MSA [Accounting] vs. MBA vs. CPA

[@Avabanks2025]

As someone with 20 plus years in different levels of roles in accounting, this is pretty spot on. Great job with the recipe!!!

[@TheFinancialController]

Haha thanks for validating

[@depressedadultguy6822]

what are your different jobs levels in accounting field?

[@Avabanks2025]

I started as an associate at PwC, then senior accountant roles at a few small companies. Moved to technical reporting manager, then Operations Controller, Director of Accounting and Finance, and now working on starting my own accounting firm. Also, I went back and passed the CPA exam during Covid and I’m working on getting my license. Better late than never!!!

[@depressedadultguy6822]

@@Avabanks2025 thank you for your time. I am thinking of master degree in finance and accounting because i am unsure of my career and wanted to know what are the opportunities i get from this course

[@Avabanks2025]

@@depressedadultguy6822 no problem. Glad to help. Good luck!!! I will say that I’m not sure there is a downside of getting a masters. Education and learning is always a positive.

[@lilmary90]

Cool video! I got my BS in Accounting (2009, lowish GPA 3.0), my MBA (2014, 3.2 GPA) and my CPA license (2015, after so many attempts). It has been very beneficial in my career. My goal was to become a CFO and to have my own business. In corporate, I made it to a Financial Controller, then did a pivot to my own business. It definitely worked out in the end. I should mention that I worked my way up in the field starting as a accounting specialist in 2006 while in school.

[@lilmary90]

Forgot to mention I needed the 150 to be licensed in my state.

[@TheFinancialController]

Thanks for sharing Mirah

[@witnessthewrath8061]

I’m going that route BS in accounting then MBA. If you could do it all over again would you still choose the same path that you went?

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

@@lilmary90 Correct me if I'm wrong (anyone), but 150 credit hours of undergrad/grad coursework is required in every state in the US to sit for the CPA exam. There are different stipulations though, and it gets tricky with the last 2 years and canceled/virtual courses . Especially in 2020, a lot of colleges had to make some courses Pass/Fail (i.e. not counted toward GPA). Some states accept P/F credit hours and some do not. That is my understanding.

[@LIVNNACPT]

did you start your own business? If you don't mind me asking, how did you select your industry or was it a passion business? I would like to go back to school so that I can start an entry level job similar to what you are asking but have also obtained other non-related certifications that I wanted to explore. I would prefer to remain in the finance/ accounting banking industry alongside my passion project/ business.

[@alejandromendez9894]

Personally I have a very low undergrad GPA graduating in 2012 (I worked too much compared to course load in college). I immediately went to grad school to get my MSA (I scored very well on the GMAT to get in). Upon graduation it was very difficult to overcome my low undergraduate GPA. After I passed the CPA exam that didn't matter at all. Now I'm at a CPA firm doing very well.

[@TheFinancialController]

Thanks for this insight brother

[@vktengizik9916]

So you worked during masters? How hard was your masters? Were the books hard? Cauuse for me (i did work during bachelor's honestly felt useless as f and now im at masters and its pain in one place (they cut my work hours and i'm paid sht at my cpa office becaus its privately owned and no other jobs will take me without at least 1 year experience), the books are horrendous it just feels like I am teaching myself and this lecturers are just there to pat me on shoulder)

[@Carola19]

I just got my MBA in accounting GPA 3.7. My bachelor degree was in finance GPA 3.3 ☹️. Now preparing myself to take the cpa 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@emmanuel8768]

Hii, im doing bachelors in finance and master in accounting? How was your journey? Can i talk to u?

[@MySiamesedreams]

How’s it going?

[@ahabjordan]

Thank you Bill I almost forgot about my MBA I, I didn’t know where to start, but with your videos I really appreciate I got hope .

[@a.bismail6492]

I had a long journey. I got my bachelor's in political science, I wanted a career change so received an associate in accounting, then a MSA afterwards. Currently, Studying for my CPA.

[@tisISspahrtuh]

Same!

[@Gi_Lovely]

THANK YOU!!! That’s where I am now. I did my bachelors in Public Administration. Wanted to advance my education and went for the MBA in Finance. Now I have to passion again to do my MSA and will complete that. My educational goal has been to have two masters and then become CPA later. My MBA curriculum is not enough to jump to the CPA, so I will complete the extra credits for the CPA exam through the MSA.

[@Lenzi_kd]

Hello! Thank you so much for always sharing your knowledge ! - I graduated undergrad with lower gpa and 150 credit hour and I’ve recently started my cpa journey . I plan to go back to get my masters after I get my CPA.

[@DreamFirms]

More people need to check this out! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFinancialController]

Much appreciated Tyler!

[@ferncanales1119]

In Texas (I'm not sure about other states) we have to get 150 credits so it's mandatory to get your Master's in Accounting (in my case it's called a MAcc master of accountancy) if you want to get your CPA. I hope this puts me on track to earning a higher salary sooner upon completion of my degree.

[@djp6289]

It is not necessary to get a Master's degree to get your CPA license in Texas. You just need the 150 hours and the rest of the requirements (a bachelor's degree is the actual degree requirement portion). I have done this within the last 5 years.

[@rafaelantonio7128]

Some people just double major and end up with 150+ credits in undergrad. The requirement is 150, it doesn’t have to be bachelors and masters it could be all undergrad credits

[@DanLionOfJudah]

@@djp6289 that’s good to know. I have a MBA and have been looking into getting a CPA. Do I just study to take my CPA now?

[@luis_in_focus]

I’m 37 in December and will be applying to MBA programs soon. My plan is to do MBA and then a MS Accounting. I majored in English in undergrad (lol) and have worked in higher education for nearly 10 years. Wish me luck!

[@97Rfr]

FYI, Big4 is now requiring MBA, they list it as minimum qualifications. So if that is something you are looking for, be aware.

[@gqprince2]

to be what position?

[@miguelgaribay325]

Thank you! I’m looking at making a career change and this video confirmed a few things for me.

[@twist3dlogic89]

I work in private accounting and I'm halfway through getting a MSA...but everyone makes it seem like it's a waste and I should have gotten an MBA instead. :'(

[@TheFinancialController]

If you are half way just make the best of it

[@tracyc.1005]

That’s funny because I have an MBA from a AACSB accredited program and it hasn’t been of any use in 10+ years. I know others who haven’t gotten any use out of theirs either. I am considering getting a second bachelors in accounting or a MAcc. My undergraduate degree is in a completely unrelated field. Accounting is skill that can be applied immediately, whereas an MBA is a bit different.

[@9doggie12]

I’m a financial advisor looking to be more versatile. Think I’ll do the mba with accounting concentration

[@Xiluxary]

I seems redundant do get a MSA when your undergrad was in accounting. i don’t think an MBA satisfies the requirements for the CPA exam. usually people only do an MSA for CPA eligibility.

[@alitleys3667]

Mba does satisfy the requirmenets for the cpa, what are you on about

[@rumshahlatif4726]

So I just did a career switch from a science undergrad degree to getting an MBA with an concentration of Finance and investment management. There is also an option of doing an concentration in accounting. What route would you advise for me to reach the recipe?

[@asad9790]

Hey man! Your videos are really informative. Could you please compare accounting with advisory and consulting? I know they pay better but I’m sure we all would love to learn more about it especially exit opportunities, thanks!

[@luceroalvarado35]

Great video! I had a few more questions. I am on under the “career switch”. However, what would be the best options if I wanted to have my own business as an accountant? Would you recommend me going back to get another bachelors in accounting? Or MBA? If I get an MBA is it possible to be certified after the program? I am 24. However it is extremely hard to get a job in Healthcare Administration without any experience. I need a more practical career!

[@PorshaLaVieBelle]

I need some advice. I have an MBA in Finance and Investment Management (GPA 3.3) And I would like to enhance my professional career by obtaining my CPA. I don’t plan to be an accountant, I just think with a finance background, having a CPA will make me stand out and it’s much easier to get versus the CFA. Please, lmk what you’re thoughts are, as I am wanting to work at the executive level and own my own ecommerce business and feel maybe a CPA license will be beneficial. Please what are your thoughts on this??

[@richardpaulson819]

For an accounting career a CPA is a must and the MBA is the icing on the top to go to C-Suite positions

[@Lifechanging99999]

Having a CPA is not a must. That’s an antiquated thought process. It’s important in public accounting and that’s really it.

[@LadyALCO]

I have my B/S in Accounting but my job is tax... I want to switch and try audit/assurance/financial reporting so I was thinking I should get the MSA.

[@emcee_shane]

Hi sir ! Great video . I had a question . I’m thinking about getting into accounting but my current job is social work . I have a bachelors in sociology . Should I do an MSA or MBA ? I want to switch to accounting because of more professional opportunities And financial growth.

[@张淑佳-g9u]

要明白，在这个世界上，你改变不了这个世界，你也改变不了任何人，唯一能改变的就是你自己。所以好好修心，改变自己，才能让自己的慧命重放光芒。 --20210519师父每日白话佛法《慧命难求》

[@TooHonest4_You]

Bing bong

[@bingyaoli7333]

Hi Bill, thank you so much for your constant great videos! I wonder can I ask you a question really quick? I am in my early 20s and I am a Big Four Tax professional with one year and half experience (with CPA licence). I have taken GRE exam and got a decent scrore for 330 and I am thinking about applying for finance-related master programs. My ideal career goal is getting into finance field, eg: Asset Management/ Portfolio Management/ PE. Would you suggest me to jump out of Tax and do something else now? or I should say do you think Tax experiece at Big Four is helpful to apply for finance jobs after I gruduate from masters? Thank you sooooo much for your advice!!!

[@TheFinancialController]

Hi staying longer in tax has little value. Maybe complete 2 years at the big 4 then transition either internally to transaction services/advisory or leave for a financial analysis role.

[@bingyaoli7333]

@@TheFinancialController Thank you sooooo much for replying me back!!! :)

[@MrTush25]

I have BSB with a major in Finance, 3.2 GPA and MSA with a 3.9 GPA and became a CPA last year. Have been a controller for about a year and a half for a small to mid size company. Looking to move to a solidly mid size company and eventually become a CFO. Perhaps looking to get the CGMA designation to be able to go for CFO roles.

[@jason5903]

In Utah you have to get the master's degree in order to get the CPA.

[@ThatGuy-ns8de]

I’m pursuing my MSA, getting some public accounting experience, and then switching to an industry accounting role. I don’t have an interest in getting my CPA.

[@neminy1]

Hello! I have landed a job at one of the big 4 firms and have a BS in Finance, however, I'm working as a consultant and want to take a master's degree to advance in my career, would you recommend that i take an MBA or the MSA and continue to pursue the CPA after?

[@jctributaris5709]

Next You should talk about remote work in finance, everybody talks about how tech can be done 100% remote and im pretty sure finance too, there isnt a single Activity that requieres You to be on site (except for audits and internal, some minor stufd) yet bosses are reluctant to accept it... Been doing sec fillings and fp&a remote for almost 3 years, all You need is strong communication, trust and commitment.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

This is what I would be interested in because I love to travel and live in different States and countries. I hope my next career (committed to becoming a Forensic Accountant) will allow me to do this, just like my previous career. Date Stamp: 18may22

[@thedoubletake]

What about for accounting in the public sector? Is the MSA (CPA track) or MBA better than an MPA?

[@timothysmith4343]

Isn't it likely you would be earning 50 to 100 percent more had you remained with PWC? And you'd earn more in a CPA firm generally. However, external auditing pay at lower levels has been destroyed by SOX and it seems internal auditing is a better career path if one is interested in auditing. Do you agree?

[@dailyrosario8888]

Im literally getting started in my associates degree. I’m in presumir of achieving a CPAs license. Will this be a good course to take even if I’m not taking classes related to accounting yet?

[@rowanwood5397]

Hello. Thank you for the video. I am curious to know why your recipe suggests a 3.5GPA. if you are getting a CPA what use is a GPA at all? do employers ask to see your GPA? as far as i know, a GPA is only going to matter when applying for a graduate program. please clarify. thanks

[@ldwabananattqw]

literally two hours before you have uploaded this video I was thinking about the same thing, My GPA is 3.89/4 and I'm an intern in a big four firm, it's not Eye&why. anyway, after 6 months, I will get my degree and I thought of this:- Bachelor degree of accounting + MSA + PhD + CPA + CMA. I want to start a public accounting firm, that provides assurance, consulting, and business solutions. 9-12 years from now. and yes someone is paying for it all of it. what do you think, what else may I need? note: I wrote in my cv that my goal is to get CPA, MBA, MSA and the employer was very interested, I do believe these are high-demand things as you told in the video.

[@spire259]

Nice. That sounds very ambitions. I'm finishing my MAcc degree this week and will start taking the CPA exams. I'm going to start at a Big 4 this fall. Good luck on your endeavours!

[@ldwabananattqw]

​@@spire259 Thank you for your kind words!, good luck in your career, and congratulations on the degree! :D

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

I personally feel that adding the Ph.D isn't going to help much with your goal. Ph.D is mostly for researchers in the specific study area. And personally I feel for your goal you would need much work experience which academics is not going to provide you in way you want. Date Stamp: 18may22

[@depressedadultguy6822]

I am currently doing MBS(business studies) and what degrees should i purseue to be more equipped and have edge on job searching competition? Currently i dont know what is my career goal so shall i do mba or msc finance or accounting , we dont have cpa in my country but have mpa , so they have same weight ?

[@Cptkoala4]

If I’m a fresh cpa in public now and want to exit to a controllership role and eventual CFO position when would you recommend working to get an MBA?

[@themanfromoregon6047]

I feel like most of the major colleges in Utah offer a masters of accountancy but not an MSA, but if I'm just taking the credits to get to a CPA does that really matter ?

[@isaiasxflores]

I’m working on my BS in Accounting with a minor in Finance & Economics. My goal is CFO of a large company. I’m currently an accounting intern (payroll) at a large airline and I’m really enjoying the culture and environment, and I’d like to stay. That being said, I’m thinking of transitioning into finance when I’m done with my undergrad and start as a financial analyst at the airline. Otherwise, I thought of going in to big 4 accounting for a while. My original plan was to get my CPA by completing an MSA program to fill in the gap for my 150 credits, but after watching a few of your videos, I’m not sure anymore. Should I just start in finance and work on my MBA instead? Will a CPA help me in any way under finance, or would I be better off as a controller if I get my CPA?

[@jamesgordon3494]

I have one year left in school currently on track to finish my bachelors in accounting. Trying to decide between double majoring in finance or the MSA program at my school. Either one would add a year on to my school to get the 150 credits needed. Tough decision .

[@TheFinancialController]

I would rather get the MSA in Accounting and then get the Finance knowledge from work, which will come either way because of exposure to various topics on the job.

[@jamesgordon3494]

@@TheFinancialController thanks!!

[@sydneyhart]

I have all 3!

[@chibratoons9290]

Can you become a CFO, having done an MBA but not being a CPA

[@TheFinancialController]

yes, with the right experience

[@Nicole-fz6hx]

I am graduating this month my gpa is a 3.2 so I guess I should take either the mba or msa. I definitely want to get my cpa license. This video provides good insight on which professional masters degree I should get I am interested in an analyst position . Thanks for posting this

[@AlonsoACombe]

I have a B.S. in Accounting and I graduated with 138 hours, 12 shy from 150 CPA requirement. Should i get a masters? is it worth it?

[@muskduh]

Thank you for your video!

[@MrKylenash]

What about a post baccalaureate program such as a certificate in accountancy program at a top tier university?

[@brokenkast13]

Great point. If someone has a B.S in something other than Accounting, you will most likely need an accounting certificate before they will admit you into an MSA program.

[@hunikil8860]

hi im a mechanical engineer, and i want to switch to accounting, if i took master degree in accounting and work on my self can i be like the accountant who took accounting in his bachelor degree? also can i take CPA, and what is the benefit of it?

[@tracyc.1005]

My undergrad was in not in accounting. I've had my MBA for years but it's been useless. I am now looking into MAcc/MSA, second BSBA Accounting. Does the accreditation AACSB vs ACBSP matter for accounting programs. My MBA was is from an AACSB institution and I noticed that several of the schools that I'm looking at will only accept business foundation courses or other courses from other AACSB programs. Only one school on my list is non-AACSB accredited, it is instead ACBSP accredited. It lost it's AACSB accreditation due to a recent school merger. This school had a high CPA pass rate, a really solid program and was slightly more affordable. Now the program has changed a little and so has the accreditation. My question is does this matter? Keep in mind it's been almost 20 years since I graduated undergrad and I have been working for a long time. I work for a bank and they will provide some financial assistance for an accounting degree. My goal is to get my CPA.

[@tracyc.1005]

Update: I will be attending Michigan Sate University in the Fall of 2023 for their M.S. in Accounting and Data Analytics program. The business school and the accounting program are both accredited by the AACSB.

[@bullsfan9162]

I am doing a career change and just got accepted into a MSA program. What is the typical salary for an accountant with out a cpa?

[@albinjob7649]

Thanks Great video,I would like to ask if you can also make a video on CPA exam studying strategies.

[@TheHassanmansour]

Fantastic analysis 👌

[@annaphyoe4661]

Can you make a video of universities for MSA that is beneficial to international students?

[@geraldmedrano8594]

What is the path for those who would like to have the CPA credential but don’t want to get burned with the public accounting 80 hour weeks?

[@TheFinancialController]

I like the path of 2-3 years in public then jump over to private industry. There, you rarely see the 50+ hour culture.

[@emmanuelgarcia4273]

Hello, I have a question for you I'm from Mexico and I studied here too, do you think is easy to me to get a job like accountant in USA?

[@felton2843]

Thank you for the insight!

[@RHAishwarya]

Hello Sir! I wanted to know about Asset Management Companies how does it works, and you could share your experiences with this type of company, if any.... Also thankyou for your videos it's very helpful 👍

[@techtexan2816]

Does it matter where you get your MBA from - assuming it is accredited? I’m currently a software engineer debating on making the switch and I’d have 150 credits and the required amount of accounting courses to take the CPA. Though idk if they’d hire someone with a comp science undergrad MBA with CPA.

[@TheFinancialController]

The school matters, but still there is a good amount of value as long as accredited. Yes, you can get hired with undergrad non Accounting so long as you get your CPA

[@milesmorales713]

Hello... will CMA USA help me to get a job in USA? Will the companies consider this course when applying for an entry level job? I know this isn't included on your topic/video...but I really wanna know

[@ThePastrana909]

How difficult is it to find a job after undergrad with a gpa of 2.8? Will the big 4 accept me? I plan to start grad school in January to pursue my cpa

[@loidforger5780]

Minimum gpa on website is either 3 or 3.3 in b4. Start grad school and aim for high gpa

[@malthecpa815]

How’d you do in your accounting classes? If you did well, definitely apply and be up front about your GPA. Have a good TRUE story planned if asked. I was offered multiple Big 4 positions with a relatively low GPA

[@ThePastrana909]

@@malthecpa815 my story is that I’m a undocumented student. Paid school out of pocket so did full time school and full time job. So that’s a big part of it. I get interviews for the small firms but don’t even get a consideration for the big 4 or top 10 which sucks

[@ThePastrana909]

@@malthecpa815 also I’ve never failed or dropped a accounting course. Got a C on both intermediate classes and working on a B on my tax course. so far if you ask me I’ve been average 😔

[@scoobyproper13]

2.8 will be tough. But if you manage to pass all four sections of the CPA it will be overlooked most definitely

[@christopherlucas9118]

So if I wanna eventually do private Accouting and ultimately be a CFO it would be wiser to get a MBA than a MSA? With a CPA being the cherry on top?

[@TheFinancialController]

MBA for a CFO path for sure

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@TheFinancialController What sounds harder to your "ears"? 1. Masters Degree in Mathematics or 2. Masters Degree in Statistics?

[@beshoy24]

@@scholarlyanalyst7700 statistics

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@beshoy24 Thanks soooo much for your answer! It is much appreciated!

[@Striker1A]

If you have a CPA license and looking for a promotion in a company, do you still have to get a MSA degree?

[@TheFinancialController]

Most of the time, no

[@Striker1A]

@@TheFinancialController thanks

[@sardarpatel8415]

Any tips on passing CPA?

[@johngutierrez8399]

Study

[@davrocket5304]

doesnt apply in canada

[@md.anamulhaque4703]

I am an accountant in Bangladesh. I am interested in Master’s degree in USA. Masters of accountancy/ MBA / businesses analytics which can be better for me. I am 37 years old. I need part time job besides studying.. Please Give me perfect suggestion... Thanks in advance.

[@3m4c25]

Thanks!

[@TheFinancialController]

Much appreciated!

[@hyo1106]

thank you !

[@NewEnglandWitch]

Yeah I’m giving up on this at this point

[@KafkaTamura1]

thank you, helpful for me!

[@TheFinancialController]

You're welcome!

[@achainsanei4714]

What is difference between cpa and account and cpa is dying field

[@ameer9349]

Thanks again

[@arvindbisht8019]

Hlw sir What is the career opportunity for indian candidate who qualifies US CPS..

[@timothysmith4343]

Just FYI, Amazon has raised its base pay for VPs/executives to $350,000.

[@GENIUSA1A]

A MSA is useless in my opinion. Only point is to get the extra credits for CPA.

[@Xiluxary]

Doesn’t a graduate degree increase salary or is the license all that matters?

[@kidcivic2002]

@@Xiluxary I think in accounting the CPA is greater than the MSA/MBA if your goal is to stay in accounting. My CFO has a bachelor's and a CPA. My CEO has a bachelors and a CPA.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

MSc or MSA is usually for specialising in a certain Accounting career or move onto Ph.D (aka researcher). For me, I am currently doing my MSc in Forensic Accounting. I am committed to building my next career as a Forensic Accountant. Date Stamp: 18may22

[@andreweaston1859]

1ST!

[@aminatambaye1900]

salut mon frère comment tu va très jolie ma belle chérie j'espère que ta sa va toi aussi 9 a toi 8 tu fais quoi dans 5j ans

[@milostich8323]

If you arent a cpa you arent qualfied to work in accounting and will never be taken seriously.

[@marystuart3647]

Living proof this is not true, same with my parent who only had a high school diploma and retired at 56 as Budget Officer in the DOD.

[@milostich8323]

@@marystuart3647 you just proved my point..working for the government as obviouslt they take the best and brightest..while fleecing taxpayers for esrly retirement. Ill take my 400k a yesr over crooked svum anyday