MS Taxation (Comp)

Become a Tax Leader

Students in the MS Taxation  graduate with the ability to distill comprehensive decision science analytics, process analytics and performance prediction insights for strategic decision-making and operational improvements.

 

   Inquire ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ the Program

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"I chose Leeds MSBA because it was a fastpaced 10-month program which would help me accelerate in my career."

- Himani Porwal  
  (MSBA ‘24)

Program Details

  • Three start dates: fall, spring, and summer. 
  • In-person, on-campus program completed in nine months, twelve- to eighteen-month timeline for those seeking an internship during program.
  • Switch between MS Accounting and MS Taxation one-time after the program begins.
  • Tailor course selections to your specific interests like open-ended problem-solving, data analysis, social responsibility and sustainability.
  • GMAT/GRE test scores are optional.
  • Requires prerequisite courses - Intermediate Accounting I and II, Individual Income Tax, Cost Accounting.
  • Learn more about the MS Accounting curriculum here and learn more about MS Accounting costs and tuition here.

    

Careers in Taxation

Whether you’re seeking a career locally, nationally or globally, you’ll be a valuable asset to companies, public accounting firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies of every size and in nearly any place. And Leeds' students find jobs with companies like Plante Moran, EY (Ernst & Young), KPMG, Deloitte, PwC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers) and Armanino.

Our graduates land competitive jobs in audit and assurance, risk management, consulting, and financial planning and analysis. 

More ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ MS Accounting Careers     

An Audit and Assurance Associate supports senior auditors by conducting research, analyzing financial data, preparing audit documentation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role involves assisting in the planning and execution of audits, identifying areas of financial risk, and communicating with the audit team and clients. Additionally, the Audit and Assurance Assistant may be responsible for preparing audit reports and ensuring that financial reports are accurate and comply with applicable regulations.

The role involves reviewing financial information, identifying potential risks, and collaborating with teams to provide quality assurance and project management services. Additionally, the successful candidate will need to effectively communicate with clients and maintain accurate databases.

Analyzing financial records to prepare statements, planning and directing audits to ensure compliance, and building internal controls to maintain accuracy. Additionally, the position requires preparing audit reports, supporting the accounting team, assisting customers, and collaborating with other auditors to uphold accounting standards.

MS Acct and MS Tax CPA Details

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are in high demand across all industries and must meet rigorous standards to obtain licensure.

To receive your CPA license, you’ll need the following four components:

At least 120 credit hours (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) are required to sit for the CPA exam, and you’ll need to complete an additional 30 credit hours to qualify for licensure. You will also need to ensure that your credits meet your state’s required hours within the areas of accounting, auditing, and business. Every jurisdiction has its own educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam and to become licensed as a CPA. These requirements are subject to change and may affect the educational requirements for examination and licensure. Due to the changing nature of the education requirements, it is recommended that students review the  website where they are seeking employment for updated licensure requirements. A list of state board websites can also be found on the  page.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is responsible for the creation of the uniform CPA exam. The exam is given in four sections: Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Attestation, Regulations, and Business Environment and Concepts. You are allowed to take the exam one section at a time and in any order. All sections of the exam must be completed within an 18-month testing period with a score of 75 percent or higher.

While experience requirements vary by state, CPA applicants in Colorado are required to complete 1,800 qualifying work hours within a period of 1-3 years in order to obtain licensure. Your experience must also be verified by a licensed CPA who oversees the work.

In some states, CPA applicants are required to complete an ethics course or exam in order to obtain their CPA license. For example, Colorado requires that you pass the AICPA Professional Ethics course with a score of 90 percent or higher within two years of application for licensure.

Our Master’s in Accounting program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam through courses that strategically target topics covered on the exam, including advanced financial accounting, auditing, taxation of business entities, and accounting ethics. While our program prepares you foundationally for CPA certification, each state has its own specific requirements. Students planning to obtain their CPA are responsible for ensuring that they meet their state’s requirements for exam and licensure.

 


 

MS Taxation Faculty

Meet our award-winning faculty, recognized for their innovative teaching approach and their cutting-edge research in top academic journals.

Jeremiah Contreras

Assistant Teaching Professor • Kala and Shiv Khatri Endowed Faculty Scholar

ACCOUNTING

Jeremiah joined the business school accounting faculty in 2017. He holds an MBA, a BS in Accounting, and is an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Colorado. Jeremiah's professional background includes auditing with KPMG, serving as a corporate controller for a global professional services firm, and working as a consultant in business management and systems.

Jeremiah’s passion lies in empowering students with accounting and critical thinking skills, instilling a commitment to strong ethics in their personal and professional lives, and preparing them for future leadership roles.

Jeremiah has been at the forefront of incorporating new AI technologies into business school education across various disciplines. He has developed innovative curricula that prepare students for the evolving landscape of AI in business, ensuring they are equipped with both traditional business knowledge and cutting-edge technological skills.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeremiah is a father of two who enjoys the Colorado lifestyle, often exploring the outdoors with his family and their dog Cooper.

Nicole Lazzeri

Assistant Teaching Professor

ACCOUNTING

Kit is an instructor of accounting at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  He is a certified public accountant. From 2002 to 2004 and 2005 to 2017, Kit worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was a partner from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. From 2004 to 2005 he was the corporate controller of a publicly traded real estate investment trust. From 1993 to 2002 Kit worked at Arthur Andersen & Co. He is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting.

Susan Morely

Teaching Professor

ACCOUNTING

Susan Morley is a senior instructor and teaching professor at the Leeds School of Business. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and obtained a Master of Science in Taxation and a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Sloan Speck

Associate Professor of Law

TAXATION AND TAX POLICY

Sloan Speck will join the University of Colorado Law School faculty in fall 2015 as an Associate Professor. Professor Speck's research interests are in tax law and policy, with an emphasis on corporate and international tax, legal and business history, and the ways in which taxation informs and structures the relationship between state and society.

Meet the MS Accounting Team at Leeds

Leeds' team of dedicated professionals help you maximize your experience in the Master's program. Our student success team and career development coaches provide highly curated support to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

Application Deadlines

The application for 2025 entry is now open! 

Round 1: October 7, 2024

Round 2: December 2, 2024

Round 3: Febuary 3, 2025

Final International Deadline: February 5, 2025

Final Domestic Deadline: May 12, 2025

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