12 answers
Candy
Student
Hillside, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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CPA & a JD?
How should I navigate getting a the CPA license and JD?
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12 answers
R. Joanna Bode
CPA, Auditor
3
Answers
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Updated
R. Joanna’s Answer
Fantastic question. To add to the great responses that were already provided, my suggestion would be that you try internship and job-shadowing opportunities in both areas to get a better perspective of what you might be actually doing once you graduate with one or possibly both (CPA and JD) sets of credentials. The scope of potential job opportunities for both CPAs and JDs is very broad, so it will be quite helpful to figure out what type of work actually gives you joy, satisfaction and motivation. Your dilemma is very similar to that many students have when deciding whether to pursue careers in tax versus accounting, versus consulting. The true of the matter is that it is often hard to decide unless you give those different options a try. To give yourself time to do this "exploring", you may want to continue taking classes which will allow you to pursue either or both options. I happen to be both a CPA and paralegal and work as an auditor. Learning how to perform legal research, think logically, and effectively articulate my arguments has helped me tremendously to accelerate my career progression in the public accounting field, proving that law and accounting can be very complimentary sets of skills.
Holly Cravens
Accountant
1
Answer
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hello,
I would definitely recommend researching your state's board of accountancy. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a CPA. It is also important to note that if you want to move and work in a different state than where you first received your CPA license, then you may have to get a new license in the state that you recently moved to. Some states have more rigorous requirements such as number of college credits in specific study areas, so I recommend thinking about which state you want to start working in.
I would definitely recommend researching your state's board of accountancy. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a CPA. It is also important to note that if you want to move and work in a different state than where you first received your CPA license, then you may have to get a new license in the state that you recently moved to. Some states have more rigorous requirements such as number of college credits in specific study areas, so I recommend thinking about which state you want to start working in.
Kristina Vignali
Tax Accountant
7
Answers
Selden, New York
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Knowing your career aspirations is crucial. Acquiring multiple degrees or licenses can certainly open up more job possibilities, but remember, these qualifications come with a price tag. As highlighted earlier, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the professional requirements of your desired work location. Many states offer reciprocity, allowing CPA licenses to be transferred from one state to another, though this usually involves a fee. It's important to weigh the cost of education and licensing against the potential return on investment in terms of future earnings.
Choosing the industry you wish to work in, be it real estate, consumer goods, entertainment, or others, is also beneficial. Consider taking industry-specific courses to discover what truly interests you, and then explore the job prospects in those sectors.
Gaining practical experience through internships and work placements before obtaining a degree or exploring different industries can be very advantageous. In fact, work experience and learning on the job can sometimes be just as beneficial, if not more so, for career progression than formal education, depending on your career objectives.
Striking a good balance between practical experience and academic learning is what I would recommend for a well-rounded career development strategy.
Choosing the industry you wish to work in, be it real estate, consumer goods, entertainment, or others, is also beneficial. Consider taking industry-specific courses to discover what truly interests you, and then explore the job prospects in those sectors.
Gaining practical experience through internships and work placements before obtaining a degree or exploring different industries can be very advantageous. In fact, work experience and learning on the job can sometimes be just as beneficial, if not more so, for career progression than formal education, depending on your career objectives.
Striking a good balance between practical experience and academic learning is what I would recommend for a well-rounded career development strategy.
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'd start by pursuing a Business Administration degree and taking accounting as well as legal classes. This will allow you to see if you really like either subject matter. Then the decide which is more interesting or important to you. It would be extremely difficult to do a CPA with required Graduate Accounting classes at the same time as Law School and so you'd need to decide which is 1st.
You should also do a return on investment analyses to understand if it makes financial sense to do both. It's unclear to me, that you would earn substantially more with both. So does it makes sense to spend a couple of years and $50,000 to get a MPA/CPA after spending 3 years and $100,000 on law school? Research law schools to see if there would be an option to get a dual MPA and JD degree or at least take the required accounting classes at the same time.
This is https://accounting.uworld.com/blog/cpa-review/my-life-lawyer-and-cpa/ an interesting article from a Lawyer/CPA about his experience.
https://www.clio.com/blog/accounting-lawyer/ and https://www.goingconcern.com/so-youre-a-cpa-thinking-about-law-school/ offer some perspective on doing both.
You should also do a return on investment analyses to understand if it makes financial sense to do both. It's unclear to me, that you would earn substantially more with both. So does it makes sense to spend a couple of years and $50,000 to get a MPA/CPA after spending 3 years and $100,000 on law school? Research law schools to see if there would be an option to get a dual MPA and JD degree or at least take the required accounting classes at the same time.
This is https://accounting.uworld.com/blog/cpa-review/my-life-lawyer-and-cpa/ an interesting article from a Lawyer/CPA about his experience.
https://www.clio.com/blog/accounting-lawyer/ and https://www.goingconcern.com/so-youre-a-cpa-thinking-about-law-school/ offer some perspective on doing both.
Rachel Hong
Tax Consultant
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi, I can answer your questions in terms of CPA. There are several requirements in order to take a CPA exam and to get the license after passing all four sections of CPA exam depending on which state you are in. For example, CA requires you to have 150 credits and take a certain amount of accounting courses at school. You will be able to find more details in the state board of accountancy website. After you pass four sections, CA also requires you to take ethics exam which is not part of CPA sections. Ethics exam is not as hard as CPA exam but you would still need to study to pass it. Hope this helps!
Nick Li
Auditing
4
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hi Candy,
In term of CPA, I will recommend you check the State requirements. Different states have different requirements for CPA, but the common part is the 4 sections of the CPA exam. Usually, it requires you to have 120 credits from college to sit for the exam. And there are some specific requirements on which classes you should complete in college, and that is based on the State requirements. One suggestion on the CPA exam: take it as soon as you are qualified to sit for the exam!
I hope that can help you in term of your CPA!
In term of CPA, I will recommend you check the State requirements. Different states have different requirements for CPA, but the common part is the 4 sections of the CPA exam. Usually, it requires you to have 120 credits from college to sit for the exam. And there are some specific requirements on which classes you should complete in college, and that is based on the State requirements. One suggestion on the CPA exam: take it as soon as you are qualified to sit for the exam!
I hope that can help you in term of your CPA!
DYLAN CARTER
Tax Manager
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
DYLAN’s Answer
Great question. In terms of the CPA:
First, check your state board accountancy website/bylaws to see the requirements for CPA licensure and eligibility. Ensure you have these requirements met before applying to take the CPA exam. If you don't meet these requirements, then you won't be able to sit for the CPA exam.
In terms of studying for the CPA exam itself, I would invest in the following review materials:
1) Becker CPA Review - They have great instructors and fantastic exam preparation material - Becker was absolutely key to my success in passing the exam. They will have full practice exams that mimic the actual CPA exam itself (I found the practice exams to be harder than the actual CPA exam) and really help you get a feel for what to expect on exam day. If you could only choose one review material to invest in, this would be it. Make sure to watch (or listen) to the videos as much as you can. Follow their study plan as closely as possible.
2) Ninja CPA Review - This would be a supplement to Becker. I would recommend purchasing the Multiple Choice test questions to help you reinforce everything you learned in Becker. It's helpful to see different MCQ questions as opposed to practicing the same ones over and over again in Becker.
Things not to do:
1) Don't get dejected if you fail one of the parts of the CPA exam. If possible, try to take it as a learning experience and use it as motivation to propel yourself to achieve a passing grade the next time. Keep practicing with Becker's exam prep material and re-watch the videos to help you reinforce concepts. Use Ninja MCQ to supplement Becker if you feel it's necessary. Practice makes perfect - eventually you will master the concepts with enough repetition.
2) Don't allow too much time to pass between graduating college and taking the CPA exam. I would recommend taking a few months off right after college to allow yourself plenty of time to study for the CPA exam. If possible, treat every day you dedicate to studying as if it were your full time job. Many people need more than a few months to study, but it's possible to get through the material in a few months if you really dedicate yourself everyday. Follow the Becker study guide according to your timeline. The CPA exam material is rigorous and requires a lot of practice to master. Once you begin your career as a professional, it becomes much harder to find the time you need to prepare yourself for the CPA exam.
On exam day:
1) Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated.
2) If possible, pre-scout the testing center location before exam day. This will help ensure you arrive on time and will help familiarize yourself with where the testing center location is once you arrive on exam day. You can even figure out where the nearby bathrooms, snack machines, etc are if you need to. You'll be given breaks during the exam - being familiar with your environment will help make you feel more comfortable and at ease while taking the exam.
Good Luck!
First, check your state board accountancy website/bylaws to see the requirements for CPA licensure and eligibility. Ensure you have these requirements met before applying to take the CPA exam. If you don't meet these requirements, then you won't be able to sit for the CPA exam.
In terms of studying for the CPA exam itself, I would invest in the following review materials:
1) Becker CPA Review - They have great instructors and fantastic exam preparation material - Becker was absolutely key to my success in passing the exam. They will have full practice exams that mimic the actual CPA exam itself (I found the practice exams to be harder than the actual CPA exam) and really help you get a feel for what to expect on exam day. If you could only choose one review material to invest in, this would be it. Make sure to watch (or listen) to the videos as much as you can. Follow their study plan as closely as possible.
2) Ninja CPA Review - This would be a supplement to Becker. I would recommend purchasing the Multiple Choice test questions to help you reinforce everything you learned in Becker. It's helpful to see different MCQ questions as opposed to practicing the same ones over and over again in Becker.
Things not to do:
1) Don't get dejected if you fail one of the parts of the CPA exam. If possible, try to take it as a learning experience and use it as motivation to propel yourself to achieve a passing grade the next time. Keep practicing with Becker's exam prep material and re-watch the videos to help you reinforce concepts. Use Ninja MCQ to supplement Becker if you feel it's necessary. Practice makes perfect - eventually you will master the concepts with enough repetition.
2) Don't allow too much time to pass between graduating college and taking the CPA exam. I would recommend taking a few months off right after college to allow yourself plenty of time to study for the CPA exam. If possible, treat every day you dedicate to studying as if it were your full time job. Many people need more than a few months to study, but it's possible to get through the material in a few months if you really dedicate yourself everyday. Follow the Becker study guide according to your timeline. The CPA exam material is rigorous and requires a lot of practice to master. Once you begin your career as a professional, it becomes much harder to find the time you need to prepare yourself for the CPA exam.
On exam day:
1) Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated.
2) If possible, pre-scout the testing center location before exam day. This will help ensure you arrive on time and will help familiarize yourself with where the testing center location is once you arrive on exam day. You can even figure out where the nearby bathrooms, snack machines, etc are if you need to. You'll be given breaks during the exam - being familiar with your environment will help make you feel more comfortable and at ease while taking the exam.
Good Luck!
Wade Hao
Audit
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Wade’s Answer
Hey Candy,
It is a great question. I think it is an important decision that depends on your interests and career goals. Below is some my advices.
1. Know your interests: Think about what excites you more: numbers, financial analysis, and business consulting, or legal principles, advocacy, and policy.
2. Research career paths: Look into the typical career trajectories for CPA and JD. CPA often work in accounting firms like the big four, corporations, or as independent consultants. JDs can become lawyers, judges, or work in various legal and policy roles.
3.Consider the education requirements: Law school generally takes three years, while meeting the requirements for a Cpa can vary but might be shorter, especially if you already have an accounting background. Consider the financial cost of each path as well.
4.Reflect on long term goals: Consider where you see yourself in 10-20 years. Which profession aligns better with your vision for your future.
Above all, both paths offer rewarding careers. Take your time to weigh your options and choose the one that aligns best with your passions and goals.
It is a great question. I think it is an important decision that depends on your interests and career goals. Below is some my advices.
1. Know your interests: Think about what excites you more: numbers, financial analysis, and business consulting, or legal principles, advocacy, and policy.
2. Research career paths: Look into the typical career trajectories for CPA and JD. CPA often work in accounting firms like the big four, corporations, or as independent consultants. JDs can become lawyers, judges, or work in various legal and policy roles.
3.Consider the education requirements: Law school generally takes three years, while meeting the requirements for a Cpa can vary but might be shorter, especially if you already have an accounting background. Consider the financial cost of each path as well.
4.Reflect on long term goals: Consider where you see yourself in 10-20 years. Which profession aligns better with your vision for your future.
Above all, both paths offer rewarding careers. Take your time to weigh your options and choose the one that aligns best with your passions and goals.
William Trey Cornelius
Tax Accountant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
William Trey’s Answer
This is a great question and I would double down on Whitney's response. I would think about what you actually want to do with the degrees and certifications. As someone with both, practically speaking, you would major in accounting and take the requisite hours to sit for the CPA exam. I would recommend working as an accountant and getting your CPA before going to law school (there is no rush - you are going to work forever - be a kid as long as you can). Once you have worked and decide you still want to be an attorney, go to law school. Remember that unless someone else is paying, you will likely have significant student loans. I'm 39 and still haven't paid mine back (though interest rates can be super low). The degrees and certifications pair well together but it is a ton of work and doesn't necessarily pay off in the short-term.
Whitney Rubega
Senior Associate
28
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Whitney’s Answer
Hi Candy,
Before determining how to navigate attaining both a CPA and JD, I would encourage you to first decide what you'd ultimately like to do with these certifications / degrees. While both are valuable, one may be sufficient to practice in the field that you're looking to get into. For example, a JD who's studied tax law may work alongside CPAs doing tax consulting. Alternatively, if there is a niche field that you are looking to get into, one designation may be a better credential for you.
If ultimately you wanted to pursue both, I would encourage you to start with an accounting degree and perhaps a minor more closely aligned with typical law paths. That way, you will receive almost all of the accounting credits needed to become a CPA during your undergrad and can focus on law school afterwards.
Before determining how to navigate attaining both a CPA and JD, I would encourage you to first decide what you'd ultimately like to do with these certifications / degrees. While both are valuable, one may be sufficient to practice in the field that you're looking to get into. For example, a JD who's studied tax law may work alongside CPAs doing tax consulting. Alternatively, if there is a niche field that you are looking to get into, one designation may be a better credential for you.
If ultimately you wanted to pursue both, I would encourage you to start with an accounting degree and perhaps a minor more closely aligned with typical law paths. That way, you will receive almost all of the accounting credits needed to become a CPA during your undergrad and can focus on law school afterwards.
Forrest Acuff, CPA
2
Answers
Updated
Forrest’s Answer
Great question! I would recommend going to a university/college and majoring in accounting, get a masters in accounting, and then sit for the CPA Exams. I would recommend using Becker to help study for the CPA Exams.
Lucy Yan
Tax Consultant
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Hi, for CPA exam, you should first meet the requirements of the exam, such as taking accounting course and getting the enough credits from those courses. There are four exams. In order to pass them, you need to get 75 scores or more for each exam. And one more important is to check specific state requirements for get CPA license.