Build a Career in Accounting With DePaul’s Online MSA
Get More Information

Master Essential Accounting Skills with DePaul’s Online MSA

In the global economy, the importance of accountants cannot be overstated.

Skilled and certified accounting professionals play an important role in maintaining financial accuracy and integrity, which is vital for organizational operations and regulatory adherence. Accountants also play a key role in ensuring financial well-being and informing strategic choices within any organization.

It's important to note the shortage of accountants in the USA. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Fewer people are pursuing degrees in accounting and entering the field, resulting in more positions open and for longer periods of time.”1 Additionally, three-quarters of all CPAs in the nation are at or near retirement age.2 With demand surpassing supply, there's a growing need for well-educated professionals to fill these crucial roles in various industries.

An online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA), from a premier institution like DePaul University, provides individuals with vital skills in financial record management, auditing and consultancy and can open doors to diverse, exciting and well-paying careers.

Accounting and Auditors Occupational Outlook

5%
projected job growth rate through 20343
1,579,800
jobs in the U.S.3
72,800
annual job openings3

A Field Of Opportunity: Key Skills and Career Areas

Currently, there are over 672,587 actively licensed certified public accountants; roughly half of all accountants in the United States hold this esteemed certification.4,5 These professionals undertake a myriad of crucial tasks to ensure financial stability and compliance.

Furthering one's education with a master's degree in accountancy can significantly enhance preparation for the CPA exam and success in a CPA career.

Students interested in building an accounting career in Chicago can also explore DePaul’s online MSA program in Chicago, which connects the flexibility of online learning with access to Chicago’s accounting and business community.

Learn About DePaul's MSA Program

Typical Job Duties

  • Review financial documents for accuracy and regulatory compliance
  • Calculate and file taxes accurately and punctually
  • Analyze accounting systems for effectiveness and detect potential fraud risks
  • Manage and maintain financial records efficiently
  • Evaluate financial operations, identify risks and provide management with recommendations
  • Propose strategies to cut costs, increase revenues and boost profitability

Accounting and Auditing Areas of Expertise

Government Accountants
Maintain government records, audit private entities for regulatory compliance and ensure proper revenue management.
Management Accountants
Provide internal financial guidance to businesses, analyzing financial and non-financial data for decision-making.
Public Accountants
Offer a wide range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services to diverse clients, including corporations, governments and nonprofits.
Forensic Accountants
Specialize in investigating financial crimes, combining accounting knowledge with legal and investigative techniques.
Personal Financial Advisors
Assist individuals with financial planning, covering areas such as retirement, investments and wealth transfer.
External Auditors
Independently review organizations' financial statements for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Information Technology (IT) Auditors:
Assess the reliability of IT systems' financial and nonfinancial data sources.

Internal Auditors
Identify and mitigate financial risks within organizations, focusing on waste, fraud and process improvement.

Read the Blog

Careers in Accounting: Salary Spotlight

Annual Median Wage for Industries With the Highest Levels of Employment

$93,060
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll Services6
$93,580
Management of Companies and Enterprises6
$79,220
Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation)6
$87,480
Real Estate6
$98,970
Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services6

10 Entry-Level Accounting Positions Great for Graduates

With a master’s degree, you can pursue rewarding entry-level positions in the fields of accounting, financing, auditing and more, including:

Accounting Assistant
Works closely with senior accountants to handle administrative tasks, maintain records, prepare invoices and assist with bookkeeping duties.7
Accounting Clerk
Manages accounts, posts transactions, utilizes accounting software for data analysis, issues payments and communicates with stakeholders regarding financial matters.7
Accounts Payable Specialist
Validates and processes invoices, updates accounts payable records, collaborates with finance teams and ensures timely payment processing.7
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Oversees organizational credits and debits, maintains invoice records, communicates with customers regarding payments and ensures accurate financial transactions.7
Bank Clerk
Handles various transactions, maintains customer records, provides customer service and processes financial applications and payments.7
Bookkeeper
Tracks client accounts, maintains financial records, prepares reports, manages payrolls, and handles invoicing, tax documentation and bank deposits.7
Budget Analyst
Prepares budget reports, monitors spending, tracks payroll, analyzes finances and assists in financial planning, strategy development and decision-making.7
Junior Accountant
Compiles and maintains financial reports, ensures regulatory compliance, manages general ledger accounts and assists with payroll and accounts receivable/payable tasks.7
Medical Biller
Reviews and completes insurance documentation, submits claims, assists patients with payment inquiries and updates billing records in healthcare settings.7
Payroll Administrator
Processes employee paychecks, manages payroll systems, files deduction reports, educates staff on benefits and addresses payroll-related queries.7

Please note: Some employers may require additional qualifications, experience and/or certifications for certain positions depending on preferences and industry standards.

The Advantage of an Online MSA Program with CPA Preparation

Pursuing a master’s degree tailored for the CPA exam is crucial alongside earning a CPA designation. These programs provide advanced knowledge, fulfill state requirements, and offer specialized exam preparation, enhancing career prospects in accounting and auditing.

Earning a CPA designation is crucial for career outcomes in the field of accounting and auditing for several reasons:

  • Having a CPA significantly enhances job prospects8
  • CPAs are more likely to hold senior accounting roles9

When combined with CPA preparation, the value of an MSA degree rises exponentially, providing both immediate and long-term career advantages. The CPA designation is a key to unlocking more prestigious positions and higher earning potential, marking holders as top-tier professionals in the accounting field.

Job titles in accounting that may require a CPA include the following:*

  • Tax Manager
  • Audit Manager
  • Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Manager
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Advisor
  • Corporate Treasurer
  • Financial Reporting Manager

Learn More

*Please note: Some roles may require supplementary certifications in addition to holding a CPA.

Elective Course Highlight

ACC 646 — Forensic Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation

This course focuses on financial statement fraud. Skills taught in this course include using financial statement analysis to detect fraud in financial statements and valuation skills that can be used to value both public and private firms in cases of shareholder and partnership disputes, divorce cases, etc. Students are given a chance to use these skills to detect and investigate fraud within a company's financial statements.

View Full Curriculum

Man using calculator in front of laptop computer

Kelly P., MSA '26

“There are around 50 firms represented at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business’s Meet the Firms career fair. They send recruiters, and you get to go around and shake hands with them and talk to them and give them your resume. Getting that face-to-face time is really valuable.”

Kelly P.

MSA ’26

CPA and Career Ready in a Year

Exploring an online Master of Science in Accountancy to propel your career forward? Begin your journey here. Fill out the form to receive information for DePaul University’s MSA program.

Take Your Next Step

This will only take a moment
By clicking “Get More Information,” I agree to provide the contact information listed above for the purpose of receiving communications regarding educational programs and opportunities.

Online MSA Career-Related FAQs

What can you do with a Master of Science in Accountancy?

This degree opens doors to diverse and rewarding master’s in accountancy jobs. MSA graduates are equipped to excel in roles including public accounting, corporate finance, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Prepare for specialized career paths such as government accountant, management accountant, public accountant, forensic accountant, external auditor, IT auditor and internal auditor.

What accounting career paths can MSA graduates pursue?
MSA graduates can pursue multiple specialized career paths. Public accounting offers opportunities at firms ranging from the Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG) to mid-size and regional firms. Corporate finance roles involve providing internal financial guidance and supporting strategic business decisions within corporations. Forensic accounting combines accounting expertise with investigative skills to detect and investigate financial crimes. Government accounting focuses on maintaining government records, auditing for regulatory compliance and managing public revenue. Other paths include management accounting, financial advisory services and specialized roles in areas like mergers and acquisitions, cost reporting and financial analysis.

What entry-level accounting jobs can graduates consider?
MSA graduates can pursue a variety of rewarding entry-level positions across accounting, finance and auditing. These include accounting assistant, accounting clerk, accounts payable specialist, accounts receivable clerk, bookkeeper, budget analyst, junior accountant, payroll administrator, bank clerk and medical biller. While these are entry-level positions, an MSA degree and CPA certification significantly enhance your prospects for rapid career advancement into senior roles. In fact, 88% of DePaul MSA graduates are employed within six months of graduation.9

How does DePaul support professional development for online MSA students?
DePaul embeds comprehensive career support directly into the student experience. Students have access to personalized career services including one-on-one career coaching, resume refinement and interview preparation. The Executive-in-Residence Program provides individual meetings with executives from leading accounting firms and organizations, offering invaluable mentorship and industry insights. DePaul hosts Meet the Firms career fairs multiple times per year, where approximately 50 accounting firms send recruiters to meet students face-to-face—even online students can participate in these in-person Chicago events.

Which MS program has the highest average salary in the U.S.?
Salary outcomes for master’s in accountancy jobs vary by field, industry, location and individual factors. Master of Science in Accountancy graduates—particularly those who earn CPA certification—command strong compensation. CPAs typically earn 12-18% more than non-certified accountants.10 The MSA degree with CPA certification provides long-term career mobility, opening doors to executive positions and the flexibility to work across industries. The return on investment extends beyond salary to include credibility, career advancement opportunities and a solid foundation for leadership roles.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply Now
Get Information

Upcoming Admissions Deadlines

Dec
1
Domestic Student Deadline
December 1
Winter 2027 Quarter
Oct
15
International Student Deadline
October 15
Winter 2027 Quarter
Sources
  1. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from wsj.com/articles/the-accountant-shortage-is-showing-up-in-financial-statements-b14a6b94
  2. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from ft.com/content/4f881a21-a3c2-46ed-a038-fbf4a797e823
  3. Retrieved on July 15, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
  4. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from nasba.org/licensure/howmanycpas/
  5. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from linkedin.com/pulse/explore-accounting-how-much-does-accountant-make-teamncw/
  6. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm#nat
  7. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/entry-level-accounting-jobs
  8. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from linkedin.com/pulse/increasing-demand-cpa-simandhar-education/
  9. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of DePaul’s accountancy program. Data represents a three-year average.
  10. Retrieved on July 15, 2026, from research.com/careers/cpa-average-salaries-and-wages-by-state