What Can You Do With a Master’s in Accounting in 2026? Careers, Roles, and Salaries

As financial systems evolve and organizations face increasing regulatory and data-driven demands, the need for highly skilled accounting professionals has never been greater. From global corporations to nonprofit organizations, employers are seeking experts who can analyze financial data, ensure compliance, manage risk, and drive strategic business decisions.

Earning a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) from Merrimack College gives you a competitive edge—unlocking new career paths, expanding your professional impact, and boosting your long-term earning potential.

So, what can you do with a master’s in accounting in 2026 and beyond? Whether you’re targeting one of the highest-paying jobs in accounting or looking to broaden your impact beyond traditional accounting roles, a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) from Merrimack College, opens doors to opportunity.

In this article, we’ll explore top careers for graduates of the master’s in accounting, salary expectations, and the evolving accounting job outlook. Regardless of your background, you’ll see how Merrimack College’s 100 percent online MSA program prepares you to not only thrive in the accounting profession but also for leadership roles in auditing, taxation, analytics, forensics, and beyond.

Top Career Paths for MSA Graduates

A Master of Science in Accounting empowers you to pursue high-impact careers across industries. Whether you’re interested in public accounting, corporate accounting, tax advising, forensic accounting, or small business consulting, Merrimack’s MSA program equips you with the advanced skills and professional credentials to step into leadership roles from day one.

Here are some of the most common and rewarding jobs for professionals with a master’s in accounting:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

As a CPA, you’ll play a vital role in auditing, tax preparation, financial reporting, and consulting for individuals and organizations. Most CPAs work in public accounting firms, while others build careers in corporate accounting, government, or nonprofit sectors. Average salary: $94,000 (Source: Robert Half)

Tax Advisor or Tax Manager

Tax professionals play a vital role in helping individuals and organizations navigate complex tax laws, optimize returns, and maintain compliance. With your master’s degree in accounting, you’ll be prepared to analyze evolving tax codes, manage corporate tax planning, and advise clients strategically. Graduates who pursue CPA licensure often find that tax advisory and management roles offer both intellectual challenge and strong earning potential. Average salary: $101,000 (Source: Robert Half)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

If you’re passionate about strategy, analysis, and leadership, the CMA credential can take your accounting career to the next level. CMAs are trusted financial professionals who help businesses make data-informed decisions, manage budgets, and drive profitability. With an MSA from Merrimack, you’ll gain the analytical and managerial expertise employers look for in top-level finance and operations roles. Average salary: $110,000+ (Source: Institute of Management Accountants)

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are essential to helping organizations evaluate investments, forecast growth, and make sound financial decisions. With your MSA, you’ll have the advanced accounting knowledge and data analysis skills necessary to interpret complex financial information and guide strategic planning. Graduates often work in banking, investment firms, corporate finance departments, or consulting. Average annual income: $99,000 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Auditor (Internal or External)

Auditors ensure that companies’ financial statements are accurate, ethical, and compliant with regulations. Internal auditors evaluate internal controls and risk management processes, while external auditors provide independent verification of financial reports. Your MSA provides you with the critical thinking, technical expertise, and ethical grounding to thrive in either environment. Average salary: $85,000 (Source: Robert Half)

Forensic Accountant or Fraud Examiner

Forensic accountants combine accounting expertise with investigative skills to uncover fraud, misconduct, or financial discrepancies. In this growing field, your MSA gives you the analytical precision and ethical judgment needed to support legal investigations or corporate compliance teams. CPA licensure and specialized training in forensic accounting are often preferred. Average salary: $106,000 (Robert Half)

Accounting Manager

Accounting managers oversee accounting teams and ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. This role is common in mid- to large-sized companies and often leads to senior leadership positions. CPA licensure may be preferred, depending on the employer. Average salary: $110,000 (Robert Half)

Nontraditional and Specialized Opportunities

An MSA doesn’t just prepare you for traditional accounting roles. It also opens doors to specialized careers that blend finance, analytics, strategy, and public policy. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, professionals with advanced accounting expertise are finding impactful roles beyond the typical firm setting.

Risk and Compliance Officer

Risk and compliance officers ensure organizations adhere to financial regulations and internal policies, helping to prevent fraud and mitigate risk. Common in banking, insurance, and healthcare, these roles require a deep understanding of accounting standards and regulatory frameworks. Average salary: $132,000 (Glassdoor)

Sustainability/ESG Analyst

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) analysts evaluate the financial impact of sustainable practices and ethical operations. Often employed by investment firms or corporations with ESG initiatives, they use accounting data to assess risks and long-term value. Average salary: $86,000 (Glassdoor)

Financial Consultant

Financial consultants advise businesses on budgeting, forecasting, mergers, and long-term strategy. Many work independently or with consulting firms, leveraging accounting expertise to guide executive-level decisions. Average salary: $116,000 (Robert Half)

Data or Business Analyst

With training in accounting analytics and business intelligence tools, MSA graduates are well-positioned for analyst roles that bridge finance and technology. These positions are common in tech, retail, healthcare, and financial services. Average salary: $114,250 (Robert Half)

Governmental Accountant

Accountants in agencies like the IRS, GAO, SEC, or state governments manage public funds, conduct audits, enforce regulations, and support policy-making with financial insight. These roles offer job stability and a chance to serve the public interest. Average salary: $86,000 (Glassdoor)

These nontraditional paths show what a master’s in accounting can do for you, expanding your impact across industries while leveraging your financial expertise in innovative and strategic ways.

MSA vs. Bachelor’s in Accounting: What’s the Difference?

While a bachelor’s degree in accounting can open the door to entry-level roles, a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) offers access to higher-paying positions, faster promotion tracks, and greater career flexibility. The MSA also helps fulfill the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure in most states, conferring a clear edge in today’s competitive job market.

Professionals with a master’s degree typically move more quickly into leadership roles and specialized positions. According to ZipRecruiter, an MSA is worth $10,000+ more in salary; top earners with a master’s degree earn $30,000+ more than their top-earning bachelor’s-degree-only peers.

Many students pursue a master’s in accounting after gaining experience on the job. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to pivot into a more strategic role, the MSA can accelerate your growth and earning power.

Where MSA Graduates Are in High Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects five percent growth in the accounting profession between 2024 and 2034, resulting in over 124,000 job openings annually. The agency reports that demand for accountants and auditors will remain strong due to several key factors: a growing economy, increasingly complex tax and regulatory environments, and the continued globalization of business. As organizations expand across borders and engage in international trade and mergers, the need for accounting expertise is expected to rise.

While emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing may automate some routine tasks, the overall demand for accountants is not expected to decline. Instead, automation should shift the focus of accounting work toward higher-value responsibilities such as analysis, strategy, and advisory services, making advanced credentials like an MSA even more valuable in the years ahead. 

According to Robert Half’s 2025 Demand for Skilled Talent report, the job market for accounting professionals remains highly competitive, with unemployment rates for key roles, such as accountants, auditors, and financial managers, well below the national average. Industries leading the demand include financial services, manufacturing, professional services, and transportation while top in-demand roles include staff and senior accountants, financial analysts, payroll specialists, and controllers. The Half report highlights a significant skills gap in areas such as financial planning and analysis (FP&A), tax, and financial reporting.

Highest-Paying Jobs With an Accounting Degree

While an MSA opens the door to a range of entry- and mid-level roles, it also lays the foundation for some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with an accounting degree. Many of these positions require years of experience, but a graduate degree like the Master of Science in Accounting is a key credential for professionals aiming to rise into senior leadership. Below are several top-paying roles in accounting and finance, along with salary benchmarks and career trajectories.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFOs oversee an organization’s entire financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, investor relations, and regulatory compliance. Most CFOs have 10–20 years of experience in finance and accounting, often including roles in financial management and controllership. Median annual income: $313,000 (Glassdoor)

Controller

Controllers manage internal accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance. This role typically requires 7–10 years of experience and is a common next step for accounting managers or senior accountants. Median salary: $184,250 (Robert Half)

Financial Manager

Financial managers analyze data to guide investment decisions, improve profitability, and manage financial teams. This role typically requires 5–10 years of experience in financial analysis or corporate accounting. Median annual income: $161,700 (BLS)

While these roles may not be available immediately after graduation, earning a master’s in accounting is a strategic step toward qualifying for them. The advanced knowledge and credentials gained through an MSA can accelerate your path to leadership and significantly increase your long-term earning potential.

How Merrimack Supports Career Readiness

Merrimack College’s 100 percent online Master of Science in Accounting is built with working professionals in mind. The program is designed to allow students to balance coursework with career and personal commitments without sacrificing academic rigor or career outcomes.

Courses are aligned with the latest CPA exam content and incorporate applied learning through problem sets, projects, and relevant case studies that reflect today’s business challenges. Whether you’re preparing for licensure or looking to advance into leadership, Merrimack’s MSA equips you with the technical expertise and strategic insight employers demand so you can hit the ground running in your next role.

Take the Next Step

Earning a Master of Science in Accounting is an investment in your future. With an MSA, you’ll unlock broader career opportunities, qualify for higher salaries, and position yourself for advancement into specialized roles across industries. Whether you’re aiming to become a CPA, pivot into financial strategy, or rise to the executive level.

Merrimack College’s online MSA is designed to help you get there, on your schedule and on your terms. Connect with an enrollment advisor today to learn more about the program, or start your application and take the next step toward a rewarding accounting career.