Mergers and Acquisitions Degree Concentration

A bachelor’s degree provides the fundamental education required for most entry-level accounting and finance jobs. In this program, students take courses on topics such as statistics, business finance, cost accounting, and principles of accounting. M&A students may take additional courses in banking and finance to prepare for future jobs or advanced degrees in mergers and acquisitions.

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As with any master’s degree in accounting, students pursuing an M&A concentration complete core coursework in general accountancy. This coursework usually includes topics such as quantitative skills, financial accounting, data analysis, and business ethics. An MBA emphasizes business courses, while an MS and a master of accounting (MAcc) focus on accounting courses.

In addition to these subjects, M&A students take courses specifically related to mergers and acquisitions, such as advanced financial reporting, negotiation strategy, and post-merger integration.

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Students in this course learn about the unique nature of government contracting, especially federal contracting, along with the differences between commercial and government contracts. Course topics include organization of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, current reforms in acquisitions, and controversies in the field.

Learners study how to incorporate business strategies into federal acquisition contracts. Specifically, students in this course learn to respond to a request for proposals, commonly known as an RFP, from the federal government. Other topics include federal acquisition law, RFP analysis, proposal preparation and review, and recommended follow-up actions.

This course creates a framework for corporate resource allocation using analysis and techniques rooted in economic theories. Students examine topics such as the ways in which global economic integration affects production, sourcing, and pricing in different market structures. Plus, learners study how economic analysis supports competitive business strategy decisions amidst market conditions and government regulations.

Students learn about the major tax implications that can follow the different structures of M&A deals. They study the fundamentals of successful M&A tax planning and look at which structures are more favorable under particular circumstances. Students also learn how a tax strategy can help maximize profits in a deal.

Even before negotiators conclude an M&A deal, professional analysts must plan for the newly combined organizations to successfully integrate under a new management structure or team. In this course, students learn the cultural, social, and structural implications of combining organizations along with the core components of a post-merger integration model and the practical tools for cultural integration.

Risk managers help companies prepare for, deal with, and respond to financial risks. They create what-if scenarios that help corporate leaders project their losses in the event that certain risks become real. These professionals may work for a single corporation, or they may act as consultants who serve several companies.

Annual Average Salary: $99,028

In this sensitive, high-level corporate position, professionals study potential opportunities for growth through mergers or acquisitions. The senior manager evaluates other companies for purchase or merger, formulates a plan, presents recommendations to the board, and engages in negotiations with sellers. Usually, senior managers lead a full M&A team of accountants and financial professionals.

Annual Average Salary: $136,293

Sitting in the top financial position in a company, a CFO takes leadership responsibility for all of that company’s financial operations. This officer makes up part of the c-suite along with other top executives who together provide strategic direction to their corporate enterprise. Typically, finance and accounting departments fall under the CFO’s purview.

Annual Average Salary: $152,756

Financial analysts help companies add to the bottomline by studying the factors that affect corporate wealth and offering recommendations based on what they learn. These professionals help companies protect their investments during tough times and expand during high-growth seasons.

Annual Average Salary: $69,396

CPAs handle an array of financial documentation for companies and individuals. These professionals may handle taxes, audits, accounts, and government reports. Some CPAs work in the finance departments of large corporations, while others work at accounting and auditing firms. Some CPAs set up their own small businesses and serve customers directly.

Annual Average Salary: $82,318

Mergers and acquisitions professionals research and analyze prospective business deals. They use financial statements and other information to learn about stability, growth, and market share.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field coupled with several years of experience in investment banking prepares professionals for roles in mergers and acquisitions.

Though demanding and challenging, mergers and acquisitions represents a lucrative career specialty within the field of finance. M&A professionals generally work long hours but hold secure, high-paying jobs.

Many schools offer online degrees with mergers and acquisitions concentrations. Typically, students pursue the concentration during a business or accounting degree.