If you are an accounting professional seeking career advancement, developing data science skills can provide a competitive advantage in today’s evolving industry. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics transforms how accounting professionals deliver value to their organizations.
Data science changes the role of accounting professionals who must extract meaningful insights from complex datasets to deliver critical information to their stakeholders. The online Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) in Business Analysis and Reporting program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) equips you with advanced data science capabilities while fulfilling the 150 credit-hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
How Are Accounting Professionals Leveraging AI and Data Science to Benefit Their Companies?
Accounting professionals leverage AI and data science to automate processes, enhance accuracy and generate strategic insights that drive organizational growth. According to research published in Today’s CPA, machine learning (ML) algorithms learn from data without explicit programming, enabling applications in anomaly detection, predictive analysis and risk assessment.
AI-powered automation combines automation technologies with AI analysis to streamline processes and automate everyday tasks such as data entry and invoicing. This approach improves accuracy and compliance while freeing accounting teams for higher-value strategic work. The shift can also enhance employee engagement and support retention, directly impacting profitability and revenue growth. Additional applications of data science to advance business priorities include:
- Leveraging data visualizations to transform complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that improve reporting and drive informed decision-making
- Using AI systems to detect employee noncompliance with credit card transactions and corporate policies
- Incorporating AI to enhance the audit processes and strengthen risk assessment capabilities
- Analyzing data to identify financial trends, eliminate waste, generate accurate forecasts and uncover growth opportunities
- Applying ML applications and business intelligence tools to recognize patterns in financial activities, enable faster fraud detection, and strengthen security in banking and insurance sectors
These data science applications work together to help accountants and other business professionals extract valuable insights that support organizational financial health. Research from the Journal of Accountancy demonstrates that AI and ML increase the ability for firms and finance departments to efficiently detect anomalies in financial data.
How Does EWU’s MPAcc in Business Analysis and Reporting Program Prepare Grads for the Future?
EWU’s specialized MPAcc program develops both foundational accounting expertise and the advanced data analytics skills that today’s employers demand. A 2025 industry report from CPA.com emphasizes that AI fundamentally reshapes the accounting profession, accelerating the shift toward strategic advisory services rather than purely transactional work.
The 36-credit-hour curriculum of EWU’s online MPAcc in Business Analysis and Reporting program covers core accounting subjects including accounting law, taxation and auditing. The program simultaneously prepares you with the business data analytics skills that employers want.
For example, the Advanced Data Analytics for Accountants course builds your understanding of data analytic thinking and terminology, preparing you for the evolving role of analytics in accounting. You gain hands-on experience with data analytics tools and techniques, learning to extract, transform, analyze and present data to deliver stronger accounting insights to stakeholders.
Career Opportunities, Salary and Job Outlook for MPAcc Grads
Accountants with advanced education in business analytics and reporting applications can pursue a wide variety of careers. Job options include:
- Certified public accountant (CPA)
- Financial manager
- Forensic accountant
- Controller
- Accounting consultant
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
These positions offer strong compensation and career growth potential. Salaries for these and similar positions will vary based on job title, employer, experience, education and geographic location.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for accountants and auditors reached $81,680 in 2024. BLS projects employment in this field will grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 124,200 job openings annually. For professionals advancing to financial management roles, BLS data shows the median annual wage for financial managers was $161,700 in 2024, with employment projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034.
Gain Strategic Data Science Skills With EWU’s Online MPAcc
AI and cloud computing enable the automation of many routine accounting tasks — duties that traditionally took up a good portion of the accountant’s time. With this shift, professionals with strong analytics capabilities can focus on advisory and strategic responsibilities.
Earning an online MPAcc in Business Analysis and Reporting degree is an excellent choice if you are a working accounting professional seeking to advance into a modernized, strategic accounting career. Plus, you can complete EWU’s specialized accounting master’s program in as few as eight months, fast-tracking your skill acquisition and career growth opportunities.
Learn more about EWU’s online MPAcc in Business Analysis and Reporting program.
