- This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 9 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
Hi everyone, here is my dilemma, it’s a three pronged state licensing situation, we’ll call the states X, Y, and Z. I’m trying to break it down into something that is easy to follow. I’m not very skilled at writing so creating a cohesive narrative in paragraph form would be challenge.
*Completed post-bachelor’s coursework (community college) in X state – X recognized two-year hours as valid education experience.
*Applied for exam as a X candidate.
*Moved to Y state.
*Passed the exams as a X candidate while testing in Y and working full-time in private accounting.
*Worked in Y for a “failed to register” CPA that could not sign off on my work experience for X’ license application.
*Spouse offered job in another state, so we’re moving to Z state.
*Z doesn’t recognize two-year education hours unless transferred into a four-year institution.
*Enrolled in MSA program in Z as Z allows a non-reporting (non-attest services) license if you have a master’s from an accredited school.
*Work situation changed in Y, now I work for a VALID CPA that signed my experience affidavit for license application in X.
*I can now apply for license in X state and will likely receive my license without a problem as I meet all of X’s requirements.
*Still moving to Z, which has reciprocity with X, but there is still a risk that license will not transfer.
*Now concerned that I really don’t need MSA as it’s mostly designed for candidates to achieve their 150 hours.
*MSA program starts in a week. I’ve already started working out flexible remote work with my current employer over the summer.
Do I go forward with the MSA? I will only sacrifice three months of full-time income as it is a mostly online program, but the tuition and living expenses will probably total around $20k.
Pros and Cons of MSA:
+Additional education/refresh of some accounting concepts.
+Networking and recruiting with regional/Big 4 in the area
+Some employers, particularly in private, might be impressed with an MSA.
+I get to be a student again for a summer.
+If I change course now I’m a flip-flopper.
-Additional expense – About $9k in lost income during the summer, plus $20k tuition and books
-Broad – not a specialized degree like MST, but I’m not sure I would like tax.
-Might already have CPA by the time I enroll.
-It might be a huge waste of time, getting a great job through an MSA is no guarantee.
-Most public accounting firms don’t care about MSA. MST is more valuable but what if you don’t want to do tax…?
So, that is my situation. It’s a mess, and I’m ready to just get my CPA and move on. Let me hear your thoughts, would you do the MSA if you were in my shoes?
Passed: R-F-B-A - Persistence is the key to passing.
- The topic ‘MSA after CPA?’ is closed to new replies.
