Any CPAs on NT?

[nawlinsjunkie]

right now im a bio major entering my junior year. i know its late but ive been looking to get into accounting, im good with numbers and have been doing reallywell in economics and accounting courses. i was wondering tho if its necessary to have a degree in accounting to be successful as a CPA, because if i want tochange majors i have to take a bunch of useless pre-req courses. im wondering if i can continue my bio degree as long as i take the required units business andaccounting classes?

also, is there a good balance between work and extra time in your careers? I don't mind working long hours but not OD like 14 hours a day or something.

 

[mrspectacular]

no

 

[king beef]

In a couple of years YES.

 

[funkdoctor73]

Originally Posted by nawlinsjunkie

right now im a bio major entering my junior year. i know its late but ive been looking to get into accounting, im good with numbers and have been doing really well in economics and accounting courses. i was wondering tho if its necessary to have a degree in accounting to be successful as a CPA, because if i want to change majors i have to take a bunch of useless pre-req courses. im wondering if i can continue my bio degree as long as i take the required units business and accounting classes?

also, is there a good balance between work and extra time in your careers? I don't mind working long hours but not OD like 14 hours a day or something.

Weird thing is you don't need to have an accounting degree to be a CPA, in fact you don't even need an accounting degree to work as an accountant.Hell, you don't even need an accounting background to become an auditor. I can't remember correctly, but they want 150 accounting units to take thetest. Yes, they do have prerequisites..I don't know, thing its changed

hope this helps

EXAMINATION
Pathway 1 (Section 5092) - Pathway 2 (Section 5093)
Education Requirement
Baccalaureate degree.
24 semester units of accounting.
24 semester units of business-related subjects.
4
LICENSURE
Pathway 1
Pathway 2
Education Requirement
Same as Examination.
Same as Examination.
Plus
Overall total of 150 semester hours.
Experience Requirement
Two years of general experience, which may include 500+ attest hours for those who want to sign attest reports.
One year of general experience, which may include 500+ attest hours for those who

Angel

 

[crumbs]

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test
OR 15yrs accounting expierence

 

[funkdoctor73]

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test
OR 15yrs accounting expierence

Damn, thats brutal. I got friends taking the test as well. Anywho, to be honest in this modern day, real world experience will always trump theperson with a degree. If you want to get into accounting, work for small business and see if you like it. My only advice to you is, make sure you really likeit. Everyone say's they are good with numbers, but when they are are too deep into the accounting courses they decide they hate accounting. I was speakingto a partner at one of the Big 4 and most of them aren't CPAs, so take it with a grain of salt. You really don't need it, but it helps.

 

[poeticjays]

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test


OR 15yrs accounting expierence

this is not entirely true.

It depends on what state you're trying to get licensed in. In most states, it is 150 semester credits, which usually forces a student to get a masters inaccounting if he doesn't have the accounting units.

However, in some states (like Cali), you can get licensed with 120 semester credits, it just takes 2 years of experience, instead of 1 in order to getlicensed.

 

[rightguard]

my friend cannot find an entry level position with a degreein accounting

 

[moonmaster3]

Originally Posted by Rightguard

my friend cannot find an entry level position with a degreein accounting

What uni. did he graduate from?

 

[crumbs]

Originally Posted by PoeticJays

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test


OR 15yrs accounting expierence

this is not entirely true.

It depends on what state you're trying to get licensed in. In most states, it is 150 semester credits, which usually forces a student to get a masters in accounting if he doesn't have the accounting units.

However, in some states (like Cali), you can get licensed with 120 semester credits, it just takes 2 years of experience, instead of 1 in order to get licensed.

ah correct you are sir... im jaded with these ny rules ...
luckily i just recieved my degree for acct before the 7/31 deadline
*additionally even if you pass the test you need at least 1-3 yrs (depending on state) working exp before you get the actual license and claim CPA

 

[al audi]

i know a few heads who majored in that

thing is everybody wants experience first

its not what you know, its who you know.

edit:

*additionally even if you pass the test you need at least 1-3 yrs (depending on state) working exp before you get the actual license and claim CPA
so this is what it comes down too i guess, damn always something else....it must be like this in my state

 

[funkdoctor73]

Originally Posted by Crumbs

Originally Posted by PoeticJays

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test


OR 15yrs accounting expierence

this is not entirely true.

It depends on what state you're trying to get licensed in. In most states, it is 150 semester credits, which usually forces a student to get a masters in accounting if he doesn't have the accounting units.

However, in some states (like Cali), you can get licensed with 120 semester credits, it just takes 2 years of experience, instead of 1 in order to get licensed.

ah correct you are sir... im jaded with these ny rules ...
luckily i just recieved my degree for acct before the 7/31 deadline
*additionally even if you pass the test you need at least 1-3 yrs (depending on state) working exp before you get the actual license and claim CPA

not work expereience, you need to work under an already licensed CPA.

Angel

 

[airvandal180]

Originally Posted by PoeticJays

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test


OR 15yrs accounting expierence

this is not entirely true.

It depends on what state you're trying to get licensed in. In most states, it is 150 semester credits, which usually forces a student to get a masters in accounting if he doesn't have the accounting units.

However, in some states (like Cali), you can get licensed with 120 semester credits, it just takes 2 years of experience, instead of 1 in order to get licensed.

In Cali, is that CPA obtained with 120 credits a mobile license? That is, can you take it with you to say, Colorado and apply for that state'slicense?

 

[funkdoctor73]

Originally Posted by AirVandal180

Originally Posted by PoeticJays

Originally Posted by Crumbs

as of july 31, 2009 you need to have a masters degree in acct or 150cred in the field to sit for the test


OR 15yrs accounting expierence

this is not entirely true.

It depends on what state you're trying to get licensed in. In most states, it is 150 semester credits, which usually forces a student to get a masters in accounting if he doesn't have the accounting units.

However, in some states (like Cali), you can get licensed with 120 semester credits, it just takes 2 years of experience, instead of 1 in order to get licensed.

In Cali, is that CPA obtained with 120 credits a mobile license? That is, can you take it with you to say, Colorado and apply for that state's license?

No, there are two paths people follow. One where they are only licensed in that state and another where they can be licensed anywhere as a CPA. It was calledthe "five year rule" when i took it because it required more hours completed.

angel

 

[airvandal180]

^So you're saying if I was to get a CPA license in Cali under the 120-credit pathway, I couldn't get another license in any other state throughreciprocity?

I'm in NY btw, and I've passed all 4 parts of the exam. I'm just weighing my options for other state licenses because I'm not liking theenvironment right now (@ a Big 4 in NYC).

 

[rightguard]

he graduated form towson university in baltimore, didnt have a high gpa but he did intern....

 

[sundoobie]

Originally Posted by nawlinsjunkie

right now im a bio major entering my junior year. i know its late but ive been looking to get into accounting, im good with numbers and have been doing really well in economics and accounting courses. i was wondering tho if its necessary to have a degree in accounting to be successful as a CPA, because if i want to change majors i have to take a bunch of useless pre-req courses. im wondering if i can continue my bio degree as long as i take the required units business and accounting classes?

also, is there a good balance between work and extra time in your careers? I don't mind working long hours but not OD like 14 hours a day or something.

Check with your state on what is required to be certified as a Public Accountant. I think someone mentioned the requirements here in Cali.

Work and Extra time? All the time for me. Like right now, I am mad bored because it's slow in the summer. I have been taking CPE courses, time off, andspending lots of quality time on Niketalk.

But you know duringcertain parts of the year, you're busy. Tax season, end of quarters/year, etc. However it all depends on the size of the firm you work at. Bigger firmsrequire more from you like longer hours. But if you work for a smaller firm, which is where I am at, I am exposed to all aspects of Public Accounting. Preparation of personal, Corporate, Not for Profit, variout entities tax returns, audits, financial statements, consultations, payroll, etc. I like workingwith small businesses instead of working with/at larger corporations. Less office politics and you get to know the owners/clients a bit more on a personallevel. PS... you'll also get tons of love during tax season... it's like everyone is your best friend!

Other positives.. pay is good and we're recession proof!

Good luck my man.

 

[nikesincebirth]

good to see CPAs on NT.

I am going to work for a Big 4 in September. Anxious and a little worried. I know the hours will be brutal, but I know I have not worked this hard to just laydown and quit. Right now I am studying with the Becker CPA review. I am taking the FARE part first, since right now I have the most time to study. Anyone withany tips on being successful for the exam? Just give me the down right brutal truth to passing the exam. I need to hear it.

 

[airvandal180]

^ FARE is probably the best way to go. You would do it best to get your exams out of the way EARLY in your career because as you move up the ranks and you getmore work you'll have less time to study (I wrapped mine up in 7 months). I don't recommend going out like you used to, but unwinding once a weekisn't so bad. Just don't overdo it when you know you have to do homework or a lecture the next day.

Also, I was fortunate to end up in tax rather than auditing, because I find that auditors are consistently busy whereas tax people have some down periods.

 

[crumbs]

Originally Posted by AirVandal180

I'm just weighing my options for other state licenses because I'm not liking the environment right now (@ a Big 4 in NYC).

seriously...
im just trying to switch firms in this city..hasnt been looking good

 

[poeticjays]

Originally Posted by NikeSinceBirth

good to see CPAs on NT.




I am going to work for a Big 4 in September. Anxious and a little worried. I know the hours will be brutal, but I know I have not worked this hard to just lay
down and quit. Right now I am studying with the Becker CPA review. I am taking the FARE part first, since right now I have the most time to study. Anyone with
any tips on being successful for the exam? Just give me the down right brutal truth to passing the exam. I need to hear it.

am in a similar situation myself. Which office? I'm going to be in SF.

i've passed BEC and failed FAR so far. Tips: When you study, really crack down and STUDY. Its boring and theres a ton of material (especially FAR) but getit done. Take notes, and do as many practice problems as you can. I messed up because i didn't do enough practice simulations (they were liek 45 minuteseach), so make sure you do that.

Its tough but its doable (even though I haven't done it yet lol) its definitely passable. Its just a ton of stuff to remember. If I had to redo it, Iprobably would have started with an easier section first. FAR was my first cpa test and i blanked out on the simulations and ran out of time. The second time itook BEC and i was already familiar with the test settings and felt a lot more comfortable and i passed. just a suggestion

 

[vancity74]

Why on earth anyone would ever voluntarily want to be a CPA is completely beyond me.

 

[nikesincebirth]

Originally Posted by PoeticJays

Originally Posted by NikeSinceBirth

good to see CPAs on NT.




I am going to work for a Big 4 in September. Anxious and a little worried. I know the hours will be brutal, but I know I have not worked this hard to just lay
down and quit. Right now I am studying with the Becker CPA review. I am taking the FARE part first, since right now I have the most time to study. Anyone with
any tips on being successful for the exam? Just give me the down right brutal truth to passing the exam. I need to hear it.

am in a similar situation myself. Which office? I'm going to be in SF.

i've passed BEC and failed FAR so far. Tips: When you study, really crack down and STUDY. Its boring and theres a ton of material (especially FAR) but get it done. Take notes, and do as many practice problems as you can. I messed up because i didn't do enough practice simulations (they were liek 45 minutes each), so make sure you do that.

Its tough but its doable (even though I haven't done it yet lol) its definitely passable. Its just a ton of stuff to remember. If I had to redo it, I probably would have started with an easier section first. FAR was my first cpa test and i blanked out on the simulations and ran out of time. The second time i took BEC and i was already familiar with the test settings and felt a lot more comfortable and i passed. just a suggestion

I am going to be in SJ. I was also thinking about taking one of the smaller tests first to get my confidence up. Right now I have the most time tostudy, and I figure that FARE will def require the most hours. But you make a really good point. Maybe I should rethink my plan. I have only started and did 1chapter of FARE. I can already tell that this is going to be brutal. Does anyone else suggest I start with an easier part of the exam first? I really do wantthat $5K Bonus....hahaha

 

[biggie62]

I'm majoring in Econ and am thinking to postponing graduation an extra semester so I can get an accounting degree. I have a few electives left over that Idon't know what to do with. Been hearing hell from the friends who graduated this year and are studying for these exams right now.

 

[nawlinsjunkie]

Originally Posted by Vancity74

Why on earth anyone would ever voluntarily want to be a CPA is completely beyond me.

thats why im asking about the lifestyle CPAs have, the balance between work and free time. i dont mind putting in extra work cause i feel like id be good inthis career path. im pursuing bio right now but honestly im just an average student...and on top of that im horrible at chemistry and organic chemistry andthis @#$% is holding me back from the grades i need to get into med/pharm school...

yeah i know you need extra experience before youre an officially liscenced CPA in cali even after you pass the test. i think its like 500 hours of trainingunder an official CPA i think?