AAAA,

I guess it doesn't matter if you are doing masters or not. You need to fulfil certain credit core requirements for Accounting and business classes after you have 4 yrs bachelors from anywhere equivalent to US. Credit requirement for accounting and business classes and some other rules varies according to the state. Some of the colleges have courses that supporst CPA's course of study, though taking those class may increase chances of finishing CPA on time, however it doesn't mean passing on those classes will lead to a CPA degree.

I disagree with Samsara in the sense that, if you dont have total credit requirement required to sit for CPA exam, the having MBA you are in better hands. Second, CPA is not that easy, so at least you will have MBA degree in hand until you pass CPA.

I am in the same field. So what I have seen is that the people get the MBA degree here in the US, pass out taking few more extra credits in accounting. Companies  in entry level for accounting prefers employees, who are qualified to sit for CPA exam, at least this is the case in my school.

Anyways good luck to your relative as well

Sampada