CPA vs MBA: Which is Better For Your Career & Salary? 2020 Update

An admissions outreach advisor will be happy to answer any questions you have to get started. These figures indicate that CPAs have the potential for lucrative earnings, especially with experience and specialization in high-demand areas. Experts from Xylem Learning—Kerala’s top ACCA coaching institute—have compiled this guide to help you understand the real value of this qualification. On the other hand, MBA in finance majors can have a wider variety of finance related roles and their work will tend to be less focused on accounting functions in their day to day tasks. Most of the work done in the actuarial business today is done with software and computers. They utilize statistics and modeling software to forecast the chances that something will occur and what the costs of that event would be.

  • The AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) is the association that develops and scores the Uniform Certified Public Accountants examination.
  • Any exam section thatyou’ve passed over 18 months ago will need to be retaken.
  • Other common roles include business consultant, financial planner, and leadership positions in public and private sectors, including public accounting firms.
  • When evaluating CPA vs. MBA salary outcomes, the level of educational attainment plays a significant role in earning potential.

Speak to A Career Counselor

Each path offers unique opportunities that can shape your career in different ways. The right choice depends on what excites you, where you envision your future, and how you want to leave your mark. For successful completion of the CPA exam, a candidate should pass all four parts of the course within a period of 18 months, and the time starts from the day the candidate clears the exam for the first part.

cpa vs mba salary

Management Consultant

It can significantly increase your career flexibility, salary potential, and leadership opportunities. However, if your goal is to specialize further in finance, accounting, or auditing, CPA alone can open a lot of doors without necessarily needing an MBA. No, an MBA is an academic degree focusing on broad business management skills, while CPA certification requires specific accounting coursework, passing the CPA exam, and meeting experience requirements. However, an MBA with a concentration in accounting can help prepare for some of the CPA requirements. Achieving CPA certification demands both financial resources and a considerable dedication of time and effort. The main costs include exam fees, licensing, and continuing education, with additional expenses for the 150 credit hours required beyond a typical bachelor’s degree.

cpa vs mba salary

Job Opportunities for MBA Graduates

  • Typically, you will spend about the same on your undergraduate tuition for the first four-year degree.
  • The model provides a uniform approach to regulation of the accounting profession.
  • Students planning on getting a finance-focused MBA often get the most out of also earning their CPA.
  • This course not only helps you gain Chartered Accountancy opportunities in the US but in case you wish to work for US-based companies in India, with a CPA degree you can choose to work at the big 4s.
  • The right choice depends on what excites you, where you envision your future, and how you want to leave your mark.

The median salary in the field is $100,600 with the top 10% earning up to $186,000. Payscale.com states that management accountants earn an average salary of $111,320 per year, and job demand will rise by 10% through 2026. The CPA is a long exam that will need to be completed and passed with a minimum test score. CPA programs will include many courses designed to prepare you for this very detailed and difficult exam.

Finance Director

When evaluating CPA vs. MBA salary outcomes, the level of educational attainment plays a significant role in earning potential. This expansive approach allows MBA graduates to develop a well-rounded skillset that prepares them for leadership roles across industries, not just in finance or accounting. Whether you’re considering the path of CPA vs. MBA or exploring the potential of an MBA and CPA combination, understanding the opportunities in each career path can help guide your decision. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA is designed for experienced professionals looking to take their career to the next level.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is not just a degree; it’s a gateway to the vast world of business leadership and management. Esteemed globally, an MBA signifies a comprehensive understanding of business practices and strategies. It’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills to navigate and excel in cpa vs mba salary the complex business landscape.

This combination can be highly beneficial as it merges the specialized accounting expertise of a CPA with the broad business acumen of an MBA. This dual qualification can open doors to a wide range of high-level opportunities in both finance and general business management, making the individual highly marketable and versatile. In fact, earning both a CPA and an MBA can be a game-changer for your career. Many professionals choose to pursue an MBA either before or after getting their CPA to broaden their skill set.

Explore KU’s online MBA program and its admissions process to see how this degree can align with your future goals. An aspiring candidate for both a CPA license and an MBA degree should at least have a bachelor’s degree or related professional credential. Besides, a CPA candidate should also have two years of professional experience in public accounting.

Choose CPA if:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world. It is generally equivalent to the title of chartered accountant in other English-speaking countries. As a strategic consultant, you’ll analyze business operations, sales, IT, and finance to recommend actionable strategies. The MBA + ACCA duo helps you develop holistic problem-solving skills and a global perspective. Financial managers are responsible for the general financial health of the company or organization. They are responsible for writing financial reports, directing investments, and devising plans and strategies for the long term financial goals for the firm.