CPA vrs Masters in Accounting

Why are you looking at doing a masters in accounting but not taking CPA when you say you already have a (I assume bachelors) degree in accounting? If you already have a bachelors degree in accounting and you actually want to work in accounting then why not take the CPA exams? Being a CPA opens up job options for you that either specifically require a CPA or at least strongly prefer a CPA.

Now, if you don’t want to work in accounting then maybe taking the time to study and take the CPA exams is not worth it, but then you shouldn’t be looking at doing a masters degree in accounting either. And if you want to go for a masters degree, some other masters degree that is either more general like an MBA or more specific to the field you want to work in would be more useful than a masters in accounting.

Masters in accounting might give you a more educated background in accounting and stand out when you’re applying to entry-level jobs or internships but it doesn’t do much otherwise as a professional. A CPA gives you license to open a practice, sign off on tax returns and audited financial statements, represent clients before the IRS, etc.

The college that gave you an accounting degree probably has a career or placement office that can give you better career advice than us yentas on YWN.