UNC Master of Accounting Archives - Air Force TImes

A military leader on why collaboration matters

migration — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:52:45 +0000

Collaboration. It’s important ingredient in successful teams: teams on the court, teams in battle, teams in the business world.

Collaboration is also a critical ingredient for success in the classroom. If you’re considering a return to school to upgrade your skills for a transition to civilian life, pay close attention to face-to-face networking opportunities, especially if you’re looking into online programs.

Former U.S. Army Major Brad Bertinot graduated from the online format of UNC’s Master of Accounting Program this past fall. He shared his thoughts on the importance of collaboration as well as his experience participating in the on-screen courses. “Seeing your classmates and professor on screen allows for the same type of collaboration that would occur in the classroom”, said Bertinot.

Bertinot, a former scout pilot, served a variety of roles in the military ahead of his transition to a role on Deloitte’s tax strategy team in suburban Washington. The flexible online format was, for Bertinot, an excellent way to manage his studies alongside his military commitment and a busy life at home.

>> MORE VIDEO: Why military leaders should consider a career in accounting (4:35)

From military to MAC

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

Why accounting might just be the perfect career

migration — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 21:53:23 +0000

For those in the military, or for those transitioning to civilian life, or for veterans, a “perfect career” might mean bringing the powerful leadership skills they learned through military training to the business world. Keen insight, a strategic mindset, teamwork, attention to detail, a strong work ethic — companies are looking for these skills, skills that are born from military experience.

For military spouses, a “perfect career” is undoubtedly quite flexible. Whether it’s geographic mobility, work-life balance, or diversity across a wide range of industries, a job with a healthy degree of independence is essential because military life can be, at times, rather unpredictable.

On both counts, accounting scores big. First of all, military leaders make great accountants because the traits that define success in the armed forces mirror the traits that define success in the accounting profession. Secondly, there are few professions as flexible as accounting. Yes, it’s a deadline-driven field, but it’s also one that, depending on the discipline chosen, can be done from remote locations at off-peak hours or and can be managed as a free-lance operation.

Salary, stability, and satisfaction matter, too.

Taking on new challenges is great, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Salary does. Accountants are paid well, with strong starting salaries and rapid salary progression. Even those with no experience start at over $50K and build to six figures in just five years. With some experience, the start can be higher and the progression faster.

Accountants are also in serious demand. U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics suggest that growth in the accounting profession will top 13 percent through 2022, with most new jobs going to those with Master of Accounting degrees and CPA designations.

Beyond the numbers, the profession ranks high on job satisfaction, finishing second to only engineers in a recent Monster.com survey and third in a U.S. News & World Report list of the “Best Business Jobs”.

Opportunities to make a difference.

Pursuing an accounting career doesn’t necessarily mean leaving civil service altogether. Federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Internal Revenue Service — and even the CIA and FBI — are some of the largest employers of accounting and financial professionals.

Another option: following one’s entrepreneurial spirit by creating an office from scratch or partnering with others. While most offices handle individual tax returns or returns for small businesses, an accounting education leads many into financial planning or investment management roles.

Major corporations and accounting firms of all sizes actively pursue military veterans for roles in tax strategy, auditing, or financial analysis because they value the soft skills that military experience delivers. These roles can lead to executive appointments as well, such as CFO, CEO, and VP of Finance positions.

Getting started.

The oft-mentioned soft skills are key, but, of course, accounting skills and knowledge are also required. Good news, however; for those with any undergraduate degree, a Master of Accounting degree can be earned in as little as one year. Moreover, some top universities now offer fully online programs, leveraging webcam-enabled classrooms to deliver interactive sessions that bring together students from across the country.

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

Military leaders make great accountants

migration — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 19:13:07 +0000

It’s true. And here’s why: The skills required to be an exceptional leader in the military — problem solving, strategy, planning, teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic — are the same skills required to be a successful accountant. In fact, major corporations and public accounting firms alike look for these “soft skills” first when they build out their teams.

Among these soft skills, leadership may be the most important. Companies place a high value on incoming employees who are boardroom-ready and who possess the maturity to work in client-facing situations. They often find these leadership attributes in those transitioning out of the military.

Of course, accounting knowledge and skills are required, too. But, with an undergraduate degree — any undergraduate degree — these skills can be gained in as little as one year. In fact, some graduate schools have designed their Master of Accounting degrees to cater specifically to those with little or no accounting experience. And, to make things more convenient for those already working, or serving, some programs are now fully online, allowing students to log in from anywhere in the world.

Accounting is challenging, but it’s also straightforward. Less math than you might think; it’s more about organization and documentation. Less rigid than you might think; there’s actually a good deal of judgement and flexibility. And, because they regularly work on teams and with clients, accountants are less “back-office number cruncher,” more “proactive communicator.”

But, why accounting?

Hmmm … why not? Accounting is very popular career choice. Accountants make strong starting salaries and see rapid salary progressions; even those just entering the workforce top six figures after just five years. Accountants are also in serious demand, both in public accounting firms and on corporate finance teams.

And, accounting is cooler — and way more important — than you think. Accountants help businesses make critical fiscal decisions that can shape investor confidence. Auditors verify transactions, protecting companies from allegations of fraud and criminal misstatement. Tax strategists uncover opportunities for significant savings. At more senior levels, those with an accounting background often fill key seats in the c-suite: CEO, CFO, or VP of Finance.

What’s next?

For those in the military planning to transition into the private sector or for those continuing to build a career within the military, a Master of Accounting degree is a key step toward lucrative accounting and finance positions. The degree also prepares students, and provides the necessary education credits, to sit for the CPA exam, the key professional credential within the accounting field.

As noted above, some schools, offer online programs that allow students to earn the degree from anywhere in the world while continuing to work or travel. The best programs leverage webcam-connected classrooms to bring students together for live, interactive discussions and learning management systems that deliver course lectures via recorded video.

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

How high is your business IQ?

migration — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:54:36 +0000

There’s a lot more to accounting than financial statements, audits and taxes.

If you know accounting, you can follow the money as it flows through your company. This is an extremely important skill and one that’s highly valued in major corporations. Think of deep accounting knowledge as a tool that can unlock lots of different career paths — including many outside of the accounting profession.

Simply put, accounting builds your business IQ.

A technical foundation

In any career, you’ll be expected to be a good steward of your organization’s financial resources. That means understanding your sources of revenue and costs, keeping track of financial information and making good decisions based on that information.

To someone with accounting knowledge, those things become second nature. No matter what industry you’re in, accounting know-how instantly makes you one of the smartest people in the room.

There’s a lot you can do with deep accounting knowledge

In the C-suite: Senior management must understand their organization’s complete financial picture and make sound financial decisions. They need experience in budgeting, profit and loss management and setting financial strategy, among other things.

When managing projects: Before a new project is approved, many companies require that its potential return on investment be calculated. Once it is kicked off, project managers – no matter what their industry or functional area in the company – are expected to manage costs and other financial aspects of their projects.

While doing business abroad: Global business is increasingly a reality. Analysts and managers must understand the differences in doing business in different countries, from tax liabilities to currency fluctuations.

When dealing with the law: All organizations need to understand how contracts, taxes and other legal matters affect their finances. And that requires the expertise of a trained accountant. Law firms and law enforcement agencies frequently need accountants to help them analyze and interpret financial information of all kinds.

In serving the public good: Government agencies and nonprofits may be mission-driven rather than profit-focused, but they still need professionals to ensure they’re managing their money according to the constraints set down by legislators, donors and the law.

Whenever trust is important: Leaders must make decisions based on the information they have. They need to be confident that the numbers are right and that there are no hidden nuances that might steer their decisions down a different path. Accountants are frequently the guardians of this trust, making their role critical at the highest levels of any organization.

Many, many choices

Think accounting is only for accountants? Think again. Adding accounting skills to your career arsenal will give you access to lots of potential jobs in lots of different organizations and industries.

Want to go higher on the corporate ladder? Want to move to another company? Want to start your own venture? A little accounting knowledge may be exactly what you need to make the jump.

What’s your Business IQ?

Learn more about how accounting can make you smarter. Where do you stand now? Test your Business IQ and find out.

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

Why accounting is a lot like being a scout pilot

migration — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:26:17 +0000

U.S. Army Major — and former scout pilot — Brad Bertinot served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, among other locations. Now, he’s turning his sights on a new destination: the accounting profession. Brad was already a leader; now he’s adding new skills in financial management, tax strategy, and auditing to his already full resume.

Brad, like many military personnel, needed the flexibility to take courses from any location. The online format of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Master of Accounting Program offered just that, plus a reputation for excellence and a recruiting engine that puts 98% of its graduates — including Brad — to work within three months of graduating.

>> Why military leaders should consider a career in accounting

From military to MAC

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

Accounting is cooler – and more versatile – than you think

migration — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:23:38 +0000

If you’re considering a career in business — either within the military or after you transition out — consider what adding deep knowledge of accounting and finance principles could do for your resume. Think accounting is only for accountants? Think again.

Military leaders often make successful business leaders. And the most successful business leaders understand their organization’s complete financial picture — the budgets, the profits, the strategy, and how everything works together. That’s accounting.

A Master of Accounting (MAC) degree gives you deep technical knowledge and a broad business background. A MAC degree is a versatile toolbox that allows you to unlock lots of different career paths — including many outside of accounting. A MAC builds your business IQ. And a MAC pays off with a remarkable return on investment.

>> VIDEO: “Why a former Army scout pilot got a Master of Accounting degree” (4:25)

A technical foundation

In any career, you’ll be expected to be a good steward of your organization’s financial resources. That means understanding your sources of revenue and costs, keeping track of financial information and making good decisions based on that information.

To someone with a MAC degree, those things become second nature. No matter what industry you’re in, accounting know-how instantly makes you one of the smartest people in the room.

There’s a lot you can do with deep accounting knowledge

In serving the public good: Government agencies and nonprofits may be mission-driven rather than profit-focused, but they still need professionals to ensure they’re managing their money according to the constraints set down by legislators, donors and the law.

In the C-suite: Senior management must understand their organization’s complete financial picture and make sound financial decisions. They need experience in budgeting, profit and loss management and setting financial strategy, among other things.

When managing projects: Before a new project is approved, many companies require that its potential return on investment be calculated. Once it is kicked off, project managers – no matter what their industry or functional area in the company – are expected to manage costs and other financial aspects of their projects.

While doing business abroad: Global business is increasingly a reality. Analysts and managers must understand the differences in doing business in different countries, from tax liabilities to currency fluctuations.

When dealing with the law: All organizations need to understand how contracts, taxes and other legal matters affect their finances. And that requires the expertise of a trained accountant. Law firms and law enforcement agencies frequently need accountants to help them analyze and interpret financial information of all kinds.

Whenever trust is important: Leaders must make decisions based on the information they have. They need to be confident that the numbers are right and that there are no hidden nuances that might steer their decisions down a different path. Accountants are frequently the guardians of this trust, making their role critical at the highest levels of any organization.

Many choices

A MAC degree doesn’t lock you into a single career path. Instead, it gives you access to lots of potential jobs in lots of different organizations and industries.

Want to start climbing the corporate ladder? Want to move to another company? Want to start your own venture? A MAC may be exactly what you need to make the jump.

From military to MAC

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition.

Why accounting just might be the perfect career

migration — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:37:24 +0000

This story is presented by our sponsor The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Master of Accounting program. For more information, visit: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

The “perfect career” can mean different things to different people.

For those in the military, or for those transitioning to civilian life, or for veterans, a “perfect career” might mean bringing the powerful leadership skills they learned through military training to the business world. Keen insight, a strategic mindset, teamwork, attention to detail, a strong work ethic — companies are looking for these skills, skills that are born from military experience.

For military spouses, a “perfect career” is undoubtedly quite flexible. Whether it’s geographic mobility, work-life balance, or diversity across a wide range of industries, a job with a healthy degree of independence is essential because military life can be, at times, rather unpredictable.

On both counts, accounting scores big. First of all, military leaders make great accountants because the traits that define success in the armed forces mirror the traits that define success in the accounting profession. Secondly, there are few professions as flexible as accounting. Yes, it’s a deadline-driven field, but it’s also one that, depending on the discipline chosen, can be done from remote locations at off-peak hours or and can be managed as a free-lance operation.

Salary, stability, and satisfaction matter, too.

Taking on new challenges is great, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Salary does. Accountants are paid well, with strong starting salaries and rapid salary progression. Even those with no experience start at over $50K and build to six figures in just five years. With some experience, the start can be higher and the progression faster.

Accountants are also in serious demand. U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics suggest that growth in the accounting profession will top 13 percent through 2022, with most new jobs going to those with Master of Accounting degrees and CPA designations.

Beyond the numbers, the profession ranks high on job satisfaction, finishing second to only engineers in a recent Monster.com survey and third in a U.S. News & World Report list of the “Best Business Jobs”.

Opportunities to make a difference.

Pursuing an accounting career doesn’t necessarily mean leaving civil service altogether. Federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Internal Revenue Service — and even the CIA and FBI — are some of the largest employers of accounting and financial professionals.

Another option: following one’s entrepreneurial spirit by creating an office from scratch or partnering with others. While most offices handle individual tax returns or returns for small businesses, an accounting education leads many into financial planning or investment management roles.

Major corporations and accounting firms of all sizes actively pursue military veterans for roles in tax strategy, auditing, or financial analysis because they value the soft skills that military experience delivers. These roles can lead to executive appointments as well, such as CFO, CEO, and VP of Finance positions.

Getting started.

The oft-mentioned soft skills are key, but, of course, accounting skills and knowledge are also required. Good news, however; for those with any undergraduate degree, a Master of Accounting degree can be earned in as little as one year. Moreover, some top universities now offer fully online programs, leveraging webcam-enabled classrooms to deliver interactive sessions that bring together students from across the country.

This story is presented by our sponsor. The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition. For more information, visit: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

©2016 The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. No U.S. military endorsement is implied.

Military leaders make great accountants

migration — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:49:14 +0000

This story is presented by our sponsor The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Master of Accounting program. For more information, visit: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

It’s true. Military leaders do make great accountants and here’s why. The skills required to be an exceptional leader in the military — problem solving, strategy, planning, teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic — are the same skills required to be a successful accountant. In fact, major corporations and public accounting firms alike look for these “soft skills” first when they build out their teams.

Amongst these soft skills, leadership may be the most important. Companies place a high value on incoming employees who are boardroom-ready and who possess the maturity to work in client-facing situations. They often find these leadership attributes in those transitioning out of the military.

Of course, accounting knowledge and skills are required, too. But, with an undergraduate degree — any undergraduate degree — these skills can be gained in as little as one year. In fact, some graduate schools have designed their Master of Accounting degrees to cater specifically to those with little or no accounting experience. And, to make things more convenient for those already working, or serving, some programs are now fully online, allowing students to log in from anywhere in the world.

Accounting is challenging, but it’s also straightforward. Less math than you might think; it’s more about organization and documentation. Less rigid than you might think; there’s actually a good deal of judgement and flexibility. And, because they regularly work on teams and with clients, accountants are less “back-office number cruncher”, more “proactive communicator”.

But, why accounting?

Hmmm…why not? Accounting is very popular career choice. Accountants make strong starting salaries and see rapid salary progressions; even those just entering the workforce top six figures after just five years. Accountants are also in serious demand, both in public accounting firms and on corporate finance teams.

And, accounting is cooler — and way more important — than you think. Accountants help businesses make critical fiscal decisions that can shape investor confidence. Auditors verify transactions, protecting companies from allegations of fraud and criminal misstatement. Tax strategists uncover opportunities for significant savings. At more senior levels, those with an accounting background often fill key seats in the c-suite: CEO, CFO, or VP of Finance.

What’s next?

For those in the military planning to transition into the private sector or for those continuing to build a career within the military, a Master of Accounting degree is a key step toward lucrative accounting and finance positions. The degree also prepares students, and provides the necessary education credits, to sit for the CPA exam, the key professional credential within the accounting field.

As noted above, some schools, offer online programs that allow students to earn the degree from anywhere in the world while continuing to work or travel. The best programs leverage webcam-connected classrooms to bring students together for live, interactive discussions and learning management systems that deliver course lectures via recorded video.

This story is presented by our sponsor. The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School delivers its top-ranked Master of Accounting degree in online and on-campus formats. GMAT waivers and fellowship awards are considered for those with significant work or military experience and GI Bill Benefits can be used to fund the program’s tuition. For more information, visit: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

.©2015 The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. No U.S. military endorsement is implied.