MBA Programs in Accounting

Accounting is an in-demand field with businesses from large financial firms to small corporations needing accounting services to keep books, taxes and other financial issues in order. Whether you choose to work with numbers yourself or to manage other accountants within a business, your MBA will help ensure you're prepared and will give you the knowledge of both management and the basics of your field that will allow you to be successful in a wide range of careers.

How long it takes to complete an MBA program in accounting will depend on the method and school you choose. In some cases, online courses can be completed in as little at 10 months, while on-campus programs will generally take about two years to complete. The duration will depend largely on the pace you choose to study and whether or not you're attending class full time. Students in an accounting MBA program will gain more in-depth knowledge in a variety of subjects including financial assessment and reporting, taxation, risk management, planning, and implementation. Most programs will also include courses that will help students build and refine their management skills, giving them valuable leadership skills they can use in the real-world. Graduates of accounting MBA programs should be prepared to work in fast-paced and demanding positions in the accounting world, either within an existing company or through their own businesses.

There are a variety of careers available to those holding an MBA in accounting. Those working in nonpublic accounting may find it gives them a special advantage as many financial analyst positions require MBAs. Additionally, the degree can give graduates a wider base of knowledge that allows them to pursue management positions and supervisory work outside of accounting if they should choose to do so, as well as the ability to make the cross over into other marketing and business related fields. Of course, those who do want to stay within the accounting field will find plenty of opportunities to use their degree as well. As accounting is a high demand field, compensation is often quite substantial as well. According to the last surveys done by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers can expect to bring in between $78-124,000 on average. Of course, salaries will vary by the geographic location, type of work and experience the student has to back up their degree.