Accounting and Tax
- Public Accountant (CPA)
- Auditor
- Tax Accountant
- Controller
- Fraud Examiner
- Forensic Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Corporate Accountant
What Skills Do You Learn With an Accounting and Finance Degree?
At the graduate level, look for opportunities to analyze complex financial statements, build financial models, evaluate investment decisions, and explain recommendations. You'll build skills in financial reporting, accounting, investment analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. You'll also explore how technology, automation, and data analytics are changing accounting work and how businesses manage financial information.
- Financial reporting and analysis: Learn to read financial statements, measure business performance, and understand a company's financial health.
- Corporate finance: Explore how businesses raise money, manage budgets, make investments, and plan for growth.
- Investments and valuation: Learn how to evaluate investments, study financial markets, and determine the value of businesses and assets.
- Auditing and controls: Evaluate financial reporting risks, examine evidence, and assess the controls organizations use to prevent or detect errors.
- Business analytics and forecasting: Use data and technology to spot trends and support financial decisions.
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Corporate Finance and Business
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Manager
- Treasury Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
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Investment and Financial Planning
- Financial Planner
- Risk Manager
- Investment Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Wealth Manager
- Valuation Analyst
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Banking and Financial Analysis
- Financial Analyst
- Credit Analyst
- Commercial Banker
- Compliance Analyst
Is Accounting and Finance a Good Degree?
Yes. A degree in accounting and finance can prepare you for a wide range of careers in business, financial services, and accounting. These fields play an important role in how organizations manage money, make decisions, and plan for the future.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 5% for accountants and auditors and 7% for financial analysts from 2025 to 2035. In May 2025, median annual wages were $83,680 for accountants and auditors and $102,740 for the narrower category of financial and investment analysts. These occupational figures include workers with different education and experience levels.
An advanced degree in accounting and finance may be valuable if you want to build specialized knowledge, develop practical skills, or prepare for professional certifications such as the CPA or CFA. Whether it's the right investment depends on your career goals, the experience you already have, and the qualifications required for the roles you want to pursue.
Do You Need a Master's Degree to be an Accountant?
No. You generally do not need a master's degree to become an accountant. According to the BLS, most entry-level accounting positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
However, some career paths require additional education, certifications, or experience. For example, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) involves meeting specific education, exam, and licensing requirements. A master’s may help you meet education requirements for CPA licensure, depending on your prior coursework and jurisdiction. Oregon now offers three pathways:
- A degree with 150 semester hours and at least one year of supervised experience
- A master’s degree with at least one year of supervised experience
- A bachelor’s degree with at least two years of supervised experience
Required accounting coursework, examination, ethics, and other licensing conditions still apply.
What's the Difference Between Accounting and Finance?
Accounting and finance both focus on a business's financial health, but they serve different purposes.
Accounting emphasizes how financial activity is recorded, reported, and evaluated. Accountants track income and expenses, prepare financial statements, assist with tax preparation, and help businesses follow financial regulations.
Finance emphasizes how money is raised, invested, and allocated. Finance professionals analyze financial data, evaluate investments, manage risk, and help businesses plan budgets and future growth.
The two fields often overlap. For example, a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) analyst uses accounting results to build forecasts, evaluate future spending, and help guide business decisions. Understanding both subjects gives you a broader view of how organizations manage their finances.
Why Choose Willamette for a Master's Degree in Accounting and Finance?
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Hands-On Curriculum
Willamette's MS in Accounting and Finance combines accounting and finance coursework with hands-on opportunities to build practical skills. Through the O'Neill Student Investment Fund, students can develop portfolio management skills, while the Angel Investing course offers experience exploring venture capital. Both provide opportunities to invest real money and make decisions with real financial impact. Students also gain experience preparing financial statements, developing financial strategies, and using financial information to make informed business decisions.
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Support for Next Steps
No matter your goals, our advisors, professors, and administrators can support you throughout your journey. Our team knows what you need to prepare for tests like the CFA and CPA exams. Develop close connections with professors who have a variety of backgrounds as traders, CPAs, CMAs, and even executives. Our Career Center can connect you with internships, mentorships, career events, and one-on-one advising.
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Build Valuable Connections
Learn in small classes where you can engage in meaningful discussions, connect with professors, and build relationships with your classmates. Our Master's Degree in Accounting and Finance is housed within the Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Students can meet other Atkinson graduates, build a professional network, and find alumni in a variety of roles and industries. Students can even join clubs and organizations to learn more from their peers.
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