Accounting is a desirable career destination, offering strong job security and competitive pay. The field also provides diverse opportunities for career progression, with specializations in areas such as tax advisory, auditing, and financial analysis.
In the era of AI and emerging technologies, the accounting profession is rapidly evolving, creating even more opportunities for ambitious professionals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sector is expected to grow at a higher-than-average rate of 5% between now and 2034—making it an ideal time to establish yourself in the industry.
We spoke with Professor Leonard (Len) Pepe, Program Director of the STEM-Designated Master’s in Accounting Program (MSA) at Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School of Business, to explore how a business education can connect students with key players in the accounting field.
A program designed with industry, for industry
The world of business is changing rapidly, which makes it vital for students to stay connected with the industry and remain aware of new trends and emerging technologies.
At Bentley University, the MSA program is shaped by direct industry input to ensure that students graduate with the skills employers are looking for, and go on to successfully connect with top employers. This approach also helps secure a strong return on investment for graduates.
“The big value proposition of Bentley University is collaboration, particularly with industry,” says Len (pictured right). “We have established a continuous conversation with the industry.”
Every six months, as part of the school’s Accounting Advisory Board, Bentley brings in partners from both large and small accounting firms, financial services firms, and industry to discuss how to best equip students for success.
The Advisory Board serves as a vital link, connecting Bentley's accounting faculty with practising professionals. In turn, this collaboration helps keep the curriculum aligned with the skills students need in today's marketplace and offers them valuable insight into the wide range of career paths within the accounting profession.
As part of this ongoing consultation and open dialogue, Bentley adjusts its curriculum whenever partners identify gaps. For example, the program now offers five majors—Assurance, Advisory, Corporate Financial Reporting, Analytics, and Tax—each designed directly in response to employer needs.
“We developed these five majors to reflect what’s happening in the marketplace and what accounting firms and financial services organizations want from students,” he says.
A KPMG-integrated curriculum that sets students apart
Learning directly from industry leaders can be particularly impactful in helping students gain essential skills and future-proof their careers.
To support this, Bentley’s MSA program collaborates with leading professional services firm KPMG and its Data and Analytics program. Through this partnership, students engage with KPMG professionals in various ways during their studies, including guest speaker sessions, case studies, and hands-on data training.
“KPMG is a terrific partner. They’re very much integrated into our classroom, helping us with training and case studies, as well as in assistance with scholarships and funding for students,” says Len.
With rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, and big data, Bentley’s close relationship with KPMG allows the school and corporate partner to offer a curriculum that reflects both current and future demands of the profession.
“Data analytics and artificial intelligence run as a major thread throughout our programs. It is amazingly current to the industry,” Len shares.
Learning from faculty who’ve done the work
Connecting with professionals who have direct experience in your target industry is one of the most effective ways to create opportunities and accelerate your career. A strong network can make all the difference.
In the Bentley MSA program, that network is built in. The faculty brings a powerful blend of professional and academic experience. Many come directly from the accounting industry, while others are accomplished scholars who contribute cutting-edge research and deep technical expertise. Together, they create an environment where theory and practice reinforce one another.
For example, Len has over 45 years of professional experience in accounting, working as managing director at world-leading professional services firms such as Grant Thornton and BDO.
Learning from those who have built careers in the field provides a richer, more practical educational experience. Students gain insight from professionals who have followed the path they hope to pursue, while also benefiting from faculty whose academic work pushes the discipline forward and strengthens students' conceptual foundation.
“Many of our faculty, including myself, are experiential teachers. They’ve done what we teach,” says Len.
With this blend of industry insight and academic depth, combined with years of experience and connections behind them, faculty can help students discover growth opportunities and build a broad, valuable network that supports their career advancement.
“Our experience and connections run very deep. If you need an internship, I might reach out to someone on your behalf,” Len adds.
He emphasizes how his background allows him to help students build confidence, take initiative, and embrace challenges.
“We try to give students the confidence to take on new technology. We tell them: give it a shot. Just try it.”
Career pathways supported by real employer connections
As well as building a professional network via links with corporate partners, Bentley's Career Services team helps MSA students establish relationships with top employers to secure exclusive opportunities tailored to business school graduates.
“Our career services group has great outreach programs to all the large and small accounting firms, financial services firms, and industry professionals,” says Len.
“The connections Bentley has are incredibly deep, and students benefit from that,” he adds.
The strength of these employer relationships is reflected in the MSA program’s latest employment record, which highlights industry titans such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG among the organizations hiring recent graduates.
With its corporate opportunities, accounting is an increasingly desirable route for business school students. If you're attracted to this sector, you'll be in good company: according to GMAC’s Application Trends Survey, applications to accounting master’s programs grew by 14% in 2024-5.