Accounting professionals are increasingly turning to a Master of Science in Accounting to facilitate mid-career switches. While a Bachelor’s in Accounting equips you with fundamental knowledge suited to entry-level jobs, an MS in Accounting prepares you for high-level positions like Forensic Accountant, Corporate Controller, and Director of Accounting, among others.
Talk about high-paying jobs, career advancement, and a sense of personal achievement, an MS in Accounting degree promises it all.
Read this blog to learn about the top niche accounting roles you can land with an MS in Accounting, key responsibilities, and industry demand.
High-Demand Accounting Job Roles for MS in Accounting Graduates
Gone are the days when you could rely on general accounting skills to ace top job roles. With the gradual shifts in technology and emerging business rules, accounting professionals today require in-depth technical knowledge and analytical skills to advance in their careers.
An MS in Accounting equips you with specialized skills (like Management Control Systems, Advanced Auditing and Data Mining, and Taxation) required for niche accounting job roles mentioned below.
| Niche Accounting Roles | Key Roles | Industry Demand |
| Forensic Accountant | Fraud investigation, Legal Cases Support | High demand in the legal and corporate sectors |
| Financial Controller | Supervise financial reporting and budgeting | High demand in corporate finance |
| Tax Consultant | Maximize tax strategies, maintain compliance | High demand in the finance and business advisory sectors |
| ESG Accountant | Measure sustainability metrics | Rapidly growing demand in ethical finance |
| Internal Auditor | Ensuring efficiency through risk assessment | High demand in the regulatory and corporate sectors |
Forensic Accounting
The primary job of a forensic accountant is to investigate financial fraud or disputes within an organization through financial data analysis.
Top responsibilities include:
- Crime Investigation.
- Report Preparation.
- Litigation Support.
Tax Consultant
Tax consulting, one of the high-demand accounting niches, typically involves the preparation and submission of tax returns. The top responsibilities of a tax consultant include:
- Preparing and Filing Returns.
- Representing clients in audits.
- Researching Tax Laws.
Financial Controller
Financial controllers are involved in the daily supervision of a company’s financial accounting and reporting systems. He ensures the optimal financial health of the organization through oversight of:
- Operational Budget.
- Payroll.
- Financial Reporting Systems.
Internal Auditor
Internal auditors facilitate financial supervision, corporate governance, and operational controls through:
- Internal Audits.
- Compliance.
- Efficiency of Capital Use.
- Supervision of Regulations.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Accountant
ESG, or the Environmental, Social, and Governance framework, evaluates the sustainability of an organization’s business practices, risks, and performance. An ESG Accountant’s key responsibilities include:
- Implementation of ESG Reporting Initiatives.
- Risk Management.
- Data Management.
- Data Visualization.
- Project Management.
Also Read: Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting
How an MS in Accounting Prepares You for High-Demand Jobs
If you’re an accounting professional looking to pivot to leadership roles in the industry, consider an MS in Accounting degree. Here are the top reasons why:
- It prepares you for the most sought-after accounting careers.
- Equips you with specialized skills like forensic accounting, taxation, and enterprise risk management.
- Fast-track career advancement in the form of promotions, industry switches, etc.
- Adds to your leadership capabilities.
Also Read: Top Online Accounting Degree Programs to Consider
Advance Your Accounting Career with Edgewood’s MS in Accounting
Regardless of whether you’re looking to build a career in public or private accounting, Edgewood University’s Master of Science in Accounting programs should be your first choice. Secure unparalleled foundational support with their leading course: Master of Science in Accountancy (Henry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences).
Gain the analytical skills and deep expertise required for top roles in corporate governance, non-profit, and government agencies. Get a chance to explore diverse accounting topics such as
- Budgeting.
- Auditing.
- Fraud and Forensic Accounting.
- Taxation.
- Financial Analysis.
- Private Accounting.
You can also consider these courses from Edgewood University
- MS in Accountancy in Business Analysis and Reporting Online
- MS in Accountancy in Information Systems and Controls
- MS in Accountancy in Tax Compliance & Strategy
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FAQs on Top Niche Accounting Roles You Can Land with an MS in Accounting
Q: What are the top emerging accounting job roles?
Ans: Financial Controller, Forensic Accountant, Tax Consultant, and ESG Accountant are the top emerging accounting job roles. Consider obtaining an MS in Accounting degree to acquire the specialized skills required to ace these profiles.
Q: Do I need an MS in Accounting to become a forensic accountant?
Ans: Yes, getting an MS in Accounting can be beneficial for you if you want to become a forensic accountant. However, it’s not a prerequisite. An MS in Accounting equips you with the expertise to tackle more focused responsibilities emerging from the recent technological shifts and new business rules.
Q: What skills do employers look for in specialized accounting roles?
Ans: Some of the top skills that employers look for in specialized accounting roles include taxation, enterprise risk management, forensic accounting, advanced auditing, data mining, and enterprise resource planning.
Q: How long does it take to complete an MS in Accounting?
Ans: Depending on the college or university, an MS in Accounting course may take you 1-3 years to complete. Do check out the individual college websites for relevant details. Edgewood University, for instance, allows you to complete their course in 1 year if you’re doing it full-time. For the ones selecting the part-time option, it’s 2-3 years.
Q: How does Edgewood University’s MS in Accounting program support career growth?
Ans: If you’re looking to build advanced accounting skills and land top roles in corporate, non-profit, or government agencies. Explore the MS in Accounting courses at Edgewood University. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including budgeting, auditing, forensic accounting, taxation, financial analysis, and more specialized areas to prepare you for diverse career paths.
