Why Study Accounting?
Accounting is often described as the language of business and is central to organizational decision-making. Individuals with accounting fluency are essential in every organization, to various functions, and are in high demand around the globe.
mbs MPA Graduation 2023
TOP REASONS TO STUDY ACCOUNTING
If you enjoy working with numbers, analyzing data, solving problems and want to put your communication skills to use in client and management interactions, accounting may be the perfect fit for you. Consider these four key reasons to study accounting.
Reason_1
Endless Career Options
Reason_2
Earning Potential
Reason_3
Flexible Degree Options
Reason_4
Professional Credibility

Reason #1: Endless Career Options

Abundant Career Opportunities
YouFutureIsWideOpen
Abundant Career Opportunities
An accounting degree provides a solid foundation for careers in many areas, from corporate and public accounting to tax consulting and investment banking, spanning across every industry and sector. Explore our alumni's career paths and progression!
Kelly Steckelberg, Zoom’s CFO
Kelly Steckelberg
Kelly Steckelberg, Zoom’s CFO
Hear about accounting in the tech industry
Carlos Whitaker, Blackstone Partner
Carlos Whitaker
Carlos Whitaker, Blackstone Partner
Hear about the importance of accounting in finance
Sue Gove, Excelsior Advisors President
Sue Gove
Sue Gove, Excelsior Advisors President
Hear Sue's path to success in retail and beyond
Barry Goss, EY Partner
Barry Goss, EY Partner
Barry Goss, EY Partner
Hear how accounting opens doors to many careers
Kim Voss, American Campus Communities’ CFO
Kim Voss
Kim Voss, American Campus Communities’ CFO
Hear the importance of accounting in business
REASON #2: EARNING POTENTIAL AND JOB SECURITY
Accounting knowledge is a skill that is in high demand. Such knowledge is essential in all organizations. An accounting degree provides job security, despite fluctuations in the economy, and skills that translate across industries and geographic regions. Your promotion and earning potential are limitless. Discover how your career in accounting can progress below.
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1-to-4 years out
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1-to-4 years out

– Public Accounting Auditor

– Tax Consultant

– Internal Auditor

– Investment Bank Analyst

– Venture Capital Analyst

– Private Equity Analyst

– Industry Analyst

4-to-10 years out
Second_Job
4-to-10 years out

– Manager at an Accounting Firm

– Accounting role in an Organization

– Finance role in an Organization

– Investment Bank Managing Director

– Equity Research Role

– Private Equity Senior Associate

– Private Equity VP

– Finance Manager in a Bank

– Product Manager

– Development Analyst

10+ years out
Third_Job
10+ years out

– Senior Manager at a Firm

– Partner at a Firm

– Controller

– VP of Finance

– CFO

– Investment Bank VP

– U.S. Treasury Financial Analyst

– VP of Operations

– Entity Co-Founder

– PE Principal or Partner

IS TECHNOLOGY MAKING ACCOUNTING IRRELEVANT?

On the contrary! Technological advancements have eliminated mundane tasks and brought strategic, advisory, data analysis, and client-facing work to the forefront. And that makes those who master the language of business critical to an organization.

REASON #3: FLEXIBLE DEGREE OPTIONS
Find your fit. Texas McCombs offers two accounting degree options: an undergrad degree in accounting (BBA) and a one-year Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree with options for McCombs, non-McCombs, and non-UT students from any major. Set a strong accounting foundation with a BBA. Specialize further with an MPA.
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REASON #4: SET YOURSELF APART
Professional designations further professional development and enhance career potential. Although certification requirements vary, an accounting degree (especially an MPA) gives you a solid head start in preparing for the CPA, CFA, CFE, CIA and CMA exams and the resulting professional designation.
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The Value of an Accounting Degree
My accounting degree has helped me in many ways. I could present a strong business skillset to apply to the sports industry. The framework and way of thinking that I learned in the program helped me put the different pieces of the puzzle together to ultimately see the bigger picture.
Charlie Adkins (MPA ’17), Senior Director, Football Administration at Detroit Lions
Charlie Adkins