Accounting Careers

Why Earn Your Master of Accountancy?

Unless you happen to know some accountants, you might not realize the career stability and variety that a degree in accountancy can provide. Graduates from the Daniels College of Business Master of Accountancy program are sought-after job candidates in the business world.

Security and Versatility

One of the major benefits to a pursuing a degree in accountancy is that it offers exceptional job stability. Nearly 100% of our domestic Master of Accountancy (MAcc) graduates accept positions within three months of graduation, and actually most of our students receive offers months before graduation. Many end up at top accounting firms, such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Plante Moran, RSM and Grant Thornton.

“Our graduates are aggressively courted by company recruiters,” said Sharon Lassar, director of the School of Accountancy. “Our graduates are versatile members of any business team. Even during the global pandemic of 2020, employers honored the internship and full-time offers they had extended before the COVID outbreak and continued to hire students by using remote interview processes.

Because the industry is so stable, graduates can live nearly anywhere they like and find a solid job. Some work as digital nomads while others prefer to work from an office; many balance working from home with commuting to work. They also can work in a wide variety of industries.

Career Paths

The obvious career path for an accountancy graduate is, well, accounting. But, accountants can take on many roles within an organization. They’re qualified to design enterprise systems, build financial plans, value business units, make capital budgeting decisions, and much more. Accountants have the financial, analytical and technological skills to create actionable insights and make informed business decisions.

Our graduates work in all types of organizations. One manages investor relations for one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies. Another manages internal audit for a global technology company. Industries where alumni work include energy, mining, financial services, telecommunications, real estate, and health care. Some chose a career path in government; doors are open from the smallest units like local school districts to the largest federal agencies such as the FBI, CIA, IRS, and the armed forces.

Master’s students can specialize in business valuation, assurance, information systems, data analytics, or a custom-built specialty. The majority of students pursue a MAcc with the goal of meeting the requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA is a key common criterion for senior level accounting positions. Our students pass the CPA exam at a rate that is 49% higher than the national average.

CPAs often begin their careers with a public accounting firm where they serve clients in a wide variety of industries through either assurance or advisory services. Assurance services involve auditing companies to attest to the fairness of their financial reports. Advisory services are varied. Some focus on helping clients implement technology solutions; some involve conducting due diligence for merger and acquisition targets; some focus on answering technical accounting questions for clients; some advisory departments provide teams for corporations that need help with risk assessments, cyber breaches, fraud investigations, or other special projects. The strongest advisors are those who can apply both accounting standards and understand how technology can aid business processes. With only four required classes, our MACC allows students to strengthen skills in their areas of interest.

Many who begin their careers in public accounting rise to the level of partner. Those who leave might have been lured away to join any number of organizations in all kinds of roles. Some accountants join private equity firms to manage portfolio companies. Other join the finance teams of large corporations. Some join consulting firms. The possibilities are endless and many routes lead to the C-Suite.

While the core accounting work might look similar, our alumni work across a wide-variety of industries. We have graduates in nearly every field – even entertainment and sports.

Set up for Success

If you’re not sure you’re cut out for accounting, let us assure you that the faculty and staff offer exceptional individualized attention to set you up for success.

The School of Accountancy offers weekly meetings where accounting firms present on a current topics and, following the presentation, students network with the presenters and guests. Both employers and alumni are highly engaged on campus. There is an established mentoring program to connect students with alumni who are already in the field. Alumni who work for hiring companies come to campus with their companies’ recruiters and facilitate the hiring and onboarding process. You’ll be set up for success long into your career. 

For more information, visit the School of Accountancy website to learn more.