The Marketability of Options for Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement: An Empirical Analysis of Public Accounting Firm Recruiting Intentions

Abstract

Students are often concerned with, and advisors are often confronted with, questions about the best way to obtain the 150 hours required for CPA licensure in most states and jurisdictions. This research provides insight through an experiment in which CPAs in public accounting provide assessments about how actively their organization would recruit job candidates whose profile descriptions differ only as to how they met the 150-hour requirement. By manipulating, at seven levels, the independent variable describing the method by which a hypothetical student obtained 150 hours, the study indicates that, in general, CPAs tend to value more accounting-specific coursework leading toward a degree, preferably an advanced degree. The study also provides suggested courses of action for students who do not have the option of pursuing a graduate degree.

Exploring CPA Partner’s Educational Path and Views on Meeting the 150-Hour Rule

“…Metrejean, Metrejean, & Stocks (2008) found no difference in how actively students were recruited based on the level of degree completed. Mauldin, Braun, Viosca, Jr., & Chiasson (2013) found that students who had completed a master's degree enhanced their chances of being recruited for employment. For students that did not have an opportunity for a master's degree, they found that a double major in information systems or finance provided a competitive edge.…”

“…In fulfilling the 150-hour requirement Bierstaker, Howe, & Seol (2004) found that students at public universities preferred taking additional accounting credits, while students at private colleges preferred taking more non-accounting business credits. Mauldin, Braun, Viosca, Jr., & Chiasson (2013) found that CPAs prefer additional credits in accounting to meet the 150-rule, preferably in graduate credits.…”

Strategy decisions for academic leadership: analyzing the perspectives of master of accountancy stakeholders

“…Meanwhile, Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates had higher prospects for promotion from manager to partner, typically the most coveted level for those wanting careers in public accounting. While there have been favorable considerations for pursuing graduate education in accounting, especially if an individual is pursuing the CPA, other factors such as wanting more leadership and soft skill training may lead students to pursue other programs such as the MBAMauldin et al, 2013). On the other hand, graduates may choose to gain another technical skillset my pursuing other specialized graduate degrees from in-demand areas such as cybersecurity.…”