[Anonymous]

I was just wondering if anyone knows any CPAs who have gone on to receive MBAs from a top 25 program after working in public accounting?? I’m thinking that a big decision i’ll need to make a few years down the road is whether I want to pursue an MBA. I would only do so if I got into a top ~25 program.

*My main goal from pursuing an MBA would be to change from an accounting related career to either management consulting or corporate finance. I know corporate finance would be achievable without pursing an MBA and transitioning to industry, and that would probably be my alternative choice. Granted, my whole mentality may change 3 or 4 years from now so who knows.

[univegabw]

Personally I'm trying to avoid needing to go the MBA route. The only need for an MBA is for upper management positions past say a controller spot. You want VP of anything you'll want the MBA.

I'm gonna go a different route as I work for a software company so I'm gonna try and teach myself code again afterwards since I switched from computer science to Accounting and slightly still wish I'd had finished off the first choice.

The cost these days of an MBA just doesn't match up with the benefit it gives you today.

A- 53, 55
B- Passed!
F- Not Yet Taken
R- 1/17/2015

[univegabw]

Personally I'm trying to avoid needing to go the MBA route. The only need for an MBA is for upper management positions past say a controller spot. You want VP of anything you'll want the MBA.

I'm gonna go a different route as I work for a software company so I'm gonna try and teach myself code again afterwards since I switched from computer science to Accounting and slightly still wish I'd had finished off the first choice.

The cost these days of an MBA just doesn't match up with the benefit it gives you today.

A- 53, 55
B- Passed!
F- Not Yet Taken
R- 1/17/2015

[Anonymous]

Great question….

I have thought about it also, one other reason for an MBA would be to teach. But you can teach at a local college or 2 year college without an MBA but must have a CPA.

Personally, I enjoy my role as accounting manager using advanced Excel and Access. Love to program in VBA and use and polish my skills. But that said, I would rather avoid being a Controller or higher. In my 20 years of work experience I have seen to much in terms of politics. I have seen many Controller Seats turn over every year. I don't mind working long hours, but it can be difficult as you are still in the middle in the food chain.

MBA programs, which ones? I have looked at On-Line ones and try to avoid the Diploma Mills. But they really don't interest me all that much. Personally, I would rather finish my other degree that is in Philosophy.

Now correct me if I am wrong, but I see jobs that require some Public Accounting, CPA or other certifications but rare to see MBA a must. Maybe MBA or CPA as either or. But then I am looking mostly at Industry or Governmental Careers.

[Anonymous]

Great question….

I have thought about it also, one other reason for an MBA would be to teach. But you can teach at a local college or 2 year college without an MBA but must have a CPA.

Personally, I enjoy my role as accounting manager using advanced Excel and Access. Love to program in VBA and use and polish my skills. But that said, I would rather avoid being a Controller or higher. In my 20 years of work experience I have seen to much in terms of politics. I have seen many Controller Seats turn over every year. I don't mind working long hours, but it can be difficult as you are still in the middle in the food chain.

MBA programs, which ones? I have looked at On-Line ones and try to avoid the Diploma Mills. But they really don't interest me all that much. Personally, I would rather finish my other degree that is in Philosophy.

Now correct me if I am wrong, but I see jobs that require some Public Accounting, CPA or other certifications but rare to see MBA a must. Maybe MBA or CPA as either or. But then I am looking mostly at Industry or Governmental Careers.

[Mayo]

Yes, I've seen the transition from public accounting to top 25 MBA. In both instances the person left after 5 years of Big 4 audit, so I'm guessing they applied in year 4?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Yes, I've seen the transition from public accounting to top 25 MBA. In both instances the person left after 5 years of Big 4 audit, so I'm guessing they applied in year 4?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[MustPass1988]

I plan on doing my MBA after I get my CPA license. The main reason being that I don't want to be an “accountant” per se for the rest of my life. I can see myself in the finance or treasury department but definitely not accounting (i.e. journal entries every day). I'm only doing the CPA because an accounting degree doesnt mean much without it. I don't know what I'll end up doing 20 years down the road and I dont want to close any doors because I don't have my MBA…therefore, I'll be doing it.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[MustPass1988]

I plan on doing my MBA after I get my CPA license. The main reason being that I don't want to be an “accountant” per se for the rest of my life. I can see myself in the finance or treasury department but definitely not accounting (i.e. journal entries every day). I'm only doing the CPA because an accounting degree doesnt mean much without it. I don't know what I'll end up doing 20 years down the road and I dont want to close any doors because I don't have my MBA…therefore, I'll be doing it.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[Anonymous]

I just wish it didn't cost so damn much

[Anonymous]

I just wish it didn't cost so damn much

[John Tucker]

CPAOneDay,

That's the drawback, if you want a brand name top ranked MBA, you are looking at $100,000 give or take. You need to ask yourself can you achieve the goals you want without going that route, and if the CPA with some solid networking skills will be enough to get the job done?

I have an MBA but it's not from a brand name college and it's not ranked, but for my industry, position and goals my MBA in conjunction with the CPA and my work experience are golden for what I want to do. You have to sit down and make this determination.

If you determine the MBA is needed, must it be from the ranked institutions?

* State of MA CPA Exam Candidate
- BEC: Sunday, August 24th
- FAR: Saturday, November 29th
- AUD: TBA for February 2015
- REG: TBA for May 2015

[John Tucker]

CPAOneDay,

That's the drawback, if you want a brand name top ranked MBA, you are looking at $100,000 give or take. You need to ask yourself can you achieve the goals you want without going that route, and if the CPA with some solid networking skills will be enough to get the job done?

I have an MBA but it's not from a brand name college and it's not ranked, but for my industry, position and goals my MBA in conjunction with the CPA and my work experience are golden for what I want to do. You have to sit down and make this determination.

If you determine the MBA is needed, must it be from the ranked institutions?

* State of MA CPA Exam Candidate
- BEC: Sunday, August 24th
- FAR: Saturday, November 29th
- AUD: TBA for February 2015
- REG: TBA for May 2015

[Anonymous]

My perspective is from Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

Unless you want to go into Brand Marketing or General Management (which are mostly brand marketers and high performing sales people), I wouldn't leave the workforce to pursue the full-time, top 25 MBA option. You can easily move into a corporate finance function from Big 4, and then get your MBA part time. Online is the best option, as many top flight schools have online options. Basically, if you have never heard of the college, then don't get an MBA from it. If you are fixated on staying in one location, then consider a local option, but if you are geographically flexible, then choose a school with some name recognition. Top programs to consider are Duke and Indiana, next step down the rest of state schools that are AACSB certified.

[Anonymous]

My perspective is from Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

Unless you want to go into Brand Marketing or General Management (which are mostly brand marketers and high performing sales people), I wouldn't leave the workforce to pursue the full-time, top 25 MBA option. You can easily move into a corporate finance function from Big 4, and then get your MBA part time. Online is the best option, as many top flight schools have online options. Basically, if you have never heard of the college, then don't get an MBA from it. If you are fixated on staying in one location, then consider a local option, but if you are geographically flexible, then choose a school with some name recognition. Top programs to consider are Duke and Indiana, next step down the rest of state schools that are AACSB certified.

[fuzyfro89]

See how your job goes for the next few years. If you are a to performer and are getting headhunter for good positions in industry, hold off for a year or two. Then, take the GMAT and see what range you fall in. Then, make the cost/benefit decision once you're ready.

A big mistake would be to go too early and not have a clear goal for using your MBA. It's expensive, but worth it for the right career move.

[Author]

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