Managerial Accounting at WGU

If you're interested in managerial accounting, WGU offers degree program options that could be a perfect fit for you. By earning a bachelor's in accounting or finance, you can gain the skills and knowledge that form the foundation of a lucrative accounting career. If you already hold a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in accounting can equip you with the advanced accounting capabilities and management skills needed for leadership positions. WGU's programs provide industry-relevant learning experiences that prepare you for real-world scenarios, so you can feel confident in your ability to navigate the complexities of an accounting job. With a degree from WGU, you can be well on your way to becoming a successful managerial accountant.  

What Does a Managerial Accountant Do? 

Managerial accountants help organizations make sound financial decisions. Unlike general accountants, who mainly focus on recording transactions and preparing financial statements, managerial accountants concentrate on analyzing financial data to provide insights and recommendations to management. They work closely with top-level executives such as CEOs and CFOs to ensure that strategic decisions align with the organization's financial goals and comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). From analyzing cost patterns and forecasting revenues to preparing budgets and monitoring performance metrics, managerial accountants provide valuable services that improve a company’s bottom line. 

Skills in Managerial Accounting and Similar Professions 

Managerial accounting requires a variety of hard and soft skills, most notably: 

• Finance knowledge. A managerial accountant must be able to read, interpret, and evaluate detailed financial statements. They leverage a deep understanding of business and accounting principles to gain insights into a company's financial health and recommend methods for boosting performance.
• Analysis. Accounting professionals distill large amounts of data into key points of information that can be used to make decisions about a company's finances. This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to think critically about data. 
• Communication. Accountants must clearly communicate their findings to those with a limited background in accounting or finance. This requires advanced skills in written and verbal communication.  
• Organization. Managerial accountants use spreadsheets, cloud-based tools, and project management software to maintain accurate, up-to-date records. By staying organized, they ensure that data is readily accessible to company leaders and regulatory bodies.  
• Interpersonal skills. Since financial decision-making is a team effort, managerial accountants often partner with other departments such as sales, marketing, and operations. They use interpersonal skills to build relationships and work collaboratively toward a common goal. 
• Time management. Accountants must complete tasks promptly while maintaining accuracy and precision in their work. This requires them to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and use time efficiently.  
• Problem-solving. Managerial accountants often encounter challenges related to budgeting, forecasting, auditing, and tax compliance. 

Income and Growth Potential in Managerial Accounting

One of the most critical considerations when choosing a career path is salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for accountants and auditors is $79,880, with the top earners bringing in more than $137,280. However, the specific amount a managerial accountant makes is influenced by many factors, including their education, experience, and location.  

The employment of accountants and auditors, including managerial accountants, is projected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Several factors are contributing to this growth, including global market expansion, regulatory changes, and stricter accountability requirements.  The increased use of AI in the accounting field promises to change the role significantly in the upcoming years, allowing accountants to automate routine tasks and focus on high-level decision-making. 

Pathways to Becoming a Managerial Accountant 

Managerial accounting is a fast-growing, lucrative field with ample room for advancement. If you’re interested in becoming a managerial accountant, you’ll need a solid educational foundation and ample on-the-job experience. Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in specialized or senior-level roles, you may need a master’s degree. 

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting 

A bachelor's degree in accounting can help students build a strong foundation in financial principles and practices. Throughout the program, students gain a wide range of skills relevant to a career as a managerial accountant, including proficiency in financial analysis, tax planning, and auditing. They also develop a keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication abilities. An accounting degree includes coursework that teaches students how to apply accounting principles to real-world situations. 

Bachelor's Degree in Finance 

A bachelor's degree in finance teaches students to analyze financial data, develop effective fiscal strategies, and communicate complex information to stakeholders. These skills are essential for success in the accounting industry, where professionals rely on financial reports to make informed decisions. A bachelor’s degree in finance can also prepare students to earn professional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. Overall, a bachelor's degree in finance gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the complex world of finance. 

Master’s Degree in Accounting

Through a master's degree in accounting, students gain an in-depth understanding of accounting procedures and practices. WGU students pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting can choose from one of several concentration areas, including advanced managerial accounting. The managerial accounting specialization covers product costing, profitability analysis, budgeting, and other crucial topics. Mastering these subjects not only prepares students for accounting careers but allows them to become an integral part of a company's financial decision-making process. 

Careers in Managerial Accounting 

The managerial accounting field is extensive. Those with strong educational backgrounds can pursue a diverse range of career paths, including:

• Auditor 
• IT Accountant 
• Financial aAnalyst 
• Controller 
• Chief fFinancial Officer 
• Tax aAccountant 
• Management Consultant 
• Budget analyst 
• Credit Analyst 

Do I Need a Certification to Become a Managerial Accountant?

Certification is not required to become a managerial accountant, but obtaining a Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) designation is highly encouraged. The CMA exam evaluates an individual's understanding of financial planning, analysis, control, and decision-making. By successfully passing the CMA exam, you can showcase your proficiency in managerial accounting and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. The certification can help you stand out in the competitive job market, qualify for advanced roles, and increase your earning potential.   

Do I Need a Managerial Accounting Degree to Pursue This Career? 

While a specific degree in managerial accounting is not required, a strong educational background in accounting, finance, or business is needed for a managerial accountant role. Most employers require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant industry. If you plan to pursue senior-level roles, you may also need a master’s degree. 

What Do You Learn in Managerial Accounting? 

Managerial accounting focuses on gathering, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting financial information. This specialized area of accounting provides vital financial insights into strategic decision-making. In a managerial accounting degree program, you will learn how to create budgets, forecast sales, develop performance metrics, and analyze financial statements. You will also be introduced to the principles of cost accounting, learning how to analyze and allocate costs to specific business activities and products.  

Types of Managerial Accounting 

In the managerial accounting field, professionals use a broad skill set to execute many different responsibilities. Some managerial accountants focus primarily on budgeting and financial planning, while others spend most of their time on reporting and metrics. The specific tasks an accountant performs depend on the company’s financial goals, organizational structure, and industry. 

Accounts Receivable (AR) Management 

“Accounts receivable” refers to money that’s owed to the company by customers and clients. It’s a crucial item on a business’s balance sheet. By keeping organized records of unpaid invoices, managerial accountants ensure that the company has up-to-date information about outstanding debts and can take steps to collect payments. Accountants may also manage accounts payable, which is the money the company owes vendors, suppliers, and other parties.  

Product Costing and Valuation 

To optimize pricing decisions, accountants evaluate all the costs involved in creating a product, including materials, labor, and administrative expenses. Next, they establish prices that are both competitive and profitable. This process helps identify cost-saving strategies and ensures that the company doesn’t overprice or underprice items. 

Constraint Analysis 

As the name states, constraint analysis involves evaluating the constraints or limitations in a system. Managerial accountants study organizational operations to determine what factors prevent the company from being more profitable. Limiting factors can be things like materials availability, market demand, inventory, or production capacity. After identifying the company’s constraints, a managerial accountant can find strategies to reduce these limitations. 

Cash Flow Analysis 

Managerial accountants closely monitor the money coming in and out of an organization. This is called cash flow analysis, and it allows an accountant to form an accurate, real-time picture of the company’s finances. Cash flow analysis helps company leaders make informed long-term plans. It also ensures that the company has enough money to cover immediate expenses such as payroll or vendor payments. 

Inventory Turnover Analysis 

To maximize productivity, a company must carefully manage its inventory of goods. Managerial accountants divide the cost of goods sold by the average inventory to determine the inventory turnover ratio. This shows how quickly a company sells and replaces its inventory. Companies can use this information to make better decisions about inventory management, pricing, reordering schedules, marketing, and more.  

Financial Leverage Metrics 

Accountants use financial leverage metrics to describe a company’s financial obligations. For example, a debt-to-capital ratio compares a business’s debts and liabilities to its total capital. An equity multiplier shows how much of the business’s assets are financed by shareholder equity. These mathematical figures help businesses weigh their borrowing options and avoid taking on too much debt.  

Budgeting, Trend Analysis, and Forecasting

Because businesses have limited funds to spend on new ventures, they must choose their investments carefully. Capital budgeting methods such as payback analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, and throughput analysis help accountants determine the financial viability of various investment options. Trend analysis supports this process by identifying fluctuations in sales, market conditions, and expenses over time. Forecasting is another essential accounting function that involves using past data to predict future trends. 

How Is Managerial Accounting Different from Financial Accounting? 

Two of the most common types of accounting are managerial accounting and financial accounting. While these roles are similar in some ways, they also differ. Managerial accounting is focused on providing information to company leaders to help them make better decisions. It includes responsibilities like budgeting, cost analysis, and measuring operational performance metrics. In contrast, financial accounting is geared towards people outside the company, like investors or regulatory bodies. It focuses on creating accurate reports of a company's financial performance, including revenue, expenses, and profit.  

How Do I Become a Managerial Accountant? 

If you're considering a career as a managerial accountant, the first step is to earn a bachelor's degree in business, economics, accounting or finance. Some employers require a master's degree in accounting. Once you have your degree, you'll need to gain experience in the field. Many managerial accountants start out as junior cost accountants, financial analysts, or accounting assistants before pursuing higher-level roles. Earning professional certifications such as a CMA or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation can further showcase your abilities and your commitment to professional growth. Networking can help you build relationships and find managerial accounting job opportunities.  

Why Choose WGU? 

Why should you choose an accounting or finance degree from WGU? Consider the following benefits:

• It's affordable. Our low, flat-rate tuition is charged per six-month term and covers as many courses as you complete.  
• It's career focused. WGU's degree programs are designed with your future employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your career.  
• It's accessible. Our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable for qualified candidates.  In 2023, WGU awarded over $28 million in scholarships to 10,992 students.
• It's on your terms. Thanks to our competency-based education, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can speed up your program and graduate faster. 

Overall, the accounting and finance programs at WGU can be an excellent choice for motivated students looking for a high-quality education tailored to their specific needs.