basically one and the same.

BEC 7/12/13 - 84
AUD 8/31/13 - 86
REG 4/11/14 - 84
FAR 5/30/14 - 88

Licensed AZ CPA - 10/2014

[GuitarSalad]

It's probably already been said repeatedly, but a degree from UOP or WIU will not really get you anywhere. More managers than not will throw out resumes that include degrees from these schools. Honestly, if I were a hiring manage, I would throw out those resumes. It's not a knock on your ability but rather a show of how little faith anyone has (and should have) in the ability of UOP and the like to provide appropriate education. When I went back to school for a MAcc programm, I could have gone to an online school for free but I chose to fork out 40k for a traditional school.

I used to work for a major online school, and boy I could tell you some stories. And just in case you didn't know, UOP owns WIU. They're basically one and the same.

BEC 7/12/13 - 84
AUD 8/31/13 - 86
REG 4/11/14 - 84
FAR 5/30/14 - 88

Licensed AZ CPA - 10/2014

[Anonymous]

I have a coworker that has a online MBA degree from Devry. She recently graduated. You should see her ego. I had a conversation where she questioned me why am I so persistent in obtaining my CPA and working so hard for it. She indicated it's not worth it. And she bashed me like i'm beneath her. I told her most employers wouldn't even consider anyone without a CPA for a senior tax level position. She said she has her MBA from devry and her work experience. CPA is worthless to her. Basically without saying directed she indicated i'm stupid for putting all the time and effort in to studying for the CPA.

I told her I plan on going in public and a CPA is literally mandatory. She then told me why would I consider going in public and starting over my career basically. Keep in mind I work in trust tax, a very small area of tax. She turned her nose at me and told me if an employer won't offer her a senior and more pay, she's not going to take it because she has her MBA from Devry, her 7 years of tax prep experience, and she was able to manage 3 interns. I told her that the type of work we do is a very small part of the tax world. And not many firms need experiences like ours, but obviously some experiences are transferrable. She's like well if they are going to give her what she deserve then they aren't going to get her to work for them. I responded with ok, good luck to you, and just stepped away from this conversation before I tell her that her Devry MBA means crap in the business world.

[Anonymous]

I have a coworker that has a online MBA degree from Devry. She recently graduated. You should see her ego. I had a conversation where she questioned me why am I so persistent in obtaining my CPA and working so hard for it. She indicated it's not worth it. And she bashed me like i'm beneath her. I told her most employers wouldn't even consider anyone without a CPA for a senior tax level position. She said she has her MBA from devry and her work experience. CPA is worthless to her. Basically without saying directed she indicated i'm stupid for putting all the time and effort in to studying for the CPA.

I told her I plan on going in public and a CPA is literally mandatory. She then told me why would I consider going in public and starting over my career basically. Keep in mind I work in trust tax, a very small area of tax. She turned her nose at me and told me if an employer won't offer her a senior and more pay, she's not going to take it because she has her MBA from Devry, her 7 years of tax prep experience, and she was able to manage 3 interns. I told her that the type of work we do is a very small part of the tax world. And not many firms need experiences like ours, but obviously some experiences are transferrable. She's like well if they are going to give her what she deserve then they aren't going to get her to work for them. I responded with ok, good luck to you, and just stepped away from this conversation before I tell her that her Devry MBA means crap in the business world.

[jw_83]

I don't know anything about getting a job at a Big 4. I live in a small community, so the closest Big 4 firm is hours away. However, I did get my masters from UOP. I worked full time, had a 6 month old baby, and my husband worked nights when I started. My only option was an online school. When I interviewed with the firm I am with now, they were a little skeptical about my education. However, they were also impressed about how dedicated and organized I had to be to go back to school with a baby at home. I am also the only one working toward my CPA with two young children at home. In my first year review, the partners told me that they were worried about my education, but my work speaks for itself and they were really happy they took a chance on me. So I guess I am saying that I realize many in the accounting profession are skeptical about online schools, but if you have to go that route, it's not a dead end, especially if you get your CPA.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[jw_83]

I don't know anything about getting a job at a Big 4. I live in a small community, so the closest Big 4 firm is hours away. However, I did get my masters from UOP. I worked full time, had a 6 month old baby, and my husband worked nights when I started. My only option was an online school. When I interviewed with the firm I am with now, they were a little skeptical about my education. However, they were also impressed about how dedicated and organized I had to be to go back to school with a baby at home. I am also the only one working toward my CPA with two young children at home. In my first year review, the partners told me that they were worried about my education, but my work speaks for itself and they were really happy they took a chance on me. So I guess I am saying that I realize many in the accounting profession are skeptical about online schools, but if you have to go that route, it's not a dead end, especially if you get your CPA.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[Author]

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