Technology continues to change the face of business, as is evident across functional departments, including accounting. A proliferation of new ways to process, analyze and utilize data created a demand for technical accounting managers, who specialize in developing and correcting problems with financial and accounting software used by firms around the globe. The first step to a rewarding technical accounting manager career can begin with enrolling in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Technical Accounting Managers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for accountants and auditors, the occupational group that includes technical accounting managers, will increase faster than the average of all occupations through 2033. The growing complexity of business, increasingly sophisticated information systems and additional availability of data will spur demand for skilled technical accounting managers.
In fact, the recently revised CPA exam highlights the central role of evolving technology in modern accounting — and the need for specialists in technical accounting. Robert Half Inc’s 2025 Salary Guide reinforces this shift, noting that employers are prioritizing functions like technology, risk management, compliance and the developing strategic advisor role of high-level accounting professionals.
What Is Technical Accounting?
While every business requires financial reporting, some industries — such as investments and financial planning — face an ever-increasing volume of regulations and reporting requirements. For these and other cutting-edge firms, accurate corporate financial assessment and reporting is key to a healthy bottom line. The accuracy of such assessment and reporting is highly reliant on evolving technologies and accounting information systems. These systems drive the expansion of technical accounting management as a specialized role.
Technical accounting managers help organizations meet goals by focusing on the technical aspects of accounting. These professionals analyze and correct problems with software packages. A technical accounting manager may even develop targeted software to meet a business’s data management needs.
Technical accounting managers take the lead in monitoring, auditing and implementing financial computer systems and networks. They may also assist with developing technology plans to improve financial reporting. These accounting specialists may research, analyze and recommend new hardware and software packages, as well.
Presenting clear, reliable and accurate financial information to regulators and stakeholders is vital to most firms. Therefore, another important aspect of the technical accounting manager job is to continuously monitor accounting software for accuracy and report findings to management.
Additionally, technical accounting managers typically initiate internal controls, policy development, research, documentation and compliance reporting. Another technical accounting responsibility may be to prepare and file standard documents for government regulatory agencies. Often, technical accounting managers train and provide support to associated departments or external advisors.
Most technical accounting managers work in comfortable office environments. A 40-hour week is standard. The job may require travel, depending on the employer and specific role and responsibilities.
Technical Accounting Manager Salary Potential
According to BLS, the median annual salary for all accountants was $79,880 in 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $137,280. Those with experience, advanced education and industry-specific certifications generally earn upper-level salaries.
January 2025 data from ZipRecruiter shows that the technical accounting manager salary range is higher than that of the typical accountant. According to ZipRecruiter, technical accounting managers make an average annual salary of $86,425, with top earners making roughly $169,000. The data shows that the top salaries generally go to those with solid experience and the advanced education employers need to remain competitive.
Education and Training Requirements
For most technical accounting manager positions, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum acceptable educational level. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with several years of experience and advanced education such as a specialized accounting MBA.
In addition, some positions require Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CMA (certified management accountant) credentials. As noted above, the revised CPA exam emphasizes technology integration, both underlying the three Core sections and in the devoted Discipline section, Information Systems and Control (ISC).
Accounting professionals who wish to advance into a technical accounting manager position can obtain must-have knowledge by enrolling in an MBA program with a concentration in accounting. Coursework typically includes international accounting and reporting, managerial accounting, organizational behavior and advanced governmental and nonprofit accounting.
Employers can be confident that professionals with an MBA in accounting are able to:
- Identify data issues and make effective recommendations for solutions
- Recognize financial reporting and disclosure differences between international and domestic accounting practices
- Advance managerial accounting through analysis of current issues
- Develop financial reporting systems for a variety of organizations
- Leverage advanced knowledge, skills and technologies to succeed as a technical accounting manager
How to Become a Technical Accounting Manager: Needed Skills and Traits
For those who have a strong accounting or business background, proficiency with computer systems and an analytical approach to problem-solving, the challenges of a technical accounting manager career could be a great fit. Strong verbal and written communication, the ability to build relationships and a high degree of integrity will also serve professionals well in this career.
A modern accounting MBA program helps professionals develop the cutting-edge knowledge needed for this managerial role. Further, gaining the specialized knowledge and respect that comes with earning an MBA in Accounting from Florida Tech can help job applicants distinguish themselves from the crowd, preparing them to launch a successful career as a technical accounting manager.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Accounting program.
