You are a driven professional, an analytical thinker, and a passionate individual with a desire to make a difference. All these qualities make you an excellent candidate for an enriching accounting career. First, however, you will need in-depth training from a respected accountancy program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your bachelor’s degree can provide a strong foundation, but the next rung on the career ladder may remain out of reach until you earn your Master of Accountancy (MAcc). This powerful degree could prepare you for some of today’s most lucrative and impactful accounting positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accounting master’s programs aren’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to understand when they’re required and what they involve. To that end, we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about master’s in accounting programs: which courses you can expect to take, how you’ll prepare for licensing, and which job opportunities may become available once you graduate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare students for upper-level accounting positions. Through targeted yet comprehensive coursework, MAcc students gain a detailed understanding of accounting as it applies to data analytics, corporate taxation, and information systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MAcc also delves into emerging technical concerns, encouraging students to achieve an in-depth understanding through research and practical application. What’s more, this degree track emphasizes many core competencies of the accounting profession, such as communication, creativity, and collaboration. An MAcc can provide thorough preparation to pass the Uniform CPA exam (or Certified Public Accountant exam), obtain other relevant credentials, and, ultimately, take on a variety of niche or leadership accounting roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skilled accountants have long been in high demand. They are an irreplaceable asset for large corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits alike. This is particularly true of professionals with skills in both accounting and management, which, together, allow them to drive positive long-term financial outcomes while also ensuring legal compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This demand has only accelerated in recent years, as evidenced by data from the\u00a0Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>. Financial managers, for example, have a faster-than-average career outlook of 17% between 2021 and 2031, compared to 6% for accountants and auditors\u2014and 5% across all professions. The future is similarly bright for\u00a0personal financial advisors<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0financial analysts<\/a>\u2014career tracks that, while technically available to professionals with their bachelor’s, produce far better opportunities and pay upon achieving a\u00a0Master of\u00a0Accountancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many skills emphasized in\u00a0MAcc\u00a0online programs\u00a0align closely with those in high demand among today’s top employers. For example,\u00a0American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)<\/a>\u00a0Vice President of Small Firms Carl Peterson believes that “data analytics is perhaps the most important skill set for firms of the future.” Meanwhile, AICPA Vice President of Firm Services Lisa Simpson explains that “firm leaders expect to see technology and data analysis-related skills become more embedded into the DNA of the modern firm.” Predictive analytics and data mining, in particular, will be vital moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, “success skills”\u2014such as problem-solving and decision-making\u2014are invaluable at the upper levels of this career track but take extensive effort to develop. AICPA’s Simpson highlights the need to invest in the ‘human skills\u2019 of leadership and communications because public accounting continues to be a people business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Accounting is typically categorized as a business-oriented degree. However, the scope of the program differs considerably from that of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other more general business degrees. While an MBA may touch on accounting, it also covers a broad range of other topics like finance, human resources, or marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A MAcc focuses almost exclusively on accounting. Yes, other subjects come into play, but only as they relate to accounting principles and practices. While both programs can lead to a wide array of career opportunities, the MAcc will be your preferred option if you are confident you want to work (or continue to work) in accounting, taxation, or auditing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well-rounded yet highly targeted, MAcc programs offer a valuable blend between critical accounting concepts and practices as well as niche topics that spark passion. Take a close look at the curriculum before you embark on this academic journey\u2014you will want to feel confident that coursework will address current skills gaps while ensuring you are properly prepared to tackle challenging classes. It’s also worthwhile to examine scholarship and internship opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The road to an MAcc<\/a> begins well before reaching the graduate level. First, it’s important to demonstrate proficiency in beginning and intermediate accounting concepts as well as other background courses at the undergraduate level, such as Managerial Cost Accounting, Federal Tax Accounting, Auditing, and Accounting Information Systems to name a few. This foundation provides thorough preparation for core classes at the graduate level, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This essential course largely centers around transactions known as business combinations but also delves into the foreign currency translation process. This provides a solid foundation for the remainder of the MAcc program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emphasizing analytic techniques and decision-making strategies, this class offers numerous opportunities to develop and apply data analytics skills such as modeling and visualization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This course covers federal income tax laws underscoring the formation and reorganization of partnerships and corporations. This is explored from the perspective of both the entity and the owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighting contemporary topics as they relate to statements of cash flow and financial positions, this fascinating course will get you thinking critically about a variety of relevant concerns that you’ll almost certainly encounter in your accounting career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are passionate about a particular accounting niche or career track, consider pursuing a degree specialization that prepares you for that field. A forensic data analytics concentration, for example, provides a thorough overview of the various techniques required for detecting and resolving financial fraud. Accounting itself can function as a specialization, too, if you ultimately opt to pursue your MBA<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\u00a0Uniform\u00a0CPA\u00a0exam<\/a>\u00a0represents a key barrier to entry for many top accounting jobs and can also be an excellent source of credibility for accountants at all stages of their careers. The\u00a0MAcc\u00a0provides a solid blueprint to help aspiring leaders in\u00a0accountancy\u00a0pass this challenging exam and achieve Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to well-rounded preparation for the Uniform CPA exam, an MAcc can provide a framework as you study for other respected exams and credentials, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon graduating with your MAcc, you should be prepared to enter some of the field’s most exciting career paths. Opportunities that call for advanced accountancy training include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally concerning nuanced, data-backed budgeting and forecasting, corporate finance is an exciting and often lucrative field encompassing the range of strategies that help organizations grow and thrive. MAcc graduates should be well-equipped to work as corporate controllers or to take on senior positions such as director of finance or even chief financial officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A variety of industries and businesses require oversight from senior or lead accounting professionals, who are often referred to as financial controllers. These positions focus on day-to-day operations and appeal greatly to management-minded accountants with exceptional attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centered around investigations that delve into suspected fraud and other financial crimes, forensic accounting is a compelling specialty that calls for highly developed auditing and investigative skills. A bachelor’s and CPA credential should be sufficient to secure entry-level work in forensic accounting, but leadership roles may be available to MAcc graduates after gaining a few years of experience in this important niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although many forensic accountants work for government entities, this is by no means the only exciting opportunity within the public sector. Effective accounting is crucial across all areas of the public sector, where professionals must ensure that potentially limited funds are used responsibly. Similarly, nonprofits require accounting leadership, which can help organizations make the most of grants and donations to promote important causes and make a difference in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you hope to rise through the ranks to achieve a leadership role in accounting, an MAcc is all but non-negotiable. The next important decision will address where and how to obtain this essential degree. If you are already employed\u2014and eager to continue working as you seek your graduate degree\u2014an online MAcc program may be your best bet. Flexible solutions allow you to balance a full workload with the rigors of academic life. Other considerations to keep in mind include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a close look at the faculty for your preferred MAcc programs. What can you glean about their accounting backgrounds? Ideally, they have extensive experience in both accounting and management, plus a clear passion for helping develop the next generation of accounting leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are eager to streamline your path to getting both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, look for integrated accounting programs<\/a> that allow you to obtain your bachelor’s and master’s from the same college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the return on investment for MAcc online programs can be considerable, you’ll still want to feel confident about your funds as you proceed. Look for accounting-oriented scholarship opportunities<\/a> and other valuable sources of financial aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applied learning is crucial in accounting, so be mindful of whether any master\u2019s in accountancy programs you\u2019re considering offer a hands-on approach to learning. Supervised work experiences like internships can be especially valuable, as these provide ample opportunities to apply technical skills and accounting principles\u2014not to mention, they look great on a resume and can help kickstart professional networking. When possible, opt for a college that encourages these opportunities and provides support as you seek them out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking to take the next step in your professional journey? The\u00a0Master of Accountancy<\/a>\u00a0at UTC’s\u00a0Gary W. Rollins College of Business<\/a>\u00a0could be an excellent option for advancing your career. This program is uniquely well-suited to the modern working student.\u00a0Reach out today<\/a>\u00a0to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You are a driven professional, an analytical thinker, and a passionate individual with a desire to make a difference. All these qualities make you an excellent candidate for an enriching accounting career. First, however, you will need in-depth training from a respected accountancy program. Your bachelor’s degree can provide a strong foundation, but the next rung on… <\/p>\nHow a\u00a0Master\u2019s in Accounting\u00a0Is Different From Other Business Degrees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Exploring Master of Accountancy Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Core Curriculum and Coursework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advanced Accounting\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Accounting Data Analytics\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Financial Accounting Theory and Issues\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Available Specializations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Industry Certification Preparation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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MAcc\u00a0Degree Career Opportunities After Graduation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Corporate Finance\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Financial Controller\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Forensic Accounting\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nonprofits and Government Agencies\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choosing the Right\u00a0MAcc\u00a0Program\u00a0for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Highly Regarded Instructors\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Integration Opportunities\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scholarships and Financial Aid\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Experiential Opportunities\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UTC\u2019s\u00a0Online\u00a0MAcc\u00a0Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n