Like many professions, the accounting field has had to adapt to rapid change over the past few years. According to consulting firm Robert Half, automation and AI adoption are poised to reshape core accounting tasks like auditing and tax preparation. In addition, with fewer accounting graduates entering the industry, many public accounting firms have adjusted their salary ranges and expanded remote work options to attract and retain talent.
Read the article below to find out more about technology trends in accounting, and to learn more about master’s in accounting careers in terms of job titles, career outlook, and salary data.
Master’s in Accounting Careers
Though “tax accountant” might be the first job that comes to mind, the master’s degree in accounting job outlook is diverse, and the degree can be used in a variety of different fields. According to Lightcast, accounting and auditing positions requiring a minimum of a master’s degree have a median advertised salary of $95,100 as of April 2025. Below are five of the careers you can pursue with a master’s in accounting.
| Career | Average Salary* | In-Demand Skills** |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | $77,200 | Auditing, Accounting, Finance |
| Senior Auditor | $129,800 | Audit engagements, Financial statements, Internal controls |
| Senior Financial Analyst | $88,926 | Financial statements, Financial analysis, Financial modeling |
| Financial Manager | $125,200 | Financial modeling, Auditing, Financial statements |
| Financial Controller | $109,800 | Accounting, Financial statements, Accounts payable |
Accountant
An accountant prepares budget forecasts, conducts financial audits, reconciles bank statements, and manages financial information. Some accountants help file taxes for individuals and businesses. This type of accountant may be referred to as a tax accountant, but some types of accounting have other focuses in addition to tax accounting). Below are other areas that you can specialize in within accounting:
- Public accountant – A public accountant is also known as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). A CPA audits financial statements and reporting systems, prepares tax returns and analyzes financial records. CPAs can also be considered tax accountants.
- Management accountant – Management accountants work for public companies, private businesses, and government agencies, helping manage company investments and operations.
- Government accountant – Government accountants are CPAs who maintain records for federal, state and local governments and their agencies.
Also, anyone who thinks accounting isn’t a rock star career should note that Mick Jagger and Robert Plant both trained as accountants before becoming actual rock stars.
Senior Auditor
An auditor reviews and verifies financial records for accuracy, and examines records to determine the financial status of a company or organization. Auditors also make sure that companies are following all tax rules. A senior auditor holds a leadership role on their team, ensuring that their teammates complete their tasks.
The top locations for auditor job locations in the United States are as follows:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
Senior Financial Analyst
As stated on ZipRecruiter, “financial analysts improve a company’s financial profile by aligning accounting decisions with economic trends.” Tasks for a senior financial analyst include the following:
- Forecasting
- Performing research and analysis
- Building financial models
- Preparing reports
According to U.S. News & World Report, senior financial analysts can make a sizable income, in exchange for long hours at work (the site estimates 50 to 70 hour per week).
Financial Manager
A financial manager plans and directs the financial activities of an organization or company. Some common tasks of a financial manager include directing investment activities, preparing financial statements and forecasting reports, and developing plans for the long term financial goals of a company. A financial manager has a projected job growth of 17%, which is much faster than the national average. The top locations to find a job as a financial manager are as follows:
- California
- Washington
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Illinois
Financial Controller
Financial controllers take care of a company’s records and books. They also oversee the everyday financial operations for organizations. Some of the responsibilities of a financial controller include the following:
- Preparing financial reports
- Analyzing financial data
- Supervising the quality of financial reporting and accounting
How Can a Master’s of Science in Accounting Help My Career Prospects?
Per an article in U.S. News & World Report, “An online master’s in accounting may lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries for those who want to continue their education beyond an accounting bachelor’s degree or gain more specialized knowledge in the field.”
One way to stay at the forefront of the accounting field is to pursue an advanced degree like the online MS in Accounting at Pace University. You’ll learn about the latest trends in technology, gain career-ready skills, and receive hands-on experience with auditing, reporting, analytics, and statistics. A master’s degree in accounting may help you progress into leadership roles and increase your earning potential. The program also prepares students for CPA exams and licensing.
About the online Master of Science in Accounting
The online Master of Science in Accounting prepares working professionals to excel in accounting roles at all levels of their organizations. The program blends real-world use cases with theory-based coursework, providing students with relevant job skills. The online MS in Accounting also helps prepare students for the CPA exam and licensing and other professional certifications in the field of accounting.
For over a century, Pace University’s Lubin School of Business has been preparing professionals for fulfilling careers in business. From responsive professor communication to hands-on, project-based learning, we do everything we can to help students succeed.
The Lubin School of Business and its Accounting Department are dual-accredited in business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This elite distinction is shared by fewer than 2% of business schools in the world. With graduates thriving in companies like the Big 4 accounting firms starting with AIG, Nickelodeon, L’Oreal, Tesla, leading accounting firms (e.g., Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and E&Y), financial institutions (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JPM Chase), and many others, Pace equips students with vital accounting knowledge while also creating the innovative thinkers that companies want.
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