[HP0906]

Hi All,

My background is very unique. I have a bachelors degree in business admin with an emphasis in management. I studied for the degree with the goal of being in a high management position someday. I also have an MBA in finance because I had worked for a for-profit education company which provided free tuition (It was a good opportunity to take). Unfortunately the college did not have any accounting emphasis graduate programs.

I started off as a A/P coordinator and worked my way into a staff accountant position. My interest in accounting grew as I started my career. I had taken core accounting courses which allowed me enough credits to sit for the CPA exam and I passed FAR in March, 2017.

I was recently laid off by my employer because they were downsizing. I had a couple interviews however, the hiring managers at CFO, VP, Director levels have focused on the fact that my bachelors is in management and my MBA is in finance. I had explained that I have taken core classes to sit for the CPA exam but, because I do not have any type of degree in accounting, it makes me seem like I do not have the knowledge of the accounting fundamentals.

Yes, I should have gotten a degree in accounting. Yes, I might have looked at getting a graduate degree in accounting somewhere else rather than what the company offered. My plan now is the obtain an accounting certificate and to pass the remaining sections of the exam. Will this be enough or is the effort, time, and money a waste and a new career path is recommended? I’m sorry this is long and thank you for taking your time to read my post. I appreciate any advice, feedback, and help.

[Defo]

Focus on the CPA exam. Once you have CPA designation it should trump any issues with your business background.

[rjcpa]

HP, I also have a BBA in Management that I got many years ago. I wanted to sit for the CPA so I took the 8 core accounting classes that were required to sit and also in doing that I also received a double major in accounting because I already had the required business classes for the accounting major. Were the accounting classes you took undergrad or grad? I have seen most job posts require at least an accounting undergrad degree.

FAR - 10/3/12 - 86
BEC - 11/27/12 - 70 1/14/13 - 81
AUD - 4/4/13 - 87
REG - 7/8/13 - 80

[cantpassagain1]

I agree with @defo. If I was a hiring manager and saw your education in management and your actual experience in accounting i'd hire you. If you can pass the CPA exam you know accounting. Honestly, I went to grad school for accounting and regret it every day. Wish I would have double majored as finance and accounting in undergrad so I had the credits to get licensed. Once you go through undergrad accounting you learn nothing more in grad except for whatever depth in tax your program goes into. Audit is different in grad (external Vs. internal) but I always saw immense similarities. Hopefully this helps.

[Author]

Replies