Accounting, Payroll & Pension Issues/CPA
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Question
How important do you think it is to get your CPA? I am going to be graduating next semester and I was curious as to what is more important...your CPA, your masters, or both? Form what i have heard its your CPA, but I just want as much advise as possible. Also do you know if the 150 credit hours required have to be in anything specific or can I just take my last few credits in 100 level classes? Thanks
Your CPA license is by FAR more important than any masters program.
As for your 150 hours, it depends on what state you'd be getting licensed in as to how many units and of what you need them in. It's usually around 30 units business and 30 units accounting. Some states require specific classes or disciplines (IT or auditing, for instance), so check your state's accountancy board website for the rules. But if you already have all of those classes, then it doesn't matter what the rest of your units are in. I was a psychology and English major before getting my degree in accountancy, so to finish my units, I took more psychology and English classes to get further along in those disciplines.
Best of luck to you, and congratulations on graduating!
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Answers by Expert:
Vanessa D. Powell, CPA
Expertise
I am experienced with general bookkeeping, payroll, journal entries, adjusting entries, all types of pension accounting, compliance issues, ERISA, benefit plan auditing, financial statements, payroll tax, Form 5500, retirement planning, and related issues. Please no homework questions. Only US accounting, please.
Experience
I am a CPA in Southern CA. I audit not-for-profit organizations, corporations, and employee benefit plans for the large accounting firm I work for, as well as performing other attest services, planning, and tax services.
Organizations
California Society of CPAs, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Education/Credentials
Licensed CPA in the state of CA. Graduated summa cum laude from Colorado Technical University. In order to keep my license, I take 80 hours of CPE every two years. Much of it in the field of accounting, auditing, and employee benefit plans.
Awards and Honors
Graduated summa cum laude (with highest honor).
Past/Present Clients
I have clients from all over the world, in nearly every industry. Most of my audit clients are employee benefit plans and not-for-profit entities. Most of my compilation engagements are manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
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