MBA or CPA: Which Is Best for Finance Professionals?

•.... ..... ... CPA VS MBA •.........• •....• -What type of position do you want? corporate accounting consulting or management management accounting securities analysts governmental auditing investment banker internal auditing venture capitalists What topics interest you most?. An MBA is graduate-level university If you are the type who enjoys noth- study that provides training in the ing more than finance and want to theory and practice of business specialize in that area, the CPA management. An MBA demonstrates would be a better choice., subjects like financial accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, a general competency in all the major functional management roles found in the modern corporation. income tax, estate planning and personal financial planning. -How far along are you in your career?- Are your goals financially motivated or focused on career The top-ranked MBA programs will not even admit you if you don't have advancement? at least several years of experience. If you are a non-CPA mana Therefore, the MBA tends to be |-ger in a corporate account better for individuals with at least a |-ing department, you may not have the opportunity few years of relevant work experience. for advancement. Alan Spencer & Associates, P.C.