by John MacGregor
Online Master’s Degrees Programs Columnist

New laws like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act hold US companies to higher accounting standards. Now more than ever companies are funneling money into their accountancy departments. A master’s degree in accounting can prepare you to work at the forefront of this expanding industry. Legally Enforced Accounting Job Security

According to Christian Leuz, a professor at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, complying with the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act can cost between $500,000 for small firms and “millions of dollars for large ones.” The costs are incurred so companies can comply with the law’s protocols for protecting investors through increased accounting disclosures and tightened internal accounting controls.

Putting a Master’s Degree to Work for You

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that capable accountants and auditors may advance rapidly, while those lacking adequate academic preparation may be assigned routine jobs and find promotion difficult. In the current business environment of heightened accounting standards, a master’s degree can provide the credentials you’ll need to advance your career more quickly.

An Online Master’s Degree Can Help if You’re Already Working in Accounting

Online programs for accounting are becoming more popular as technology continues to provide better virtual learning experiences. Accredited schools from almost every part of the United States offer accounting programs to fit in with working students’ personal and professional commitments. You may be able to integrate your class projects with your job, earning well-deserved recognition. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to help pay for your master’s degree. With an online program, you can study when and where it’s convenient for you, so you’ll be ready to take your accounting career to the next level.

Sources

Association of Chartered Accountants in the United States
Knowledge at Wharton
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author

John MacGregor is a freelance writer with degrees from the University of California in Comparative Literature and Law. He has traveled widely and worked on civil rights, government, education, and technology projects.