According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 5% through 2034. Accounting is essential in every profession as it exists in every sector of business and industry, which is the reason for its rapid growth.
As noted above, the substantial growth in accountancy illustrates the strength of an accounting degree as a career choice when considered as a pathway. Here, understanding the differences between an MS in accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in accounting is essential for students seeking to advance their career in this profession or a related field.
Let’s take a look at how these degrees offer different perspectives in the accounting profession and the kind of jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree in accounting vs. a master’s program.
Career Outcomes: MS in Accounting vs. Bachelor’s in Accounting
The choice of starting your career with a Bachelor’s in Accounting or pursuing an MS in Accounting can significantly impact your future growth and the job roles you seek to climb to, as well as earnings in this career. Below is a comparison of how each degree shapes your professional journey and long-term opportunities.
| Feature | Bachelor’s in Accounting | MS in Accounting |
| Career Path | A Bachelor’s degree in accounting can lead to entry-level roles such as accounting assistant, junior accountant, or tax associate. | A Master’s in accounting can help you grab advanced roles like senior accountant, financial analyst, or managerial positions, with swift opportunities for promotion. |
| Job Roles | A bachelor’s degree helps candidates with tasks like bookkeeping, preparing financial reports, and tax filing. | A master’s degree involves strategic tasks like auditing, financial planning, risk assessment, and consulting for businesses. |
| Salary Potential | The salary potential for a bachelor’s in accounting starts at an average of USD 66,861 per annum, depending on location and experience. | Postgraduates in accounting can expect to earn higher salaries, typically starting at USD 84,550 and beyond, with faster growth in leadership positions. |
| Certifications and Licences | These candidates are eligible for CPA but they need additional work experience and credits to apply. However, in most cases, institutions seek a master’s degree to sit for the CPA exam. | These candidates often fulfill educational requirements for CPA and advanced certifications like CMA or CFA more easily. |
| Opportunities in the Long-Term | Bachelor degree holders can lead to senior-level roles over time, but may require extra certifications or work experience. | Professionals with a master’s degree can apply for leadership roles, consulting positions, or specialized financial sectors such as forensic accounting. |
| Networking and Connections | These candidates can access basic professional network mostly at entry levels. | Candidates at the master’s level can network better with senior executives, industry leaders, and specialized professionals, which help them in mentorship and global opportunities. |
| Skill Development | Covers accounting principles, financial reporting, and tax fundamentals. | Deepens expertise in analytics, auditing, advanced tax planning, and business strategy, preparing for complex financial roles. |
Also read: Online Accounting Degrees Explained: Which Path Suits You Best?
Skills, Industries & Job Outlook for Accounting Graduates
Being a vital function, accounting is a part and parcel of every organization. Accountants help in tracking finances and ensuring compliance to support strategic decisions. Graduates in accounting are in demand across industries.
Skills
Technical Skills
- Software services: Understanding of modern accounting software solutions and cloud-based services.
- Financial Data Analytics: Ability to analyze financial data to identify key actionable insights.
- AI and Automation: The use of artificial intelligence in daily operations and how to harness AI to enhance your career.
- Financial Reporting: Understanding of financial statements, forecasting, and basic accounting principles.
Soft Skills
- Communication: Fundamental for reporting, working together, and connecting with clients and colleagues.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: To examine situations and provide solutions for complex financial problems.
- Adaptability: The ability to respond to ever-changing regulations and technological advancements.
- Business Acumen: Awareness of the scope of business functions to provide strategic advice.
- Professional Demeanor: To uphold integrity and ethical behavior in all interactions.
Industries
- Finance: Banks, investment companies, insurance companies, and financial consulting.
- Public Accounting: Companies that provide services to businesses and individuals.
- Corporate: Every organization needs financial professionals, whether that is a manufacturing, technology, or retail firm, to manage the recordkeeping and compliance aspects.
- Government: Federal, state, and local government departments.
- Non-Profit: Charitable and social organizations.
Job Outlook
- Consistent Future Growth: The accounting profession is expected to continue to grow, and create new jobs annually, making it a good career choice in the future.
- Increasing Demand: The rapidly changing tax regulations, the growing economy, and the increasing number of companies going public is creating huge demand for accountants and auditors, which is expected to remain high in the future.
- Continuing Evolving Roles: Despite task automation, the essential analytical and advisory functions of accountants and auditors continues to be critical. Emerging roles, such as deep data analytics, evolving programming for AI integration, and business partnering are some crucial and evolving roles for accountancy professionals.
- Global Opportunities: With global work and international certification, accountants now have numerous opportunities to secure high-paying leadership roles in various global organizations.
- Risk of Competition: Although the demand for accountants/auditors is high, the competition is also intense. Hence, it is essential for professionals to differentiate themselves from their peers through upskilling and certifications.
Also read: How a Bachelor’s degree in accounting unlocks a world of opportunities
Advance Your Accounting Career with Edgewood’s Flexible Online Programs
A bachelor’s in accounting can help you start your career and progress over time with experience and expertise. However, a master’s in accounting can open doors to higher-level roles at the start of your journey to allow you move into managerial positions more quickly.
If you are looking to enhance your accounting career, you can enrol in Edgewood’s flexible online programs tailored for working professionals. Develop valuable skills, learn from experienced faculty, and study at your own pace while managing a job and personal life. These programs help you develop skills sought by employers and open doors to leadership positions in finance and accounting.
Here are some relevant programs offered by Edgewood in association with top global universities:
- Master of Science in Accountancy in Information Systems and Controls Online
- Master of Science in Accountancy in Business Analysis and Reporting Online
Also read: Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
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FAQs on MS in Accounting vs Bachelor’s in Accounting
Q: Is it worthwhile to pursue a master’s degree in accounting after completing a bachelor’s degree?
Ans: Yes, pursuing a master’s degree in accounting after a bachelor’s is worthwhile, as an MS degree allows graduates the opportunity to earn up to 20 to 30% increased salary on average compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Q: Can I sit for the CPA exam with only a bachelor’s degree?
Ans: In most states, a bachelor’s degree alone isn’t enough to sit for the CPA exam. Candidates usually need 150 credit hours, which means completing extra courses beyond the 120-hour bachelor’s program. Some states allow you to take the exam with 120 hours, but you’ll need the full 150 to get licensed.
Q: What’s the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s in Accounting?
Ans: On average, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting earns up to USD 66,861, as per Indeed, which can go up to USD 99,537 with experience and certifications, among other reasons.
Q: Do I need work experience before pursuing an MS in Accounting?
Ans: Having work experience is not a mandatory requirement for pursuing an MS in Accounting. However, it can strengthen your application and provide practical benefits.
Q: Does Edgewood University offer online Accounting degrees?
Ans: Yes, Edgewood University offers several reputable online master’s degrees in accounting, including: Master of Science in Accountancy Online, Master of Science in Accountancy with a focus on Information Systems and Controls Online, and Master of Science in Accountancy with a focus on Business Analysis and Reporting Online.
