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MBA

What's your take on an MBA after a couple years of audit experience? How often do your peers or auditors you know move their career forward into business school? 


An MBA is a great idea if you don't want to be in the accounting world - if you'd rather be in finance, consulting, banking, etc. etc. People who've left the big 4 to do an MBA do it because they're sick of auditing and because they want to be doing one of the above. It's pretty uncommon in the auditing world for people to go do an MBA, just because it means you're not cut out for the accounting life. Most new auditors at the big 4 are kids who were accounting majors in college and only expect to stay in the accounting world. If you do, there's no point doing an MBA. 5 years at a big 4 firm will get you to a controller position, something that an MBA usually wouldn't.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I completely agree with your assertion in the sense that there in no point of getting an MBA if you intend to stay in public accounting. However, if you leave public accounting to become a controller, then you might want to get an MBA (even if it is not from a top school) if you desire to become a CFO eventually.

We (meaning Big 4 firms) do some MBA recruiting for Senior Associates in advisory practices. However, Big 4 consulting is definitely not a solid choice for Top MBA graduates. You certainly do not "need" an MBA if you intend to stay at Big 4.
Anonymous said…
Hello,
I'll be entering my sophomore year and I am double majoring in accounting and economics. I plan on joining my university's accounting group this year and then Beta Alpha Psi the next. Do you believe it is too early to start looking for an accounting internship(non big 4)? At this point I haven't taken any of the major courses, but will be taking one in the fall and one in the spring. I would like to work in Big 4 accounting one day and would love any advice you have to share.
-Thanks
Anonymous said…
Now, what are the chances of a CPA finding work in the financial sector without an MBA? And is the learning curve manageable, going from accounting to investments?
Anonymous said…
QUESTION: Do auditors place well as far as top MBA schools go? Life/Work experience is THE most important factor in MBA admissions.

You see banking/consulting people place at top institutions all the time. What about auditors?
StockKevin said…
I've seen auditors from Big 4 make it into the top 10 business schools in the nation. Most of them have only Big 4 experience. It's hard to do better than Big 4 in accounting, so they will pick from our industry.
Anonymous said…
Are partners and senior managers willing to write a letter of recommendation, knowing that your intention is to leave and go to b-school?
Anonymous said…
I'm an Accounting major going into my senior year. I was wondering if you could touch on resumes, when to submit them, and interviewing. How early is too early for submitting a resume for entry level? I've heard some firms look for them the beginning of your senior year and for others that's too early. Any insight would be great.
Anonymous said…
Hi! I love your blog, it's been so much help.

I was wondering, I got fired when I was 16 years old (just turned 16)(cash out, for making items cheaper than it actually was). I'm 17 years old now. It was my first ever job, do you think it will affect my future employment chances? There are no police/criminal records, except within the business only.

I'm hoping to apply for an internship at EY in 2-3 years time. I do indeed regret it, it's been a year and I'm still thinking about it.

Also, any tips about how I would go about it when it comes to resumes/if they asked if I have worked in the past?

Thank you.
notfordisplay said…
To the previous commenter, don't worry about it. If it's not on your record, you'll be fine.