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Message
Value of a MBA vs Accounting degree?
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:25 am
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:25 am
I'm about to graduate from LSU in Decemember with an ISDS degree; however, I'll be enrolling in Southeastern to finish the requirements for the CPA exam. I'm unsure right now if I'd rather finish my Accounting degree by taking Audit, Tax, and Cost then fill the other 21 hours with pointless electives, or if I should just use that time and go ahead and do the MBA. I work in Accounting right now for the State, and would have an Accounting Manager position available upon passing the CPA. I'm just wondering how other companies would look at a CPA who has an IT based degree more then an Accounting.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
8
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:34 am to CajunFootball
Honestly, once you get a CPA it's really not going to matter much. If you want to stay in accounting then do whatever but if you're looking to advance into management then I'd go MBA but at the end of the day the CPA is going to get you places, not the MBA
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:35 am to CajunFootball
Do they offer a masters in accounting? Might as well get a degree but not take the time that it takes to get an MBA.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:38 am to CajunFootball
LSU's MS of Accounting is only 30 hours, I'd look into that.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:38 am to CajunFootball
Well the IT background would look very attractive in audit. Many people can become a CPA (hard though), some people have IT degrees, but having both would look very attractive since not a lot of auditors know a lot about IT straight out the gate.
If i were in your shoes, i'd go MBA with a focus on accounting so you can sit for CPA as well as have the managerial background that comes from good MBA schools.
I think having an IT background with accounting as well will look real nice for you. Just make sure you mention you do not want to stay in IT forever if you dont want to, because you may get pigeonholed there.
If i were in your shoes, i'd go MBA with a focus on accounting so you can sit for CPA as well as have the managerial background that comes from good MBA schools.
I think having an IT background with accounting as well will look real nice for you. Just make sure you mention you do not want to stay in IT forever if you dont want to, because you may get pigeonholed there.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:39 am to SouthOfSouth
Southeastern only has an MBA program which I believe is a year long. So it would take about the time amount of time, but it would be harder. I'm leaning towards just getting the cheaper undergrad degree since it helps me get to the CPA quicker and easier. I was just wondering if the MBA would be worth it as I don't see many Accountants that have one.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:41 am to CajunFootball
1) I would not recommend using up your only shot at an MBA right out of college. I made that mistake.
2) I would not recommend getting your MBA from SELU.
3) I would recommend getting your Masters in ACCT from LSU. The improved recruiting opportunities will pay for whatever the cost differences are very quickly.
2) I would not recommend getting your MBA from SELU.
3) I would recommend getting your Masters in ACCT from LSU. The improved recruiting opportunities will pay for whatever the cost differences are very quickly.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:45 am to CajunFootball
Many accountants dont get MBAs because they specialize in different things. CPA will look good if you want to stay in accounting forever and want to move up the chain to possible CFO. MBAs, from good schools, will get you to CEO level by making decisions on the data accounting provides you.
Just depends on the route you want to go. Both are valuable in there own realm.
Just depends on the route you want to go. Both are valuable in there own realm.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:55 am to TheHiddenFlask
To build on what Flask said, I don't see how this MBA would add value short term, particularly if you have a job lined up, and it could limit long term opportunities. You would be preventing yourself from completing a more prestigious program in the future and/or a company sponsored one.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 11:56 am to CajunFootball
Since you're at LSU already the MSA makes the most sense. The accounting department is one of the most heavily recruited out there, go get a B4 gig and bump the state job.
If you start in Spring you can also do IA and you'll practically be guaranteed a quality gig.
Then in 5 years you can do a target MBA if you want.
If you start in Spring you can also do IA and you'll practically be guaranteed a quality gig.
Then in 5 years you can do a target MBA if you want.
This post was edited on 7/31/12 at 11:58 am
Posted on 7/31/12 at 12:39 pm to TheHiddenFlask
quote:
1) I would not recommend using up your only shot at an MBA right out of college. I made that mistake
So you can only do an MBA once? You can't go back 10-15 years later and get an executive MBA? Is this a AACSB rule?
Posted on 7/31/12 at 12:40 pm to TheHiddenFlask
quote:
1) I would not recommend using up your only shot at an MBA right out of college. I made that mistake.
This. A lot of people have done this and regretted it. No one pays a premium for MBAs with 0 years of work experience anymore (of they ever did).
If you feel like you just have to stay in school, get the MSACCT.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 12:42 pm to iPadThai
quote:
So you can only do an MBA once? You can't go back 10-15 years later and get an executive MBA? Is this a AACSB rule?
You can do it as many times as you'd like, but why in the hell would you? an EMBA and the two year program are still MBAs
Probably more of a liability in an interview to sit there and try to explain why you got the exact same credential twice.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 12:49 pm to RemouladeSawce
quote:
If you start in Spring you can also do IA and you'll practically be guaranteed a quality gig.
Did this two years ago. Got that covered
Posted on 7/31/12 at 12:56 pm to ZereauxSum
quote:
You can do it as many times as you'd like, but why in the hell would you? an EMBA and the two year program are still MBAs
Probably more of a liability in an interview to sit there and try to explain why you got the exact same credential twice.
Bingo.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 3:43 pm to TheHiddenFlask
Just to stress again, going straight into an MBA is retarded, and most HR recruiters know this.
MBAs are about growing from your past experiences/cases and with fellow MBA'ers. It means almost nothing to recruiters (and yourself) to get an MBA right after undergrad. Should be a minimum 2 year wait (unless of course you are a Zuckerburg and made your own business and want to know how to manage it right, then by all means)
MBAs are about growing from your past experiences/cases and with fellow MBA'ers. It means almost nothing to recruiters (and yourself) to get an MBA right after undergrad. Should be a minimum 2 year wait (unless of course you are a Zuckerburg and made your own business and want to know how to manage it right, then by all means)
This post was edited on 7/31/12 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 7/31/12 at 4:19 pm to CajunFootball
Do both. I was a business major & the light bulb didn't click on that I wanted to do accounting until my junior year. I took classes to be able to sit for the CPA exam while I was in grad school (right out of undergrad). It took me an extra year and a half to graduate, but it was WELL worth it. I worked in public for a couple of years, and moved to industry. Much easier, less stressful, and pays better. I know for sure that my credentials definitely helped me get the job over other candidates, and continues to help me on a daily basis.
This may be true, but once I had some experience, it made a difference.
quote:
No one pays a premium for MBAs with 0 years of work experience anymore (of they ever did).
This may be true, but once I had some experience, it made a difference.
This post was edited on 7/31/12 at 4:24 pm
Posted on 7/31/12 at 5:28 pm to Beerinthepocket
quote:
LSU's MS of Accounting is only 30 hours, I'd look into that.
I've found that the only real purpose for a MACC is to get hours so you can sit for the CPA. If there's a cheaper and/or quicker way to get these hours other than through a masters program, I think it's an easy decision. The actual degree doesn't seem to count for much IMO.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 6:52 pm to TheHiddenFlask
quote:
I would not recommend using up your only shot at an MBA right out of college. I made that mistake.
I did too, and also do not recommend it. Unless you are going to Harvard.
Speaking as someone who chose the accounting route - master SQL and Excel. Get somewhat technical here. There are lots of accountants in the world, and lots of IT guys, but not many who can do both. Those who can get noticed quickly. That's what I did and it definitely paid off.
Posted on 7/31/12 at 8:56 pm to CajunFootball
CPA will carry more weight than an MBA unless at a top tier school.
If you have an undergrad in business, an MBA is redundant. I've worked for a couple of very large organizations including a Fortune 20 company. MBAs didn't have any clout unless from a top tier school.
If you have an undergrad in business, an MBA is redundant. I've worked for a couple of very large organizations including a Fortune 20 company. MBAs didn't have any clout unless from a top tier school.
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