What can you do with a MAC degree?
When most people think of accounting, they picture tax returns and audit binders. Today’s reality is far more dynamic. MAC graduates work as financial strategists, enterprise risk advisors, forensic investigators, sustainability leaders and corporate executives across every sector — from public accounting firms and startups to nonprofits and government agencies.
The accounting profession is also evolving in ways that favor skilled professionals. AI is automating routine tasks, shifting demand toward higher-level analysis, advisory work and strategic decision-making. That makes accounting expertise more valuable, not less. And because organizations across every industry depend on financial expertise to make decisions and manage risk, that demand holds steady even in uncertain economies.
Accounting Career Paths
The Jenkins MAC prepares graduates for a range of career paths. The table below displays an overview of a few selected accounting careers — each with its own progression, employers and areas of specialization.
| Career Track | Examples of Roles | Where You Work | What You Will Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Accounting | Audit associate, tax associate, advisory analyst, assurance associate | Public accounting firms, regional and local CPA firms | Audit financial statements, prepare tax returns, and advise clients on financial decisions. |
| Corporate/Industry | Staff accountant, financial analyst, FP&A analyst, controller, CFO | Corporations, startups, private equity-backed companies | Track budgets, manage the financial records, and help leadership understand the company’s financial position. |
| Advisory & Risk | Risk analyst, internal auditor, transaction advisory, ERM specialist | Consulting firms, large corporations, financial services | Advise leadership on controls, processes, and decisions that reduce exposure and improve performance. |
| Government & Nonprofit | Government accountant, grants compliance officer, nonprofit financial manager | Federal and state agencies, nonprofits, mission-driven organizations | Oversee public funds, manage grant compliance, and produce financial reports that meet regulatory requirements. |
| Specialized Roles | Forensic accountant, IT auditor, ESG/sustainability reporting, tax strategy | Law firms, public accounting specialty practices, large corporations | Varies. Forensic accountants investigate fraud; IT auditors assess technology controls; ESG specialists measure sustainability performance. |
Learn more about each of these accounting career paths below. Jenkins MAC students have the choice of two curriculum tracks — Public Accounting or Business and Industry — and three optional specializations — Enterprise Risk Management, Information Technology and Tax Strategy — to support their career goals.
Public Accounting
Public accounting is one of the most accessible entry points for new Jenkins MAC graduates, with defined training programs and recruiting cycles that often produce offers before graduation. National firms — including the Big Four — offer broad client exposure and rapid development. Regional firms often provide earlier responsibility across audit, tax, and advisory work.
Corporate and Industry Accounting
Corporate accounting offers a path from operational work to financial leadership inside an organization. Controllers oversee financial reporting integrity; FP&A professionals build budgets, forecast performance, and advise leadership on major decisions. Advancement typically follows organizational structure rather than billable performance, and schedules tend to be more predictable than public accounting.
Advisory and Risk
Advisory and risk roles combine accounting expertise with strategic counsel. Enterprise risk management specialists evaluate how organizations manage financial, operational, and compliance risks. Internal auditors provide assurance and advisory support to boards and senior leadership. Transaction advisory professionals support mergers, acquisitions and due diligence. These roles emphasize communication and cross-functional collaboration alongside technical skill.
Government and Nonprofit Accounting
Government agencies and nonprofits rely on accountants to manage funds responsibly and maintain public accountability. Government roles involve public budgets, grant compliance and GASB guidelines. Nonprofit roles typically include fund accounting, donor-restricted resource management and regulatory reporting. Both offer sustained, mission-aligned expertise that the private sector rarely provides.
Specialized and Emerging Roles
As accounting professionals develop deeper expertise, many move into specialized roles that command higher compensation and influence. Forensic accountants investigate fraud and support litigation. IT auditors evaluate controls in technology-driven environments. ESG and sustainability reporting specialists — a fast-growing area — measure and report environmental, social and governance performance for organizations and investors. AI is also creating new hybrid roles that combine accounting expertise with data and technology fluency.
MAC Alumni in Action
The NC State network of organizations hiring Jenkins MAC grads is strong and varied. Class of 2025 employers include: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Grant Thornton, RSM, BDO, Forvis Mazars, CohnReznick, Dean Dorton, Novo Nordisk, and the NC Department of Treasury. View the full list.
Jenkins MAC alumni are redefining what an accounting career can look like — applying their expertise across industries, sectors and causes that matter to them.
Career Support From Day One
The Jenkins MAC pairs academic preparation with dedicated career services designed to move you from student to professional — whether you’re entering accounting for the first time or making a strategic career change.
- Career Workshop Series – Resume critiques, mock interviews, professional networking and more, offered in-person and online
- Personalized Career Counseling – One-on-one guidance to develop a career plan, sharpen interview skills and build your networking approach
- Meet the Firms & Business Expo – Each fall, more than 30 organizations come to NC State’s campus to meet MAC students and discuss career opportunities
- Tour of Cities – Before the program begins, full-time students can visit Charlotte, Washington D.C., and Atlanta for employer visits and alumni networking
Is a MAC degree beneficial for career changers?
Accounting is one of the most reliable career change moves available today — and the Jenkins MAC is designed to make that transition accessible, even without an accounting undergraduate degree. Organizations across every industry depend on financial expertise to make decisions and manage risk, creating steady demand for qualified professionals. You may also be able to combine existing industry expertise with accounting to make a lateral move into a field you already know.
The ASAP Program for Non-Accounting Majors
The Accounting Skills Advancement Program (ASAP) is designed specifically for students without an accounting undergraduate background who have been admitted to the Jenkins MAC. All modules are self-paced and offered asynchronously online, providing coverage of fundamental accounting concepts necessary for MAC coursework.
How much can you expect to earn with a MAC degree?
Accounting offers competitive compensation across career stages, with meaningful differences by sector, geography and specialization. Understanding what shapes salary — beyond the headline number — helps you make a more informed career decision.
- 100% of Jenkins MAC Class of 2025 graduates were placed within three months of graduation across public accounting, corporate, government and advisory roles.
- Median starting salaries for Jenkins MAC Class of 2025 graduates: $73,000 in Raleigh, $76,000 in Charlotte, and $89,000 in New York — reflecting the influence of market and cost of living on compensation.
- Firm type matters. Public accounting, corporate finance and advisory roles each carry different base salary ranges, bonus structures and total compensation profiles.
- 87% of finance leaders report offering higher salaries to candidates with specialized skills — reflecting strong demand for expertise in areas like auditing, tax planning, and financial analysis. (Robert Half Salary Guide)
MAC Careers FAQs
Below we provide some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about accounting careers.
What jobs can I get with a Master of Accounting (MAC) degree?
The career opportunities with a MAC degree are unlimited. A MAC degree prepares graduates for a wide range of roles including auditor, tax accountant, financial analyst, controller, FP&A analyst, risk advisor, forensic accountant and internal auditor. Graduates work in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and consulting. Over time, many advance into leadership roles including CFO, audit partner and chief risk officer.
Is accounting a good career in the age of AI?
Yes. AI is automating routine tasks like data entry and transaction categorization, which is shifting demand toward higher-level analysis, advisory work and strategic decision-making. The Jenkins MAC incorporates AI training directly into coursework to prepare graduates for this environment.
Do I need a CPA to succeed in accounting?
The CPA license is the gold standard for public accounting and many senior corporate roles, and it meaningfully expands career options and earning potential. The Jenkins MAC curriculum provides excellent preparation for the CPA exam.
Can I enroll in the MAC program without an undergraduate accounting degree?
Yes. The Jenkins MAC welcomes applicants from non-accounting backgrounds through the ASAP (Accounting Skills Advancement Program), a self-paced, asynchronous preparation program that covers foundational accounting concepts required for MAC coursework.
What industries hire accounting graduates?
Accounting professionals are hired across virtually every industry — including financial services, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, real estate, government, nonprofits and even entertainment. The Jenkins MAC program’s public accounting and business tracks give students flexibility to enter the sector that fits their interests.
Additional Resources
These resources — developed to support your research into accounting careers and the Jenkins MAC — offer more detail on topics introduced on this page.
Evolving Accounting Careers: Skills, Roles, Credentials
About accounting careers
Accounting Careers After Earning a Master of Accounting (MAC)
Accounting career guide
Why a Career in Accounting is the Smart Choice for Career Changers
Why to pursue accounting
Why Grad School Still Matters in the CPA Pathway Debate
Pathways to CPA
Jenkins MAC Alumni Redefine Accounting Careers
Alternative accounting paths
Eight Modern Accounting Myths
Debunk eight myths
Ready the Experience the Jenkins MAC Difference?
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