[Teddybear91]

I recently started working as a tax accountant at a mid-size CPA firm; my day to day consists of

doing alot of tax prep work, as well as answering IRS notices, doing projections, etc. My managers

work to resolve tax issues that come up with clients and do a bit of consulting as well.

The truth is they have extensive experience in tax and have done masters degrees in tax as well as having

their CPA licenses.

I want to eventually move into a tax planning role but I feel like I won’t be able to do that

without getting an MST. My other issue is I am also studying for the CPA exam.

I do have a double masters degree in accounting and business but most of my tax

knowledge is pretty much gone since its been a while.

Should I focus on getting my CPA first then possibly doing an MST program? I worry because

admission to MST programs usually require GMAT scores and the score is only valid for 5 years? What

is the best course of action?

[Ntw6817]

I would get the CPA first. The CPA is required for what you want to do but the MST is just a preference. Get the required stuff out of the way first.

I'm assuming you already have the required hours to sit for the exam.

[taxgeek83]

I'd go for your CPA license first, especially since you're already studying for it. Even if you stay in tax, I think it will get you farther in the long run than an MST will. That said, most schools that I've researched waive the GMAT requirement if you've passed all four parts of the CPA exam.

[fuzyfro89]

You need the CPA regardless of whether you end up with a MST later, so start with what you know. Plans change, but in each scenario it seems you will need to get the CPA.

“I want to eventually move into a tax planning role but I feel like I won't be able to do that without getting an MST.”

Don't tell us about your feelings. Go find out from employers who you believe want candidates to have a MST and see if you could get in without it. If you get the answer 5 times that they won't hire you without it, then that's your answer. Continue talking to people actually in the field and try to get a clearer answer on if/how that would matter to get a MST or not. Broadly speaking, candidates tend to feel that education/certifications are more valuable than they actually are, and underestimate how much hustling and networking is necessary to get the desired positions. Unless they say “… we only hire MST grads” and you hear that repeatedly, there's a good chance you don't absolutely have to have it.

[Skynet]

I agree with everyone that said going after the CPA first. That is by far the biggest mountain to climb. MST is cakewalk compared to the CPA. Like everyone said too, with the CPA certain requirements will be waived.

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