What Can You Do with an MBA in Accounting?

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MBA programs with an accounting concentration have the potential to offer a range of job prospects for those who are interested in pursuing a career in business or accounting. Because this kind of degree combines the more general business aspects of an MBA with some of the more specialized knowledge needed for accounting, you may be able to consider careers in both fields after you graduate.

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the things you can do with an MBA with a Specialization in Accounting, some of the careers that you might be able to consider after graduation along with what you can expect to learn in this kind of program as we explore the following sections:

Jobs Available with an MBA in Accounting

As you might expect, there are a number of potential jobs that you can consider after you’ve earned your MBA with a Specialization in Accounting, and possibly at varying levels.

One of the skillsets you’ll have the opportunity to develop in an MBA program is how to manage people and work collaboratively, along with gaining other high-level business skills. Depending on the position and each company’s requirements, earning your MBA may help you be able to consider jobs at a higher level than you would otherwise be able to. The following list shows examples of some of the possible opportunities when it comes to post-grad MBA in Accounting jobs.

Accountant

Accountants perform a variety of tasks ranging from bookkeeping to analysis of company expenses. Under the more general title of accountant, they tend to work on a team with other accountants to keep track of company finances and determine ways to accurately reflect the state of the company.
Accounting manager

Accounting managers oversee the operations of an accounting department and report to company executives. They also work with executives to determine what accounting projects are needed and help train new accounting team members.
Auditor

Auditors check the work of accounting departments to determine its accuracy. When working for the government, auditors often work to uncover financial fraud or tax avoidance schemes.
Financial analyst

Financial analysts monitor the finances of a company and its investments to make sure they’re healthy, and to determine new ways of making profitable investments.
Financial manager

Financial managers oversee the financial department within a company and report to the CFO. They also help to train new analysts and work on developing financial goals for the company.
Financial planner

Financial planners are responsible for putting together plans and initiatives for a company, and working to come up with a timeline for how those financial goals might be achieved that will then then be shared with the shareholders.
Management accountant

Management accountants work to determine the costs and benefits of managing staff. They typically work at a higher level in the company and inform other managers about financial data in order to improve the finances of a company.
Payroll staff manager

Often working within a subset of human resources, payroll staff managers use accounting knowledge to properly distribute payroll to employees across a company.

Keep in mind that having an MBA with a Specialization in Accounting does not necessarily mean you will meet the minimum requirements for each of these jobs at every company. Because job titles are not standardized across industries, some companies may require more work experience or certifications than others.

What You'll Learn in an MBA in Accounting Program

While the curriculum between MBAs in accounting can vary between universities, the MBA with a Specialization in Accounting from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management covers the following:

Accounting Standards

You will learn to measure outcomes using existing measurement criteria such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Other Common Basis of Accounting (OCBOA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or other non-authoritative measurement tools.
Financial Reporting

You will develop an understanding of accounting theory and practice related to real-world financial reporting and managerial decision-making.
Technology

By using analytical tools and technology applications, you will have the chance to learn how to develop analyses, solutions and address the needs of an organization and its stakeholders.
Collaboration

As a student, you’ll work collaboratively in a team environment, coordinating and sharing information with your peers to achieve a common goal.
Problem Solving

You’ll learn how to use business and management principles to problem-solve a variety of workplace challenges.
Management Theory and Practices

By the end of the program, you’ll have learned how to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of enterprise-wide functions relevant in the global economy.

Ready to take your accounting education to the next level? If the worlds of accounting or business sound like something you'd be interested in, or you wish to continue your education in either field, then an MBA with a Specialization in Accounting could be right for you. Request more information to from our admissions staff to help you get started.