[kennethc524]

So I’m a rising junior Journalism major, and I’m wondering if it’s possible for me to work in the accounting field if I get a CPA certificate.

The reason why I don’t switch my major into accounting is because UNC Chapel hill doesn’t provide undergrad accounting major (very odd I know)

After doing some research, I’ve found out it’s possible for a non-accounting major to sit for the cpa exam as long long the candidate has completed the required course work, while this is not gonna be a problem for me.

So my question is: Is it possible for a journalism graduate to work in the accounting field with a cpa certificate? Does it put this kind of job cadidate like me into an advantage or disadvantage? (considered I’ll be deemed as a qualified accountant since I have the cpa certificate, while I have journalism background.)

THANK YOU!!!

[whitesoxfancpa]

If you're a CPA, I don't think anyone cares what your degree is in. You're a qualified accountant, certainly just as qualified (most likely more qualified) than someone with a bachelor's in accounting with no CPA.

I think you'll be fine. Just put on your resume that you have extensive coursework in accounting. And of course, in big letters at the top, CPA.

AUD 96 FAR 95 REG 94 BEC 88

[potatogun]

If you have the amount of business and accounting classes required to take the test then for all intents and purposes you have similar course work of an accounting grad.

My degree is in economics. Anyways you can also take city college classes online as you do your journalism degree. Employment is more about networking than it is what degree at your stage in life as long as you are eligible to sit for the CPA.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Halfwaythere]

It's all about how you sell your education too. For instance if you want to go into public accounting, specifically auditing, you can highlight the skills you learned in journalism as they will help you create clear, concise documentation in working papers. It sounds cheesy, but this is a focus with the PCAOB right now, and I think interviewers would be impressed that you made the connection. As long as you have the required coursework to sit for the exam you should be fine.

REG-95 BEC-93 FAR-90 AUD-99

[Anonymous]

I hate to be the discouraging voice here but I don't think it's as easy as the others are making it out to be. After 6 yrs in the workforce I decided to change careers to accounting by getting a masters in it. Since then I've passed 3 sections of the exam with decent scores of 90,82 and 89, and I'm still waiting for a score on REG. But I cannot get a job that will help me fulfill the experience requirements to actually get the license. I've been looking for quite some time now too.

It appears that most public firms and corporations recruit undergrads directly though colleges. If your college won't help you find an accounting position, it's REALLY tough to get one out there on your own, especially without any accounting experience. They won't even consider me for internships. I'm very close to changing my cover letter to read “will work for free.” I really thought passing the exam would prove me as a worthy candidate but it hasn't seemed to help at all.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure where you live but here in the midwest (OK) I went from having no accounting experience (worked in telecom, BS in Public Admin, MBA, then took the required accounting hours to sit) and have a job with a small CPA firm doing governmental auditing. Of couse I wanted to work for a big 4 company but since I'm older and not a recent college grad they weren't interested. If I had stuck with only that as what I was willing to do I'd still be unemployed but I was willing to take whatever accounting work I could find while working on passing the CPA exam and I absolutely love what I do. Since it's a small firm I get to do it all, ever bit of auditing, writing the financial statements, and even some tax work. I would not have been exposed to the wide variety of work if I had gone big 4, so their loss, my gain.

[potatogun]

It is never easy. However, OP is a college student so if OP can get to networking, then it is possible. Big4 prefer accounting majors, but you can be that standout.

dhuffman, being able to work on multiple areas at a big4 is about being proactive. If you want the Form E CPA license (at least in CA) you also need tax experience. But you're right that the work may differ. I prefer the access to tons of public companies at my office.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Anonymous]

dhuffman –

Do you have advice for those of us looking for a job? I don't want Big4, I would prefer small CPA firm, but I of course apply to industry positions too. I'm willing to do anything to get some experience. Where did you look for job postings or did you just send resumes out to local firms? Did your college help you find a job? What was the “edge” you used to get the job? Any advice is appreciated. Some of us are really struggling out here. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

LOL…I live in a tiny rural area. My “edge” was I now work for the firm who did my taxes since I owned a farm but worked 2 hours away as a Project Manager. When I decided to get my CPA I went back to school to get the accounting credits I had to have for the state requirements. I told the firm what I was doing and once I finished school they hired me. I don't make a ton of money but do well for the area plus I get pleny of work/life balance and best of all I get to do mostly audits with some tax work during the busy season.

Look around at the areas CPAs and call the ones who sound like they have something to offer. I was offered a job at the state auditors but would have to drive the 2 hours to work each day, now I drive 15 minutes.

[Author]

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