[Me]

I recently got my CPA license and I have never done Tax before so I am thinking about getting the master in business taxation degree so do you think that would be a wise move. My only concern in pursuing master in taxation degree would be if I don’t see myself working in the public CPA firm in the future do you still think it will be beneficial to get that degree if I go to a private company. I would greatly appreciate your advice.

[Pete]

Tax is a very niche area; it's much harder to transition from tax than it is from other things (ie. audit). With that being said, it is possible to transition out of it (I've seen it done), it's just much more difficult. Additionally, most companies now outsource tax functions to CPA firms; tax just isn't their specialty, so why would they get involved in doing the work. For example, a manufacturing companies strong point wouldn't be preparing corporate income tax returns, so why would they bother?

Instead of a masters in tax, I would suggest that you get an MBA; that will be more valuable to a broad range of employers. Better yet, try to get your employer to pay for the degree.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Missy]

Before dropping that much money on another degree (unless its on someone else's dime, in which case do it either way) get a job in tax and see if its something you'd like to do long term. A masters in tax is of no benefit unless you're in it to be a tax manager.

Whats going to be most beneficial in industry is the combination of your license & relevant experience. Additional degrees give no to low ROI, and truly the only benefit of a grad degree in addition to the license is it may be a conversation piece for interviewing but you won't get a better compensation or even necessarily get more job offers.

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

[Mike J]

I generally agree with MLA.

Do you have a degree in Accounting already? In NYS, to be licensed you need 1 year experience, CPA exams of course, and 150 credit hours.

I only lack the experience, however I have the exams and 150 credits. My degree is in Print Journalism.

So, if you're attempting a career change like I am, you may need the piece of paper (degree in Accounting).

To that end, you may want to start with tax classes that could qualify as electives toward the MBA/MS in Accounting.

Then, apply around while taking the tax class(es). Put MBA in progress on the resume and see what comes up.

More or less that's my plan.

[CPYay]

Agree with the others. A graduate degree doesn't add a lot of value to an Accounting degree + CPA license.

With that said, a Masters in Taxation may help you solidify some of the practices/laws, but you could easily learn this on your own time and put that money toward something else.

[ultrarunner]

Hi Mel, congratulations on getting your CPA. I am currently in the MST (in a local university; no online) program. I am a corporate accountant for a long time but like to work in tax. I don't have accounting degree either, so getting accounting related degree would be good for my resume. The MST program is very hard plus it requires quite an investment (money+time). I went to the orientation session before applying for the program. So I knew what I was getting into 🙁 If you are interested in a particular program/school, you may look for an information session or contact the program coordinator. They will love to help you. All the best.

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[Me]

@ultrarunner Can I please have your email address so I could ask you couple of questions regarding the MST degree. Thank you all for your feedback, and I already do have my BS degree in Accounting and met the 150 unit requirements. The only reason why I want to get the MST degree is because if someday I open up my own business, I think I would need to have a strong understanding of Tax.

[ultrarunner]

@Mel, I don't know how to send a personal message. I don't feel comfortable disclosing my email address. If you leave your email, I will email you. Thanks.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Me]

@ultrarunner thank you for your reply.

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[Anonymous]

Absolutely do not get an MBA unless its from the top 15~ MBA schools. No one gives a damn about an MBA from whichever multidirectional school you graduated from.

[Author]

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