Michigan Ross Announces New Accounting Analytics Concentration for Master of Accounting Students

The new accounting analytics concentration at Michigan Ross will prepare accounting students to pass their Certified Public Accountant exams as well as stand out in the workforce as more competitive candidates.

The demand for graduates with analytical skills has increased in recent years, particularly at top employers like the “Big Four” accounting firms: Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG. In response to this shift in the accounting world, the CPA exam has also made analytics a key test component.

“Recruiters are looking for graduates who can use data to drive decisions and approach problems with an analytical mindset,” said Heather Byrne, managing director of the Michigan Ross Career Development Office. “This concentration, in addition to the great preparation available through CDO and the MAcc program, will make our students highly marketable to recruiters year after year.”

The concentration bridges the gap between traditional accounting practices and cutting-edge analytics techniques, equipping MAcc students with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in the digital age by navigating vital aspects of business strategy, from big data management to data mining, customer analytics, and more.

Students participating in the concentration will take classes such as Applied Business Analytics and Decisions (TO 618), Artificial Intelligence for Business (TO 633), and Pricing Analytics and Strategy (MKT 608) to learn crucial analytical skills they can utilize throughout their careers.

"I am thrilled to offer our students the new accounting analytics concentration,” said Kaci Kegler, managing director of One-Year Master's Programs. “Our MAcc program has produced transformative accounting leaders for 40 years. This update to our curriculum continues that tradition of excellence. Graduates will be more prepared than ever before to adapt to future industry trends — and to shape them."

Students interested in the accounting analytics concentration are recommended to add it before their winter semester starts. For any other questions, students can read up on the concentration or reach out to rossgradacadadvising@umich.edu.