The Vanderbilt MAcc Assurance program prepares you to be successful as an audit and assurance associate with a top global accounting firm. You’ll not only learn the technical skills firms require, you’ll get a head start on developing the professional skills—communication, teamwork, and client-facing skills—that will set you apart.

What does the audit and assurance career path look like? It’s the science (and art) of providing expert and independent assessments that support smart business decisions. As an audit associate, you will assist in performing audits for a variety of clients. You will work in a top global firm with access to experts on every topic imaginable and a closely knit team of peers. Your job is to “follow the money.” Where does it come from? Where does it go? How is it allocated? What processes are used to ensure the accuracy and veracity of these transactions? The goal of an audit is to assure investors, regulators, bankers, and others that a company’s balance sheet, cash flows, and profit and loss statements deliver a reasonable depiction of its financial health.

Public accounting is a people business, where teamwork is central to success. The culture is one of collaboration, mentoring, and professional growth. You'll have the chance to work with people from many different backgrounds and views, and your role can have real impact. As you advance professionally, your career path can lead to a spot as a firm partner, as an executive or CEO in the corporate sector, as a consultant, or as an entrepreneur.

This challenging career path exposes you to a wide variety of businesses (from startups to global corporations) in a range of industries and offers almost limitless opportunities for growth. The Vanderbilt MAcc degree will prepare you to successfully launch into this field and build a valuable global network for support and advancement over the life of your career—whether you choose to stay in public accounting or branch into other areas of business.

MAcc Assurance Career Paths Graphic

Wondering how the job market and salary of an accountant compare to those of other business careers? US News & World Report recently ranked the job of accountant as #12 in the Best Business Jobs list. Click here to read the full article.

Looking for more information on what auditors do or the benefits of a career in public accounting? Check out the following sites: Discover Audit and What is Audit?

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Career Support

We consider your success fundamental to our program’s success. That’s why the Vanderbilt MAcc Assurance program provides you with personalized career consultation and preparation. We help you prepare for internship interviews, and we facilitate several firm-hosted interactions and school-sponsored events so you can learn more about your fit in this dynamic and rewarding profession.

What do you need in the way of support? We know and are ready to provide it!

  • Successful placement practices and partner firm involvement
  • Candid critique of your resume
  • Effective strategies for networking and corresponding with partner firms
  • Individualized interview preparation and mock interviews
  • Seamless scheduling for interviews with partner firms
  • Unified process for Becker CPA review course administration, exam scheduling, and licensure eligibility
  • Facilitated alumni engagement

Turn to the Vanderbilt MAcc team for everything you need to prepare for and excel in this exciting career! For more information about our partner firms, click here.

By the numbers

the big4

Virtually all of our MAcc graduates choose to launch their careers with one of the Big 4 accounting and professional services firms—KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and EY.

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