Loyola Business Blog

Career Paths for a Master of Accounting Degree

Forget the notion of boring pencil-pushing accounting jobs. Careers in accounting span all industries, offering exciting options for Master of Accounting graduates. Loyola's Sellinger School of Business offers a competitive Master of Accounting (MAcc) program designed for recent accounting graduates who want immediate, high-quality accounting courses to jumpstart their careers. The 30 credit hours earned in the program, when combined with an appropriate undergraduate degree, meet the 150-hour education requirement for licensure as a CPA. However, the true benefit of this advanced degree program is the increased depth of knowledge and development of crucial tools for successful accounting careers.

In today’s business world, accounting skills are in high demand, and accounting jobs are forecasted to grow at a rate of 10 percent, with 140,300 new accounting and auditing jobs by 2026, according to US News & World Report. A career in accounting can be financially rewarding, with the top 10 percent earning more than $122,220 per year, according to a 2017 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Having a master’s degree in accounting opens the doors to these high-paying careers in accounting.

A Master of Accounting degree is ideal for the following top accounting jobs:

  1. Accountant: Accountants are employed in every field, industry and business. They enjoy solid job security and have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments.
  2. Forensic Investigative Accountant: An increased intolerance for fraudulent activity has led to a demand for forensic accountants, who combine their accounting knowledge with investigative skills for litigation support and investigative settings.
  3. Financial Planner: A financial planner helps individuals and corporations meet their long-term financial objectives by analyzing their client’s status and setting a program to achieve their client’s goals.
  4. Corporate Controller: A corporate controller is an organization’s chief accounting officer and is responsible for financial statements, accounting procedures, budgeting, tax compliance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
  5. Budget Analyst: A budget analyst evaluates an organization’s finances and gives direction on ways to use resources efficiently and streamline financial processes.

For additional Master of Accounting career options, visit Accounting Degree Review.

The Sellinger School of Business has a reputation for quality education, involved faculty, and a supportive atmosphere. Sellinger is one of a few schools in the world with AACSB dual accreditation in accounting and business. Sellinger offers comprehensive graduate programs with full-time and part-time options to help you develop the expertise you need to get to the next level of your career.