Help! CPA exam question.

Question

I'm planning to get a BS in Statistics w/ business emphasis and then hopefully pass the CPA exam. I know to sit for the exam one needs 24 units in accounting and business (in CA).

My question is what classes statisfy the 24 units in Business? On the CA board of Accountants website it says math classes, computer science, stats fall under this "Business" category. So if I have 20 units of math/ computer science classes for my Stats major can I apply all of these towards the 24 unit business requirement, or is there a limit to math classes?

Do you think getting a BS in Stats with a business emphasis and an accounting minor, is a good path to passing the CPA exam (w/ alot of self-study of course!)? I love math so I want to major in Stats instead of business/accountancy. Thanks!

Answer 1

I work as an accountant because I love math.  I do less math & more research & application of accounting rules rather than much math.  The math that I do is adding, subtracting and maybe for fun multiplying and dividing.

If you love math, then I would not recommend a job in accounting.  If you want to keep the math & stay with statistics, then look into picking up a general business degree & look into the career of actuarial science.  www.beanactuary.org is a great website to learn about what actuaries do (besides, they come up with the number that really run the country) how much time it takes to make it to the final exam (a total of 9 actuarial exams get you to the top level of the field).

However, it sounds like you are pretty gung-ho about the accounting, so check out www.cpa-exam.org to see the requirements of the CPA exam for California.  The exam requires 120 units of undergraduate work to qualify for sitting for the exam.  With that 120 units, you can only practice in the state of CA, however with 150 units (2 more full time semesters @ 15 units a semester) you can sit for the exam and practice anywhere in the country.  Also check out the American Institution of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) at www.aicpa.org.  They are the governing body for the exam, and come up with the exam.

The current exam is on the computer.  There is a process to go through, and it would be best to look into the licensing requirements with the state of CA at www.dca.ca.gov/cba.  

Hope this helps & best of luck to you in your career.

Answer 2

Yes, you are correct. Please go ahead !!.

Best of Luck !!!

Answer 3

You can do that!,..as long as you love numbers it will be easy for you to come up with accounting problems>..you only need commitment to the subject.