An Accounting MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree requires two years of full-time study. To be eligible for this type of graduate program, candidates must possess undergraduate (baccalaureate) degrees. Admission is based upon scores from the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), personal interviews, letters of recommendation, work experiences, essays, and academic transcripts.
This field of study incorporates several core courses. Among them are operations management, human resources, finance, strategic planning, and marketing management. Many programs also include technology and information systems, statistics, manufacturing and production, economics, and business strategy.
Studies have shown executives who hold a Master of Business Administration degree earn about 25 percent more than their counterparts who hold Bachelor’s Degrees. In addition, those who successfully graduate from accredited programs have more job prospects and greater job security. When searching for workers to fill management positions, many top-level companies prefer candidates who hold MBAs. These jobs include corporate controllers, school superintendents, chief financial officers, financial analysts, accounting managers, treasurers, investment bankers, management consultants, credit managers, investment traders, personal financial advisers, and risk managers.
Chief financial officers (CFOs) are the top financial executives in an organization. The responsibilities of this job are numerous. They include the supervision of all accounting and financial operations, as well as the administration of all corporate strategies.
Financial managers also have many important duties. Among them are formulating and implementing fundraising strategies, managing a company’s investment activities, administering mergers and acquisitions, and monitoring cash flows.
Investment bankers work in collaboration with companies that are seeking funding, and institutions that have funds to invest. These professionals provide their clients with informed guidance relating to capital campaigns. Often, they assist their clients in developing financial assets to raise funds. Their strategies may include investments in bonds and stocks.
Investment traders possess the skills required to interpret the complex economic principles which drive global financial markets. These experts advise institutional and corporate investors. They conduct all relevant analyses, and perform client-directed acquisitions.
Accounting managers perform several duties in an organization. They include the creation of income statements, and the management of tax reports. Many of these experts are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The majority of accredited accounting MBA programs provide their graduates with the knowledge and skills required to pass the CPA exam.
Many successful entrepreneurs hold MBAs. Since the advanced areas of business are covered in these programs, many graduates are qualified to start their own businesses. Courses such as marketing, operations management, and leadership are especially beneficial to those seeking to become self-employed entrepreneurs.
According to the United States Department of Bureau and Labor Statistics, professionals in this field can expect faster than average job growth relative to other occupations through 2018. However, since these jobs tend to be prestigious and feature higher salaries, competition is expected to be strong. In order to remain successful and competitive, top executives may be required to work long hours and travel frequently.
An accounting MBA opens many career opportunities. In addition to increased salary and job security, those who earn this type of graduate degree have access to a broad range of occupations. They include the private, public, and military sectors in the national and international realms.