From the sound of the job title, one might think an accounting manager supervises the entire accounting department. In most companies, that is exactly the case. However, the level of responsibility in terms of meeting organizational goals and deciding on business strategies varies from one company to the next. In one company, an accounting manager might be the company owner's right hand man, of sorts. While in a large corporation, an accounting manager may only oversee the accounting department of a select company division or region, thus being far removed from day-to-day business decisions. Accounting manager degrees and degree programs seek to prepare students to serve in both capacities.

From an educational standpoint, accounting manager degrees signify a professional's ability to maintain accounting records and general ledger structures, as well as producing both internal and external financial reports and statements as required. However, the education does not stop there. These professionals are also expected to ensure compliance with GAAP guidelines, federal and state financial reporting regulations, as well as specific company policies. Additionally, when non-routine transactions arise, these professionals should be the go-to person for staff accountants and accounting assistants to ask for guidance.

In addition to advanced accounting knowledge, graduates with accounting manager degrees must also have an understanding of business management principles as they apply to accounting and decision-making. When preparing internal financial reports and analyzing financial activities past and present, accounting managers must understand how executives and non-accounting managers will use the data and what should be included. In smaller companies, these accounting managers are often part of the advisory group that helps the business owner decide on a particular course of action for the company's future. They also manage smaller tasks such as balancing checkbooks and monitoring cash flow.

Accounting manager degrees primarily focus on training students to use standard accounting principles, as well as ensure other subordinate employees also use standardized methods and to report the results to executives, operations managers, and business owners. An accounting manager's job is to ensure the effective operations of the accounting activities within an organization, ensure compliance with necessary regulations, and analyze data with regard to company objectives. The recommendations of an accounting manager will vary in terms of influence, depending on the size of the organization and the manager's level of experience. Without a bachelor's or master's degree, most accounting professionals will need years of experience in order to land an accounting manager position.