Foo - Self-taught CPA?

Admittedly a stretch, but I'm wondering if a person could become a CPA without first obtaining a degree. Even if someone could do it, what would the job prospects be? Would recruiters and hiring managers discredit a applicant due to lack of any formal education?

It's called Microsoft Excel.

More to the point, is what state is going to license you as a CPA without a degree? I would be surprised if any states still do this.

Man, should've Googled before starting this thread. My State requires 150 hours just to sit for the exam. CO is the closest that doesn't require the hours to sit, but still need the 150 to get the certification (and that's changing in 2015). Was hoping to avoid a bunch of useless courses that's not relevant to the job.

How are you at photoshop?

My brother's biggest hangup in getting his CPA was there was a requirement that he work for a CPA before getting his license. In other words he got his accounting degree and then had to pass the exams and work for a CPA before getting his license.

Admittedly a stretch, but I'm wondering if a person could become a CPA without first obtaining a degree. Even if someone could do it, what would the job prospects be? Would recruiters and hiring managers discredit a applicant due to lack of any formal education?

No....there is an education requirment, which for most states (if not all) is the equivalent to 5 yrs at college. I say equivalent because one does not have to have an accounting degree (I don't), yet a cetain amount of accounting classes is required.

My brother's biggest hangup in getting his CPA was there was a requirement that he work for a CPA before getting his license. In other words he got his accounting degree and then had to pass the exams and work for a CPA before getting his license.

Correct....it used to be 5yrs experience in private industry, or 2 yrs in public accounting under a currently licensed CPA.
Since I haven't looked at the requirements in 15yrs, I can't say for sure its still the same.

OP's been watching "Suits"?

OP's been watching "Suits"?
I'm going to have to Google it, but since I don't know what you're referring to, it's a safe bet the answer is 'no'.

I didn't get into Accounting right out H.S. because I figured that with personal computers becoming more prevalent in society, then there would be a correlating number of DIY software. I was half right.

There is a crap ton of book keeping software out there, but there is also apparently still a need for to actually enter the data into the software.

Maybe I'll just angle for an Accounting Certificate for now- get the skills so that I can pay some bills. My current job won't be around forever (and I realistically can't continue in my current career field either).

They don't use cpa's in Oklahoma.
There is no formal tax code on bartering and hageling:)

I'm going to have to Google it, but since I don't know what you're referring to, it's a safe bet the answer is 'no'.

I didn't get into Accounting right out H.S. because I figured that with personal computers becoming more prevalent in society, then there would be a correlating number of DIY software. I was half right.

There is a crap ton of book keeping software out there, but there is also apparently still a need for to actually enter the data into the software.

Maybe I'll just angle for an Accounting Certificate for now- get the skills so that I can pay some bills. My current job won't be around forever (and I realistically can't continue in my current career field either).

There's a huge difference between accounting and bookkeeping (data entry).
A 2 yr certificate should qualify you to be an AP clerk, but if you want to go further then that, you will want to at least get a BA or BS in Accounting.

The Certificate would allow me to gain entry level employment. Granted, it would be a pay cut from my current wages, but should also be a step up from flipping burgers. Another plus would be a nicer (as in climate controlled) environment to work in. A con would be the potential to have to wear a tie :(.

The Certificate would allow me to gain entry level employment. Granted, it would be a pay cut from my current wages, but should also be a step up from flipping burgers. Another plus would be a nicer (as in climate controlled) environment to work in. A con would be the potential to have to wear a tie :(.

string tie:thumb:

string tie:thumb:
Sure, why not? But only if it can do double duty as a garrote.

"suits": a summer show about a lawyer who never attended law school....