[tnmajor]

I live in Iowa, already possess a Bachelor of Science in an unrelated degree, and started pursuing a second Bachelor’s in Accounting. I am down to the last class (Advanced Accounting), but am unable to finish it due to full time work and having a family with four kids.

I have over 180 credits, because of my first bachelor’s degree, I just need to make sure I have enough accounting credits.

Here are my accounting courses I have taken:

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 3.00

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING 3.00

INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING I 3.00

INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING II 3.00

ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS 3.00

FEDERAL INCOME TAX 3.00

COST ACCOUNTING 3.00

ADVANCED TAXATION 3.00

AUDITING I 3.00

SPECIAL PROBLEMS (GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING COURSE) 3.00

All of the above courses add up to 30 credits, but I want to know whether any of them may not qualify for some reason (because they are too elementary).

Iowa needs 24 accounting credits, but they have to be above just elementary accounting. Thanks!

[saemandr]

Are any of them 100 or 200 level courses? In CO, I don't think those count.. so I have to take an additional class, but they might count in Iowa.. you'd just have to read the requirements for credit

REG - 73, 69 ugh
AUD - 11/21/2015
BEC - Jan 2015
FAR - April 2015

Becker Self Study/NINJA Audio/NINJA Flashcards

[wombataholic]

I would guess that financial accounting and managerial accounting won't count toward accounting hours.

I was in a similar situation (non-accounting major going back for accounting credits) and did the pre-evaluation thing with NASBA and I didn't get accounting credit for the financial accounting class I took in college, but it did count toward my state's requirement of 24 non-accounting business classes.

Licensed CPA
Passed each section on the first try with Ninja Notes/MCQ/Audio

[Missy]

I want to say this in the kindest, gentlest way possible. If other obligations are getting in the way of finishing Advanced Accounting, will you truly be able to study for the CPA? The studying required is significantly more intense for the exam than that class, I'd say threefold.

But in the event you've already completed the exams and just finishing the licensing requirement, run it by the state board, those all sound above introductory classes.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[1koolcat]

I only agree with half of what mla11692 said. Yes, definitely run your course list past the state board. They will be the ones determining what is acceptable, we forum folks are only guessing based on our experiences in our states.

However, I don't think that this latest snag is an indicator of tnmajor's future success. Don't assume tnmajor doesn't have what it takes to study for the CPA. It may just be a scheduling conflict. I was working full time (9-5 job) and I had one class that ONLY met MWF from 12:00 – 12:50. I had to work it out with my boss to take that class. Yes, it was during lunch, but I had to travel 45 mins each way. So maybe tnmajor puts that last class on hold, but is STILL eligible to sit for the CPA exam.

Your question was not about your chances of passing the CPA exam, your question was if your courses would count towards your education requirement. But since we're on that topic now, I say go for it, just make sure you eventually go back and finish that one class. You are so close to another degree, don't let this die on the vine. And if you can complete over 180 credit hours, hold down a full time job, raise a family with four kids, AND survive Iowa winters, I know you can do this. Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far!

AUD - 77
REG - 73, 80
FAR - 69, 73, 79 and DONE!
BEC - 82

[Missy]

koolcat, I simply asked a question. Many people who haven't begun the process yet don't realize what the CPA entails. It's not insurmountable, many of us do it with jobs, kids, other commitments. If someone is still very early on in the process its good to be realistic about the time required (20-30 hours per week, on top of other obligations for 6-12 months or more).

Been here a very long time and see so many people shell shocked about the commitment required for these exams. They're not so much hard as they are a test of perseverence.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[tnmajor]

No worries to mla11692 about a little dose of realism! I appreciate that. To be honest it's not just lack of time, it's also because it's an independent study and I'm realizing I need a classroom setting to succeed. And I know studying for the CPA exam will not have a “classroom setting” (unless I take those review classes), but it will be going over things that I've already studied in a classroom setting.

Honestly I don't care about the degree anymore, as long as I can sit for the CPA exam, since I have a full time job. The professor in this class is one of the worst I have had. So I don't want to put myself through another 6 months of torture just to complete this class, which will only get me a piece of paper that I don't need.

[Author]

Replies