What would be the best/next degree after Bachelors in Business with Accounting Major?

6 Comments

1. Anne MatsushitaDecember 29,2022 at 6:39PM UTC

   Perhaps you could try looking at job descriptions or people on LinkedIn in roles you're interested in, to see what companies seem to want.

   Although some companies are moving away from degree requirements, with the idea that if people have the necessary skills, it doesn't matter if they have a degree.

   But if there's a program you're personally interested in, say an MBA to understand different functions of a business, go for it! :)

2. AnonymousDecember 29,2022 at 7:33PM UTC

   It really depends on where you want your career to go. Each avenue will have its pros and cons.

   Education without a plan and applicable experience is just filler fir a resume. Most people don't even use their degrees once their career build momentum. It's never a straight line.

3. AnonymousDecember 30,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

   becoming a CPA would be a good step towards the controller job. Which means you need to evaluate how many more accounting class hours you need to sit for the exam. Masters in accounting, taxation and finance will look better then an MBA.

   looking at job postings for controllers and seeing what is required in general will help you determine you path.

   I have been working in the accounting field for over 25 years.

   I am also seeing lawyers becoming controllers and CFOs.

   I would also suggest a CPA study program. I spent the money for Becker and glad I did. I can not imagine passing the test without their help.

   good luck.

4. AnonymousDecember 30,2022 at 5:57PM UTC

   Get your CPA. I have an MBA but not having the CPA has kept me from advancing to higher level Controller jobs despite having the skill set and years of experience. Good luck!! Becker is a good prep program.

5. Harley RaptorDecember 31,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

   Not sure your experience on getting to controller level. I know I was told throughout my schooling that many companies don't even consider your resume if you're not a CPA with a masters (or a ton of experience to negate the degree). I'm a CPA with masters. I would check the education requirement for your state's CPA license. Where I live, the edu req was 2 classes less than a masters. It seemed silly to not just the two extra classes. I was also lucky that the masters program I chose included 2 classes you take at the end that were going through the Becker CPA prep. So while I actually studied to take the exams and took the exams, I submitted proof that I was completing the prep and got credit + my masters. It was cool it worked out that way. Of course, I had to get student loans for this, so consider the financial and other costs to getting the degree. I went the public accounting route in tax so very unlikely I'll ever be a controller, so can't help much in helping you decide that way.

   If you have more experience (or even if you don't) then you might want to check the controller job postings and see what they want as far as years exp, job duties, responsibilities, etc. Maybe even start by making a list of everything you do now or have exp with. And see what connects to the controller position. Then figure out a way to fill those holes.

6. Heather DillardDecember 31,2022 at 6:23PM UTC

   Even within the Controller career path, that can mean very different things. Are you looking to be a Controller at a publicly traded company? Then you’ll need your CPA and probably an MBA. Smaller company, maybe a masters in accounting will do.

   if you are looking to move into a CFO role eventually, then I was avoid the Masters in Accounting. You’ll need the broader base of the MBA or Finance degree with the MBA being a better fit for that role.

   I also agree with the others that say CPA is the first step. That’s gotten me way more interviews and ‘respect’ than my MBA.