会计硕士vs. 注册会计师:差异 & 你需要知道的好处

A master’s degree in accounting and a CPA license can both be professional gamechangers. Choosing whether to pursue these credentials isn’t necessarily an either/or situation. Both of these credentials are highly-sought after, but there are distinct differences and benefits unique to each of them.

从2020年8月到2021年8月, there were 103,788 unique job postings seeking accountants and auditors who are licensed CPAs. 在同一时期, there were 85,378 job postings seeking accountants and auditors with master’s degrees. There is no shortage of opportunities for professionals with either credential. 

How do you know which credential is right for you? Let’s break down the benefits of a master’s degree in accounting vs. a CPA.

我需要硕士学位还是注册会计师? 

这是个很难回答的问题, because a master’s degree and a CPA license are such different credentials. 

• An M.S. in Accounting is a graduate degree that is conferred by an accredited university by successfully completing the required credit hours to graduate. 
• A CPA is a professional license that requires meeting education and experience requirements, 以及通过考试, 并由 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). 

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It’s common for accountants to pursue either of these paths, and many will pursue both during their career. Which credential you should earn depends on your current professional role and desired career trajectory.

A CPA license is essential for advancement in public accounting. If you want to work for one of the Big 4 public accounting firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC or KPMG—you will need to earn your CPA to advance past the senior level. 

If you want to work as an industry accountant—or work for a single company or organization—a CPA may or may not be necessary (it depends on your industry and specialization). However, a master’s degree is a lifetime credential that is valued across industries and can be influential in helping you climb the corporate ladder.

Let’s look at the distinct benefits to help you determine which path is right for you.

Getting a master’s degree in accounting takes time and dedication. 在攻读学位课程之前, you may be wondering if it’s truly worthwhile to get your master’s degree in accounting. Let’s look at four of the most compelling reasons to earn your master’s degree.

1. 硕士学位是终身证书; There are no renewal requirements or continuing education—a master’s degree is a permanent credential. The time, energy and money you invest in getting a master’s degree will always have value.
2. A master’s degree will give you specialized skills: While an undergraduate degree teaches you the fundamentals, a master’s degree in accounting allows you to deepen your knowledge and gain specialized skills. 您可以选择一个焦点区域, 例如税收或金融操作, to improve your job prospects within that specialty. You also have the opportunity to gain a more diverse skillset in areas such as data analysis and information systems that can set you apart from other qualified professionals.
3. 硕士学位促进了向上流动: Many employers are seeking master’s degree candidates to fill leadership roles. According to labor marketing analytics first EMSI, 从2020年8月到2021年8月, 85,377 jobs were posted for accountants and auditors with a master's degree. 通过投资你的教育, you will open the door to advancement opportunities at the highest levels of leadership.
4. A master’s degree provides numerous networking opportunities: If you choose a program designed for working adults, getting your master’s degree provides an opportunity to network with other dedicated and driven peers in the accounting field. This experience can also connect you with faculty who have deep ties to the industry and employers. Universities may also offer access to mentorship opportunities or professional organizations. 

成为注册会计师的4个好处
 

Becoming a CPA is a major professional accomplishment within the accounting profession. CPAs are held in high regard for their knowledge, skills and commitment. If you’re wondering if you would benefit from becoming a CPA, consider these advantages.

1. A CPA license is considered very prestigious: The CPA license is the most widely recognized professional credential in the accounting industry. It distinguishes accounting professionals for accounting expertise, 最佳实践技能和正直的职业道德. 
2. A CPA license correlates with higher salaries: 根据EMSI, the median advertised salary for accountants and auditors with a CPA license is $84,400. That’s $10,800 more than the occupation average for Accountants and auditors stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
3. Employers seek out professionals who are CPAs: 从2020年8月到2021年8月, EMSI报告103,838 job postings for accountants and auditors with a CPA license. This demand is indicative of the large job market for accountants with a CPA license. This is especially true if you want to work for a public accounting firm, where a CPA is essential for advancing past the entry level. 
4. A CPA shows dedication to maintaining professional excellence. 获得注册会计师执照并不是最后一步. 一旦你获得了注册会计师执照, you must complete continuing education requirements in order to maintain your credential. This commitment shows employers that you not only understand the fundamentals, but will continue to stay at the forefront of the accounting field. 

Do I Need Both a Master’s in Accounting and a CPA?

There are many reasons to pursue both a master’s degree in accounting and a CPA license. 以下是其中最引人注目的三点.

1. A master’s degree helps you meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. 注册会计师的要求因州而异. However, all states require earning 150 college credit hours before you can sit for the CPA exam. Most bachelor’s degrees only require 120 credit hours to graduate. You can make up that 30 hour gap while gaining an additional credential and a deeper skillset.
2. They’re complementary professional credentials. A master’s degree in accounting and a CPA license are not competing credentials. These designations provide different benefits and signify different qualities to a prospective employer. While a CPA shows mastery in foundational accounting skills, a master’s degree shows you’re driven to gain new skills that will directly benefit an organization.
3. The combination can help you stand out from the crowd. Accounting positions, especially at top public accounting firms, can be incredibly competitive. It’s essential to find ways to stand out—on your resume, during job interviews and on the job. A CPA will immediately signal that you are a top-tier accountant, while a master’s degree can showcase leadership potential and cutting-edge skills in complementary areas such as data analysis.

Your individual career goals will ultimately determine whether you should earn both a master’s degree and a CPA license. If these benefits sound like they align with your career trajectory, you need to find a master’s degree in accounting program that will help you achieve your aspirations.

Find The Right Master’s Degree in Accounting to Meet Your Career Goals

mg不朽情缘游戏网址招收新学生 100% online M.S. 会计学学位 这会帮助你加速你的事业. This degree program can give you a specialized skill set that will help you stand out among other professionals, while also preparing you to sit for the CPA exam. Franklin’s IACBE-accredited program aligns with business best practice standards and all courses are taught by professionals with extensive industry experience. 

See how the Franklin M.S. 会计专业 can help you earn your master’s degree and jumpstart your career advancement.
 

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