Top Business Schools for Accounting or Taxation 2023

The school’s Tax Center provides a range of relevant networking opportunities, such as an annual tax symposium as well as joint conferences with groups like the American Tax Policy Institute. Kenan-Flagler offers a range of accounting programs, including a PhD in accounting. In 2015, the school launched an online version of its well-regarded Master of Accounting program.

Fordham’s unique dual-degree MBA in Public Accounting/MS in Taxation prepares students for a range of roles in financial institutions, multinational companies, and accounting firms. For those not prepared to commit to a dual-degree program, Fordham also offers an MBA specialization in Accounting.

Of all Canadian MBA programs the school offers perhaps the most robust selection of accounting courses. In addition to offering a concentration in Accounting as part of its full-time MBA program, Laurier also offers a part-time MBA program with CPA designation.

Ross’ strong research in the area of accounting informs the instruction across its graduate degree programs. Although the MBA does not offer an official specialization in Accounting, the school does host an Accounting PhD program. 

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. Full-time MBA students at the school can pursue an optional concentration in Accountancy. The school also offers a well-regarded Master of Accounting Science (MAS). 

Booth’s Accounting Research Center publishes the Journal of Accounting Research, one of the oldest private research journals in the field. The school offers an MBA concentration and enticing co-curricular activities for finance- and accounting-bound participants. In 2019, the Big Four accountancy firms PwC and Ernst & Young snapped up 13 Booth MBAs in total. 

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.

Shanghai’s CEIBS has attracted students looking to work in finance. It boasts a strong alumni network in China, and it launched a specialized part-time Finance MBA program in 2011.

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.

Considered the best undergraduate accountancy program in the United States by the Wall Street Journal, Marriott’s MBA is also ranked in the top-ten for MBA programs in the field by US News and World Report.