According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings for accountants in this country, between 2024 and 2034, is projected to grow faster than the average for all career fields.1 In addition, accountants enjoy a strong median wage of roughly $82,000 per year.1 An MBA in accounting can catapult you into the upper half of this field by broadening your knowledge base and giving you the expertise you need to move into senior leadership positions.
Companies are increasingly turning to professionals with experience in finance or accounting to make data-driven decisions, and accounting is one of the most popular degrees among American CEOs.2 That's because an advanced education in accounting combines quantitative rigor with a deep understanding of complex financial regulations. This combination enables leaders to operate large organizations with greater efficiency and sophistication.
Read on to learn more about the curriculum you'll study, the key skills you'll develop, and the career paths you can pursue with an MBA in accounting.
Core curriculum and coursework: What is an MBA in accounting?
An MBA in accounting is a graduate business degree that combines foundational MBA coursework in areas such as strategy, leadership, and operations with specialized, advanced training in accounting principles and financial management. Unlike a master's in accounting, which focuses primarily on technical accounting skills, an MBA with an accounting concentration prepares students for executive-level roles by developing both financial expertise and business leadership capabilities.
An MBA in accounting will help you develop a variety of high-level skills essential for navigating the complex world of corporate finance. Through coursework in financial reporting, for example, you'll learn how to analyze and consolidate complex datasets into clear and cohesive financial reports. Other key subjects, such as managerial accounting and auditing, will develop your analytical expertise and enable you to make high-level decisions.
An MBA with a concentration in accounting will also integrate leadership, strategy, and data analytics into your classwork, discussions, and group projects.
Skills and outcomes
Through an emphasis on soft skills, case study analysis, group projects, and hands-on work, an accounting MBA program will help you develop your critical thinking and decision-making abilities. You'll also gain advanced knowledge of tax laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Perhaps most importantly, you'll develop key leadership and team management skills that will carry you forward in your career. MBA programs emphasize skills including stakeholder communication, change management, and strategic decision-making under pressure—capabilities that distinguish accounting leaders from accounting technicians.
Admission requirements
To get admitted into a competitive MBA program in finance or accounting, you'll need to satisfy several entry requirements.
Bachelor's degree
Typically, you'll need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field, such as finance. Some programs accept candidates from other backgrounds who have completed prerequisite accounting coursework.
Standardized test scores
You may also need a strong GMAT or GRE score. If the program you prefer requires one of these scores, it's recommended that you spend several months studying for the test. A high score can help you get admitted and may make you a prime choice for university-administered scholarship funding.
Professional experience
Because an MBA in accounting is both a professional and a terminal degree, business schools usually prefer candidates with some relevant work experience to build upon. It helps them connect MBA coursework to real-world business challenges.
Career opportunities
With an MBA in accounting, you'll have career options in public accounting, corporate finance, government agencies, and consulting. Virtually every organization above a certain size requires accounting and financial expertise, which means you can work across diverse industries and sectors—from nonprofit organizations to technology firms to manufacturing companies and beyond.
Common career paths for MBA graduates with accounting expertise include accounting manager, financial controller, director of finance, and chief financial officer. Many professionals further enhance their credentials and career prospects through specialized certifications.
Specialization and certification
Pairing your MBA in accounting with professional certifications signals to potential employers that you possess specialized knowledge and commitment to the field. These credentials can lead to increased job security, higher wages, and expanded career opportunities.
One common credential for accounting MBAs is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which requires passing the CPA exam. Other certifications worth considering include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Online vs. on-campus programs
Ultimately, the choice between an online and an on-campus MBA program comes down to your unique circumstances and goals. Working adults, parents, and other students who are unable to commute or relocate to an area with in-person classes will benefit the most from an online learning experience. Online programs offer a significant level of flexibility and freedom since you can listen to lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule.
Online programs call on you to be comfortable with developing relationships online and completing group work remotely. Many have put concerted effort into building robust online classroom experiences so that you don’t miss out on the benefits of class discussions and networking—one of the primary benefits to enrolling in an MBA program. Online MBA programs let you interact with and learn from other professionals from around the country and around the world. Throughout your career, these contacts may prove to be invaluable when you’re looking for a new job or finding collaborators for professional endeavors.
To excel in accounting leadership, earn KU's online MBA
The online MBA program from the University of Kansas offers an accounting concentration that will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in today's business world. The program combines academic excellence with practical flexibility, delivering the rigorous coursework, faculty expertise, and networking opportunities of a traditional MBA in a format specifically designed for working professionals.
From the application process through graduation, KU's online MBA emphasizes interactive learning and professional connections. The program's asynchronous format allows you to balance your education with your personal and professional commitments while joining the extensive Jayhawk alumni network.
Contact an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about how KU's online MBA program can help you achieve your career goals.
- Retrieved on January 19, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- Retrieved on January 19, 2026, from journalofaccountancy.com/news/2024/jan/from-cfo-to-ceo-an-increasingly-popular-path/