Students interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) have found a system to make the process easier. The streamlined practice also assists local businesses with on-boarding certified professionals faster to fulfill staffing shortages.
Abby Schmidt attended UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) for her undergraduate degree in accounting. During her junior year, she was exploring her options for completing her CPA license. Her adviser suggested looking into the new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at UW-Stevens Point. She would need an additional 30 credits above the 120 she would have through her undergrad to take the CPA exams. The MBA program comprises 36 credits that could be completed in just one additional school year. The short duration, extra opportunities, and experiences made this decision easy for Schmidt.
“The unexpected benefit of continuing for my MBA was my role as a graduate assistant (GA) for the MBA program and my fellowship with Central Rivers Farmshed,” said Schmidt. “As a fellow and GA, it isn’t about learning from the opportunity … but about what you can give through the opportunity. Both showed me, even more, how impactful and important my career as a CPA
can be.”
This streamlined process provides a benefit for local businesses as well. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) prides itself on being wealth advisors who provide deeply connected and innovative services to support their clients. Schmidt and three more MBA alumni have all found a career at CLA. Their skills, experiences, and fast tracks to their CPA exams allow them to fulfill CLA’s global promise to provide clear and actionable advice driven by industry-specialized and trailblazing teams.
CLA is the eighth-largest accountancy firm in the United States. It was established in 2012 with the merger of two U.S. firms: Clifton Gunderson LLP and LarsonAllen LLP. CLA works with businesses, organizations, and across a range of industries. CLA is also a Corporate Partner with Sentry School. Corporate Partners work closely with the school to enhance educational opportunities for the students and grow awareness of their organization and career opportunities.
Have you considered becoming a CPA? Are you looking for a program to take your leadership skills to the next level? How could the management at your company be enhanced by courses focused on agility and decision-making? To learn about the MBA program and its benefit for you and/or your stakeholders, email mbainfo@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-2753. To learn more about our Corporate Partners program, contact Carie Winn at cwinn@uwsp.edu.