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Message
Easiest way to get CPA?
Posted on 9/6/17 at 2:21 pm
Posted on 9/6/17 at 2:21 pm
I have an advanced tax degree but have never taken any accounting classes. It looks like I'd need to complete a certain number of accounting classes and then do some sort of CPA type work to get the required number of hours. Is there a program where you can knock out both at one time?
I don't need a CPA, just want to torture myself some more
I don't need a CPA, just want to torture myself some more
11
Posted on 9/6/17 at 3:14 pm to TheOcean
I know you can take online distance learning classes through LSU. That's how I got a lot of my classes while I worked. About $800 each and no student loans. But Ive never heard of any program where you can knock out both. Just need 1000 hours of some kind of accounting like work(In Louisiana).
Each state has a different set of rules and coursework. For instance in Texas you need a certain amount of hours in ethics courses. Louisiana you do not(surprise surprise
)
Each state has a different set of rules and coursework. For instance in Texas you need a certain amount of hours in ethics courses. Louisiana you do not(surprise surprise
)This post was edited on 9/6/17 at 3:15 pm
Posted on 9/6/17 at 3:14 pm to TheOcean
The exams themselves are a pretty big time commitment, not to mention gaining the experience that you'd need in order to get licensed. Is this actually going to benefit your career? I'd probably consider something else if you're just looking to add professional certifications
Posted on 9/6/17 at 5:09 pm to TheOcean
quote:How did you get this degree without taking any accounting classes?
I have an advanced tax degree but have never taken any accounting classes.
Posted on 9/6/17 at 7:24 pm to TheOcean
No easy way
Posted on 9/6/17 at 9:50 pm to Pussykat
quote:
No easy way
You got that right. But for OP, if you are in Florida you really just need to check with a CPA/ the licensing board there. Every state is different, and I'm guessing Florida is going to be one of the more strict states considering they don't give reciprocal licenses. As far as the school and work requirements, again you'll have to check within your state. Every state differs on what is qualified work and when you can start counting it.
Posted on 9/6/17 at 10:15 pm to TheOcean
Tell us more about this advanced tax degree. That could shine some light on what you will need to take and do. Perhaps some of the classes you have already taken for this advanced tax degree will count towards CPA exam eligibilty.
Posted on 9/6/17 at 10:32 pm to LSUFanHouston
quote:
Tell us more about this advanced tax degree. That could shine some light on what you will need to take and do. Perhaps some of the classes you have already taken for this advanced tax degree will count towards CPA exam eligibilty.
He has an LLM.
Posted on 9/7/17 at 8:20 am to TheOcean
Never heard CPA and "easy" in the same sentence...
Maybe you are looking for the easiest route to sit for it?
Maybe you are looking for the easiest route to sit for it?
Posted on 9/7/17 at 9:22 am to LSUFanHouston
quote:
LSUFanHouston
Are you still in public ?
Posted on 9/7/17 at 9:35 am to LSUFanHouston
I have a tax LLM. My practice is about 30% tax work -- not preparing returns, but dealing with the IRS. Having a CPA isn't necessary, it's just something I have wanted to do. It seems like the biggest hurdle would be knocking out the hours (if practicing as a tax attorney doesn't cross over).
Posted on 9/7/17 at 10:45 am to TheOcean
quote:
It seems like the biggest hurdle would be knocking out the hours
The exams are a very large time commitment. Each exam has around a 45% pass rate, and once you pass the first one you have an 18 month window to complete the remaining 3 or you begin losing credit. Depending on how much time you commit to studying and how well you do on standardized tests, you're looking at a time commitment of anywhere from 9-24 months of study time. This is from Becker:
quote:
Passing All 4 parts of the CPA Exam requires a significant time commitment. A typical CPA candidate spends approximately 300 – 400 hours preparing to pass all 4 parts of the exam.
I'm not trying to dissuade you, just make you aware of the reality of the exams before you start down this path.
Posted on 9/7/17 at 12:18 pm to TheOcean
quote:
I don't need a CPA, just want to torture myself some more
No, you don't. You really don't want this kind of torture. Trust me.
Posted on 9/7/17 at 12:20 pm to SoFunnyItsNot
quote:
Each state has a different set of rules and coursework. For instance in Texas you need a certain amount of hours in ethics courses. Louisiana you do not(surprise surprise )
You need an ethics course in Louisiana. It just doesn't have to be specific to Accounting or even business. In Texas, it has to be specific to Accounting.
Posted on 9/7/17 at 4:53 pm to TheOcean
quote:
I have a tax LLM. My practice is about 30% tax work -- not preparing returns, but dealing with the IRS. Having a CPA isn't necessary, it's just something I have wanted to do. It seems like the biggest hurdle would be knocking out the hours (if practicing as a tax attorney doesn't cross over).
I have a tax LLM as well. I practiced at a law firm for a few years before being hired as a Controller and now CFO. I only had 9 hours of Accounting in college, but I got my foot in the door at a good company as Controller because of the tax LLM. You can definitely move into some sort of Accounting related job with the tax LLM if you are looking to quit billing hours. If you are wanting to stay at a law firm, I don't really know that the CPA is going to be worth your time when you already have the tax LLM
Posted on 9/7/17 at 11:57 pm to TheOcean
Research the state that best fits you, likely not where you would necessarily practice, but the one that allows you to sit for the test the soonest. Couple that with the LSU Distance Learning program, they have an accounting certificate that will make you take 5 account classes plus two prereqs to the program. Honestly, that is the way to go.
Posted on 9/8/17 at 10:49 am to Stuckinthe90s
quote:
Research the state that best fits you, likely not where you would necessarily practice, but the one that allows you to sit for the test the soonest. Couple that with the LSU Distance Learning program, they have an accounting certificate that will make you take 5 account classes plus two prereqs to the program. Honestly, that is the way to go.
He won't be able to do that in Florida. Florida does not offer reciprocal licenses so if he were to get licensed in another state he would have to retake the test to practice in Florida.
Posted on 9/8/17 at 12:04 pm to jchamil
I'm just looking at ways of boosting my resume. Don't plan on doing any accounting work -- I farm all of that out. CPA seems like an obvious choice if there was an easy way of knocking out the classes/hours. I'm not too worried about the test, although I'm sure it's brutal.
Posted on 9/8/17 at 5:31 pm to OceanMan
quote:
Are you still in public ?
I am.
Posted on 9/8/17 at 5:34 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
quote:
He won't be able to do that in Florida. Florida does not offer reciprocal licenses so if he were to get licensed in another state he would have to retake the test to practice in Florida.
That is simply not true. Once you passed the test, you've passed the test. Every state honors the uniform CPA exam.
What lack of reciprocity means, is that you have to qualify to get a license under Florida rules, as opposed to Florida giving you a license just because, say, LA gave you one.
So, Florida may have requirements such as experience, certain classes, etc, that your original state didn't have. Florida won't give you a license until you meet those additional standards.
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