[Tani]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to ask for some advice on what is best for me to do. I graduated with a BS in accounting about 7 years ago but my only experience has been a tax season with H&R Block. Other than that, I’ve been working minimum wage jobs. I was thinking that maybe I should study and pass the CPA exam but I only have 120 credits. My degree is from NY but I am now in KY for the next few years. Also, I want to get a MS in taxation. Is it ok to take the exams in KY without the 150 credits first? I was also thinking of getting a bookkeeper position or a/r or a/p position but don’t want that to hinder a public career because aren’t those private accounting jobs? I am very dedicated once I have a game plan. It’s just been for financial or poverty reasons that I haven’t been able to get anywhere since graduation, and I don’t have any family/friends to rely on in any way. Part of the problem has been my lack of finances and help in owning a car even though I have a license. Thanks

[M123]

Looks like you may be good to take exam in KY. Is that where you want to get licensed? https://cpa.ky.gov/examcandidates/Pages/Exam-Requirements.aspx

MS Tax is a great way to get the units needed as long as it's an affordable option. There are several programs under $35k but I don't know what's in your area. Try to get one from a recognized school.

Let us know what you plan on doing – it is an interesting quagmire to either take exams or get units to get licensed – which to do first. I wonder if getting at least some kind of accounting job now which will give you the leeway to study for exams would make sense,then get MST when exams passed? It would be extremely difficult to try to do both concurrently.

[Anonymous]

It's never too soon to start networking. You can try joining professional associations, even as a student member which is usually FREE, such as your state accounting association. There are many other professional organizations you can join and meet all the people who are active in the profession and responsible for recruiting and professional development, etc.

Even though I don't have my CPA yet, thanks to my participation in a few organizations, my resume usually gets me in the door for interviews. I will be having lunch business meeting with a Director from one of the Big 4 in a couple of weeks. It will be a good opportunity to show them my work ethic and skills which will likely lead to a job offer once I finally complete the exam. The meeting is only taking place because we are both members of the same professional association. I joined for free too and just showed my interest in being an active member. There are big opportunities if you are active in these organizations outside of work.

[Tani]

Wow thanks for the great advice guys! To answer M123, I am definitely going to try to master the CPA first and use the Surgent CPA review course because it doesn't expire. After passing that, I was thinking University of Cincinnati for the MS taxation which is 30k ( I would have to take out a loan). My primary goal is obviously a tax role and just becoming a total tax accounting guru. I do want to get experience with auditing too though but feel very out of practice with that (since it's been so long) .
thanks

[Tani]

I would like to be licensed to work in Louisville, Chicago, and Baltimore since those are the cities I'm most interested in but initially Louisville, KY.

[Author]

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