Finding ways to specialize an accounting degree in acquisitions and mergers can be the first step to finding a position in a rewarding area of the accounting field. Accountants who specialize in acquisitions and mergers are an important part of these corporate processes. They complete the calculations to determine purchase price of a company or organization. They compile the reports needed for required financial disclosure, among other responsibilities.
Undergraduate Degrees in Accounting
To begin to build the qualifications required to become an acquisitions and mergers accountant at most companies, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting. An undergraduate degree begins with general education courses to gain a well-rounded base of education and knowledge. From there, major course work in an undergraduate accounting program includes:
- cost accounting
- business finance
- principles of accounting
- statistics.
If you’re interested in jobs in acquisitions and mergers a good concentration is the bank and finance specialization. Examples of courses that might be completed for this concentration option include:
- principles of banking
- financial literacy
- strategic planning
- principles of financial services.
Graduate Degrees in Accounting
Many graduate students interested in a career in acquisitions and mergers start by enrolling in a master’s of accounting program. Core course work in this degree program will likely include classes in:
- financial accounting
- introduction to finance
- decision making and data analysis
- quantitative skills
- ethics and responsibility in business.
In addition to completing core courses in a degree program for a master’s in accounting, you might consider courses relating to acquisitions and mergers. These include:
- corporate strategy
- negotiation strategy
- post-merger integration
- advanced financial reporting
Other options include choosing a graduate degree in business administration with an emphasis on accounting. Students complete classes such as:
- taxation
- financial accounting
- auditing
- forensic accounting
Like the specializations available in master’s in accounting degrees, there are also concentrations in some graduate business administration degree programs specifically related to acquisitions and mergers.
Certifications for Acquisitions and Mergers Accounting
Whatever degree option you choose, additional training will add to your list of credentials. The Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors professional association offers training and certification for the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor designation. This professional certification denotes a professional who has knowledge in various areas such as understanding trends and best practices in the acquisitions and mergers area of business.
Being a part of the combination of organizations to build larger firms and other similar business practices helps you build the required skill set to become a part of this field. Tailoring options to specialize an accounting degree in acquisitions and mergers will help you gain the requirements that will be needed.
Related Resources:
- MBA in Accounting Jobs
- What are Acquisitions and Mergers in Accounting?
- What is a Merger?
- Are Accounting Jobs Declining?
- Top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
