BS Accounting vs. BS in Accounting Technology vs. BS in Management Accounting: Which Is Which? And Which One Should You Take?

Want to work as an accountant, but you're unsure which related course to take? Well, if you ask anyone, they would obviously tell you to just take up an accounting course. And that is correct, however, you're going to have to first figure out what kind of accountant you'd like to be. Why? It's because other related courses concentrate more on specific areas rather than the entirety. Two of those are Management Accounting and Accounting Technology.

If you've been doing accounting research, then you have probably come across these two already. Yes, they are somewhat related to the BSA course but they are not entirely the same. If you would like to know what makes them unique from each other, then don't go anywhere because we can help you with that.

We'll define what these courses are, the responsibilities they'll give you, and what careers you could expect from them. On that note, let's begin. 

What is a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy? (BSA)

BSA is a college program that lasts for about four to five years depending on the school, it mainly caters to students who wish to be certified public accountants one day. Bachelor of Science in Accountancy covers various areas of accounting with extra attention on taxation, business laws, public accounting, financial monitoring, and auditing among some.

On top of that, the accounting course also gives students lessons on how to use a computer program and other technological processes to arrive at the solutions they need.   Students of BSA can take on a board examination after they graduate to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA). 

What is a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology? (BSAcT)

This college course aims to teach its students how to properly store, organize, and analyze business records to come up with the necessary financial reports that can satisfy various business needs. Similar to BSA, this program will also take four years to be completed.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology program tackles several subjects related to accounting, information management, marketing, business, and more. This includes Technical Writing, Business Policy, and Strategy, Advanced Financial Accounting, and Marketing Principles.

What is a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting? (BSMA)

This four-year-long college course centers around teaching students crucial management, decision-making, and planning skills that they can use to make the best financial strategies.

Some main subjects included in the Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting program are Law and Obligation Contracts, Management Accounting Research, and Strategic Business Analysis.

Responsibilities to Expect When Taking BS Accountancy, BS Accounting Technology, and BS in Management Accounting

There are a lot of similarities between these courses in terms of their core subjects and objectives. However, there are also plenty of differences between the three, especially in the responsibilities that people who graduate from them must do.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

BSA graduates have a lot on their plate. On top of having to take a board exam to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), they are the ones that deal with larger tasks compared to the other two. Some of them are listed right below.

• Thinks of brilliant ways to increase a company's profits while lowering its expenses.
• Carefully reviews the company’s data to ensure its quality.
• Correctly calculates the amount of tax that a client/company should settle.
• Creating and organizing crucial financial reports.
• Analyzes financial records to identify hidden problems and come up with proper solutions.
• Regularly meets with clients/company bosses to discuss financial reports, performance reviews, etc.
• Can supervise other employees in the accounting department, including accounting technicians.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology

Due to the similarities in their subjects and the nature of their work, BSAcT students will work closely with accountants once they graduate. Some of the tasks that they will have to deal with include:

• Acquiring valuable data from clients/companies that they are working with.
• Basic bookkeeping.
• Keeps the company’s computer records updated with the latest financial data available, including the expenses.
• Helps in filing and submitting tax returns.
• Accurately records all the receipts and payments addressed to the business.
• Assists in setting up various company accounts.
• Conducts a review of the business's yearly financial data to eliminate discrepancies and ensure everything is 100% accurate.

Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting

Graduates of the BS management accounting course play a crucial role in keeping a business's financial status updated. Students who take up this program may take an assessment for them to be considered as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), which is similar to a CPA, although it isn’t a requirement when applying for some companies.  

Now, the responsibilities of a management accountant will depend on the kind of company they are in and their work experience in general. But, some of the primary duties that they are expected to do are as follows:

• Assists in formulating company strategies.
• Helps in managing business investments.
• Works on finalizing the budget.
• Monitors the company’s taxes.
• Gives valuable advice on decision-making.
• Helps in creating and managing company policies that are related to their finances.
• Keeps track of the company’s financial trends.

Careers You’ll Be in When You Take Up BS Accountancy, BS Accounting Technology, and BS Management Accounting

The best part about taking up these three college courses is that there are a lot of possibly high-paying jobs that you can apply to once you graduate. To help you get an idea of these career opportunities, we listed some of them right here:

BS Accountancy

• Public Accountant
• Budget Analyst
• Associate Auditor
• Credit Analyst
• Revenue Officer
• Cost Accountant
• Senior Loan Officer
• Internal Audit Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Adviser

BS in Accounting Technology

• Accounting Technician
• Internal Audit Staff
• Accounting Assistant
• Tax Accounting Staff
• Accounting Clerk
• Bookkeeper
• Junior Finance Associate
• Financial Accounting Staff
• Budget Analyst
• Senior Fraud Auditor

BS in Management Accountancy

• Junior Analyst
• Investment Analyst
• Financial Advisory Manager
• Senior Loan Officer
• Consulting Staff
• Project Manager
• Financial Adviser
• Principal Consultant
• College Dean

Final Words

BS Accountancy, BS in Accounting Technology, and BS in Management Accounting aren't the easiest programs in college, but the opportunities that come after make them worth it. Now, which one do you think suits you the best?

That's it for this article, would you like to read more blogs that can help you decide on which university or course to take? Then head over to CourseFinder's articles section and read our other published posts that can help you come up with the best decision possible.