What Is a BBA in Accounting?

A bachelors of business administration (BBA) in accounting is a four-year accounting degree that focuses on general business with an emphasis on accounting practices. A BBA gives you versatile skills that you can apply to administration, management, and accounting roles.

BBA in accounting degree-holders earn an average annual base salary of $80,000 as of April 2025, according to Payscale.

A BBA in accounting could be the right choice if you’re interested in analyzing financial data and developing a broader business skill set. Explore our guide to learn about degree requirements, career paths, and salary potential.

A bachelor’s in accounting and a BBA in accounting degree develop similar skills and career outcomes. Both degrees prepare you for jobs in business, accounting, and finance.

The two degrees are similar in terms of cost, completion time, and course load. You’ll spend the same amount of time in school and pay a similar tuition rate regardless of your degree. Ultimately, the differences between these two pathways come down to coursework and, to some extent, specific career outcomes.

A BBA in accounting includes more core business courses and some specialized courses in accounting. As a type of BA degree, BBA programs offer students more flexibility in choosing their courses and typically require more humanities electives and fewer technical accounting courses than an accounting degree. Some degrees may also focus less on preparation for CPA certification.

A bachelor’s in accounting (often a BS) focuses more specifically on the technical side of accounting, and coursework may include more in-depth accounting electives and concentration options. While you’ll still take core business courses, the focus is mainly on accounting. You may also have to take additional math and science courses for a BS.

A BBA in accounting degree includes core business courses and accounting major courses. You may also take specialized elective courses based on your professional interests. Many programs end with a final project or capstone course in which you showcase your understanding of accounting concepts.

Explore four common classes and learn what to expect from a BBA in accounting coursework.

A BBA in accounting degree prepares you for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial analysis. A BBA degree builds a broader business skill set than a bachelor’s in accounting, which can prepare you for various careers in business, management, and accounting. You could find positions with increased management responsibilities or those focused on financial analysis and oversight.

Explore our list of popular careers for BBA in accounting graduates below.

Financial managers oversee overall financial strategies for businesses of all types. They work alongside other managers and finance professionals to keep organizations financially healthy. Their duties may include creating financial reports, managing investment activities, and overseeing budgets. Management positions usually require many years of professional experience.

Financial analysts advise businesses and individuals on financial decisions, to create maximum profit. These analysts examine the performance of financial markets and recommend investment opportunities. They also study business trends and economic changes to create reports and advise clients.

Accountants and auditors oversee financial records for businesses and individuals. Their duties include examining financial risk, preparing tax returns, and maintaining records. While some accountant positions require a graduate degree and CPA certification, others accept bachelor’s graduates with relevant experience.

Budget analysts help businesses organize their finances by planning and overseeing costs and spending. They may work with managers to create an organization’s budget, examine budget proposals, evaluate funding requests, and ensure spending stays under budget. These analysts often work at businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.