Management accounting, also known as managerial accounting, is a branch of the accounting field that involves a variety of accounting, management and finance concepts to assist businesses with functioning effectively and maximizing revenue. Management accountants provide advice regarding financial transactions of a variety of projects, explain the financial impact of certain business decisions and monitor expenses. Professionals working in management accounting have often completed management accounting programs at various educational levels.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in management accounting is generally a two-year program that provides students with a basic foundation of the concepts of business accounting. Students are prepared to create and maintain financial aspects of a business or organization. Common required courses include basic accounting, economics, statistics, tax preparation and bookkeeping. Students may also learn cost management, financial reporting, data management and budgeting skills. Associate degrees in management accounting prepare students to pursue entry-level management accounting careers or enable them to enter higher education programs.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor of science degree in managerial accounting is a four-year program that provides students with a general educational background as well as a more in-depth understanding of the management accounting field. Required coursework may include managerial accounting, forensic accounting, actuarial accounting, auditing, economics, business law, statistics, strategic finance and planning, statistical analysis and international financial management. The bachelor's degree program also enables students to enhance their problem solving, critical thinking, human relations and analytical abilities. Students are exposed to a variety of accounting software and instructed on create spreadsheets. A bachelor of science in managerial accounting prepares students to work in a variety of public and private or nonprofit organizations. It also enables graduates to pursue professional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
Master's Degree
A master of science degree in management accounting often takes two years to complete after finishing an undergraduate program. The program provides instruction in management accounting as well as other accounting areas such as financial accounting, auditing, government accounting and accounting policy. Many programs require students to complete certain undergraduate accounting courses before enrolling in a graduate accounting class. The master's degree prepares individuals to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Graduates of the program are also prepared to pursue accounting positions at the entry, middle and high levels.
Doctorate Degree
A doctoral degree in accounting prepares accounting professionals to expand their understanding and business abilities in a variety of fields such as management accounting, auditing, financial accounting, budget analysis and tax consulting. Most programs require students entering doctoral programs to have a solid educational background in basic accounting and related fields. Doctoral degree requirements may include a foundations course, core courses, specialized courses, research courses, and dissertation process and doctorate residencies. A doctorate degree in accounting prepares individuals to pursue a variety of high-level positions in businesses, professional organizations, and academia and research facilities.
