Getting accounting degree to get CPA or CMA ?
I want to improve my accounting skills for 2 reasons, to obtain a level
of competence in working the product above and beyond what I already
have, and to obtain the credibility I need when I speak to clients and
internal finance staff about our Great Plains implementation. In that
vein, are there any other formally recognized accounting programs that
might fall short of a CPA or a Bachelors in Accounting for someone like
me, that would still deliver:
1) a reasonable level of competence in accounting principles
2) the credibility I need to help us get the most out of our system
regardless of whether I take the long term plunge to go for a CPA or
CMA?
My inspiration now though is that I would like to take my work and
understanding of it to a much higher level by obtaining some formal
schooling in accounting and am perhaps considering the pursuit of a CPA
or CMA over the next few years which I understand is nothing to take
lightly and am deeply considering the implications of doing this. With
a degree in Computer Science this is all well and good, but I notice
that in my state (Maryland) one's bachelor's degree must be in one of a
handful of specific disciplines such as Accounting, Econ, or Business
Management in order to get a CPA. Has anyone here that's majored in a
non-business major gone back to get their accounting degree so they
could get a CPA? I'm assuming that as long as you go to the same
school, the electives you took for your first degree should generally
transfer to your second degree much like they would if you had double
majored to begin with.
I have known a few non-business majors who went back for the accounting
degree and later a CPA. The requirements for the CPA do not stipulate that
you need a degree in any particular field, only that you have so many
business and accounting hours. In Texas, you need 150 total hours, 45 of
which have to be higher level accounting. To get that, you could get an
undergrad accounting degree with some extra accounting, or like me, I got my
BBA in management then went back for a masters in accounting. Also, I
didn't think you need to go back to the school you got your first degree,
since most accredited colleges will let you transfer credit, but be sure
before you go getting enrolled.
A comp-sci/accounting background would be a huge plus as far as I can tell.
Be warned though, accounting is not a black and white as computer
programming, so it may not fit your preference.