Top Business Schools for Accounting or Taxation 2024

Accounting is infused throughout the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s MBA programs. The school’s Tax Center provides a range of relevant networking opportunities, such as an annual tax symposium and joint conferences with groups like the American Tax Policy Institute. The school offers a range of non-MBA accounting programs, including a PhD in accounting, catering to both aspiring and experienced professionals. In 2015, the school launched an online version of its well-regarded Master of Accounting program, making its top-tier education accessible to a broader audience. Students in the MBA program can take advantage of these robust accounting resources, even if they do not specialize in accounting.

Indiana University Bloomington’s MBA program is consistently ranked in the top-ten for accountancy by U.S. News and World Report. The full-time MBA program offers a unique Strategic Analysis of Accounting Information major or minor—which is STEM-designated and allows students to get under the hood of financial reports and other data that’s important in accounting. The program emphasizes the strategic role of accounting information in business decision-making, equipping graduates with the skills needed to analyze financial data and drive organizational success. Also, faculty members at Kelley are renowned for their strong research output in the field of accounting, contributing to the program's high academic standards and keeping the curriculum relevant and forward-thinking. In addition to the major and minor options, students benefit from Kelley's robust networking opportunities and industry connections, which can be pivotal for career advancement in accounting and finance. 

Of all Canadian MBA programs the school offers perhaps the most robust selection of accounting courses. The school offers  a specialization in Accounting as part of its full-time MBA program, which includes classes like “Financial Accounting,” “Managerial Tax Planning,” and “Financial Statements,” among others.

The school is home to the Paton Center for Research in Accounting, which produces and fosters cutting-edge research in the field. The research finds its way into Ross’ strong full-time MBA program, as well as its related accounting-oriented master’s programs, such as the well-regarded MS in Accounting as well as an accounting-focused PhD.

Currently ranked as the top accounting MBA program by U.S. News and World Report, McCombs also consistently places on top of the annual Public Accounting Report ranking of US graduate programs for accounting. Each year, faculty publish a range of accounting-related research; the school also offers a Master in Professional Accounting program.

Typically ranking near the top of the Accountancy ranking from US News and World Report, the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois has proven leadership in the field of accounting. The school offers a range of ‘stackable’ graduate certificates, such as in Accounting Data Analytics and Accounting Foundations. The school also offers a well-regarded Master of Accounting Science (MAS).

The school’s MBA offers a strong minor in Accounting. Students in the Finance track are also exposed to a broad swath of accounting curriculum. Given the school’s strong faculty and placements in finance jobs for MBA grads, it’s no surprise that Simon often shows up in various accounting specialty rankings.

Only few Wharton MBA grads land jobs solely with an accounting/controlling function, but the school is a well-known launching pad for careers in related roles in corporate finance and M&A, investment banking, and portfolio management. The school also boasts a large accounting faculty.

Although the school’s full-time MBA program does not offer a specialization in Accounting, the program’s core has a strong focus on it. The school also offers a Master of Science in Accounting, which delves deep into the data so important to accounting. 

Duke Fuqua is another top US school that places a heavy emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The school has its Inclusion Week, as well as workshops and training around implicit bias, allyship, and courageous leadership. The Minority Alumni Advisory Board focuses on mentorship, career advice and speaking opportunities.

Marriott’s MBA is ranked in the top-five for MBA programs in the field by US News and World Report. In the school’s Master of Accountancy, students can choose to focus on taxation.