Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Accounting puts you in a position of strength when entering the job market. Not only is there a vast array of job options, but there is also the potential for an instant salary boost.
Graduates with an MBA in Accounting are equipped for a range of advanced financial and leadership roles across industries. Common career paths include positions such as Corporate Accountant, Accounting Consultant, Senior Auditor, Financial Advisor and Chief Financial Officer, where professionals apply strategic thinking and in-depth accounting knowledge to support business performance and long-term growth.
Job Descriptions
Let us take a closer look at some of the careers you can pursue with an MBA in accounting:
Cost Accountant
Often referred to as cost, managerial, corporate or private accountants, a good number of these accountants have their MBA in accounting. They often work on budgeting for companies and help project and control the cost of doing business for the company that employs or hires them on a contract basis. They also help with financial planning and investing for clients. According to PayScale, the average salary is $68,640, with the top 10th percentile making $90,000.
Tax Examiner and Collector
These professionals work with all levels of government to calculate how much individuals and organizations owe in taxes, collect overdue tax payments and conduct audits. Their main responsibility is to ensure individuals and organizations pay taxes. There are different types of taxes to collect, including federal, sales, income, property and state. They can work for private organizations as accountants before moving into government jobs to work on the tax and collector side. According to PayScale, the average salary is $59,382 per year, with the top earners making $106,000.
Vice President (VP), Finance
VPs of finance are tasked with keeping their businesses turning a profit while optimizing costs and keeping up with and adhering to government regulations. A primary responsibility is planning budgets, as well as managing employees in the finance department. They typically have anywhere from five to 10 years of experience in mid- to senior-level roles in accounting or finance, according to PayScale. The average yearly salary is $153,660, with the top earners making $204,000.
Controller
A controller is responsible for all accounting functions of a company, including the creation of financial reports, the maintenance of accounting records and budget management. They also are responsible for accurate reporting of finances to shareholders and tax authorities. According to PayScale, financial controllers average $98,916 per year, with salaries at the top end of the range around $141,000. PayScale reports an average salary of $121,031 for corporate controllers, with $173,000 at the high end.
Overall Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow 5% from 2024-2034, which is considered faster than average. This steady demand reflects the ongoing need for skilled financial professionals to support regulatory compliance, risk management and strategic decision-making across industries.
MBA in Accounting graduates are well positioned to pursue higher starting salaries and a broader range of career opportunities. With faster-than-average growth projected for the field, an MBA in Accounting represents a strong and valuable credential.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online MBA program with an Accounting Concentration.
