If you have ever thought about advancing your education in order to pursue a career in accounting, you might be wondering about getting an MBA in Accounting.  By reading the information that follows, you can learn the answer to this question and several others that pertain to the field of accounting.

Accounting

Although broadly defined, accounting is basically a means through which the financial health of an organization or business is maintained and communicated. It involves assessing the liabilities and cash flow, assets, and/or future of a business for all investors, both current and future. Since accounting is the field that involves recording and communicating basic information regarding a company’s financial state and capabilities, it is an integral and inalienable aspect of business.

What is an MBA in Accounting?

An accounting MBA is a degree program that provides students with information regarding the theory and application of auditing, taxes, and budgeting within the business sector. Additionally, the degree affords students the opportunity to learn about collaboration and team-building exercises, corporate-level presentation and communication skills, and business administration skills such as business analysis training.

MBA in Accounting-Courses

Although the types of courses an individual will take when earning an MBA in accounting will differ based on many factors, there are typical courses one will take. Typical courses can include the following.

Accounting Ethics and Related Regulatory Issues
Professional Research for Accountants
Intermediate Accounting I
Intermediate Accounting II
Intermediate Accounting III
Cost Accounting
Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
External Auditing
Budgeting (ACCT556)
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues
Advanced Studies in Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
Auditing: An Operational and Internal Perspective Including Fraud Examination Advanced Managerial Accounting Issues
International Accounting and Multinational Enterprises
Accounting Information Systems
Accounting Fraud Criminology and Ethics
Forensic Accounting: Ethics and the Legal Environment

The CPA Exam

Many individuals who opt to obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting do so with the purpose of working as an accountant. To do so, it is almost always advantageous and advisable to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Rules and regulations for attaining this designation differ from state to state. Generally, the student must have around 150 credit hours in the subject of accounting in order to sit for the qualifying exam. At the master’s level, students may be required to take courses that prepare them to pass the qualifying exam. Some of those courses can include:

CPA Exam Preparation: Auditing and Attestation
CPA Exam Preparation: Business Environment and Concepts
CPA Exam Preparation: Financial Accounting and Reporting
CPA Exam Preparation: Regulation

Careers In Accounting

If you are thinking about earning an MBA in accounting for the purpose of advancing your career, you should know that there are a variety of ways you can accomplish this objective. For example, one might opt to become a financial manager. These individuals are responsible for ensuring the financial health of businesses and organizations. To make it happen, they direct investment activities, develop strategies to accomplish the business’s financial goals, and produce financial reports. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial managers earn about $109,740 annually.

Related Resource: Global MBA

Conclusion

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of accounting, you should know that getting an MBA in the subject can help you accomplish this goal. Knowing what an MBA in accounting is,  you can make an informed decision regarding whether pursuing this educational path would be appropriate for you.