[Anonymous]

I just passed my last section of the CPA Exam and was wondering whether or not I should pursue a MAcc. I already have 150 credits, so I’m not sure if there is benefit or not in the MAcc. What are your thoughts? My GPA from undergrad is pretty bad, so I don’t know if I need a MAcc or not… when I say pretty bad, I’m saying 2.5. Just to clarify because I hate it when people say they have a terrible GPA and it’s like a 3.3 haha. I’d take a 3.3 in a second. Thanks for your advice!!

[Anonymous]

I don't think a MAcc adds value unless you need to meet CPA requirements AND want to do financial accounting or auditing financial statements.

I have seen some pretty solid MST programs that would probably get a decent ROI.

Looks like you already have the 150. I'd pass on it the MAcc.

I'd say you have an uphill battle finding a job with such a shitty GPA, but somebody will snatch you up based on the CPA exams alone. There are plenty of people that can't pass them that have a 3.3 GPA or better.

[Anonymous]

My advice to you is without a doubt, I would, 100%, say… It depends…

For example, I work for the Government in Accounting. As such, my MACC is much more beneficial to me than the CPA license will be when I pass it. One of my friends is also in accounting but hasn't graduated yet and I make more than $10K per year for having the MACC than she does.

If you are in the private sector though, it really is going to depend on what the organization values.

With all of that being said, I believe the CPA license adds legitimacy to an Accountant so even if it doesn't give me an immediate financial boost for having it, I still believe that it's incredibly important.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the “it depends” answer.

If you passed the CPA and have a nice job now, the answer is probably NO. Once you started your career in accounting, employers value your past experience more than your educational background.

However, i know companies who prefer master degrees. Master degree is kind of a requirement when my employer goes out and hire accountants, with CPA/CPA candidate preferred.

It never hurts to get a master's degree if you have enough financial resources. But if you don't, then i don't think getting a master's degree will maximize the ROI

[cool_kid]

Its kinda difficult to say. On one hand, you already have your 150 credits and thats generally what a MAcc program is for. In that sense, it won't do you much good. But on the other hand, your GPA is very low and everyone will take notice of that. If you were to join a decent MAcc program and do well, you may have an advantage over the other candidates since you passed the exams. Do you have any work/internship experience?

[Gatorbates]

No. Get a Dell. Accountant's don't like Mac(c)s. 🙂

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Anonymous]

if you have experience already, gpa doesnt matter. theres no point in getting a MAcc if you have 150 credits already

[Anonymous]

Sorry to high-jack the post but I've always wondered the same thing. My undergrad is in business mgmt with 120 credits and I had a really high GPA. Just finished the 150 requirements on Tuesday and I estimate that my GPA will be around 3.3 for those 30 credits alone. I didn't go the MACC route for 2 reasons: 1. I did horrible on the GMAT 2. My employer paid for the 30 credits but if I was officially enrolled in a MACC program I would have to sign a 2 year agreement to stay with them. I'm working the CPA now but I've always wondered if I should go back and get the MACC. I think I'm only 4-5 classes away but I would have to pay the difference in tuition to transfer the 30 credits to “official” master's statues. Not sure if it will be worth it I will be starting full-time in Sept with a mid-size public firm.

[EverybodyswaitingfortheCPA]

@cpa8488 – of course you should knock out the CPA as soon as you can. As far as the MACC goes, if my firm would have offered it, I would have taken the opportunity; even if there was a agreement stipulation. Reason being, you never know what down the road may offer. Let's say you're two years down the road and at the same firm? On the other hand, let's say that you leave the firm in 6 mo or so…what's the issue with having to figure out the MACC repayment? If you want anything bad enough, a person will find a way. Just gotta think what's best for you in the long run!

BEC - ✔ REG - ✔ AUD - ✔ FAR - ✔

Becker + NINJA MQCs for FAR

Licensed January 2015

[jhd7]

I work in tax and pursuing my MAcc in Tax has been really big for me. I initially did it to get my 150 but looking back I would've done it anyway. I feel being able to know the basic concepts in and out, as well as being able to converse with partners on high level tax concepts that my peers don't have a clue about has been a huge asset for me as someone who is in the early stages of my career

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[Author]

Replies