Degree Overview: Executive Education in Accounting
Majors Overview May 28, 2013In this article, students will learn about executive education programs in accounting, as well as receive information on course topics, requirements, certificate programs, and seminars to make an informed decision about their education.
Executive Education Programs in Accounting and Finance
Executive education programs are offered by most universities business schools. Four to five days of intensive instruction in finance is provided through these seminars to executives and managers with no financial backgrounds, but want to gain knowledge in using financial data in business. Executives who want to update their financial knowledge will also benefit by enrolling in these programs. While degrees are not awarded in these programs, they may award certificates to those enrolled.
Case studies, discussions, workshops and hands-on training are used to teach participants on how to use fundamental principles of finance and accounting in making sound business decisions. Students in these executive education programs can also gain knowledge on how to generate financial statements. The relationship between liquidity, cash flow, profitability and growth is also studied by the executives, apart from different financial approaches and their application in a variety of situations.
Educational Requirements
No firm educational prerequisites are demanded from participants, but generally they are required to hold a bachelor’s degree. Middle to senior-level executives and managers with minimal academic background in accounting or finance will benefit from these programs. There are some programs that are suitable for executives who have at least five years of experience.
Program Coursework
Participants will learn the language of financing and how to interact with financial professionals within their organizations through the executive education programs in accounting. They will learn how to analyze financial statements, make use of the information they have obtained and with the information, they can make sound financial decisions. These programs may cover the following course topics:
•Working capital management
•Reducing risk exposure
•Mergers and acquisitions
•Effective budgeting
•Shareholder value management
•Calculating ratios
Career Options
Executive education programs are helpful to individuals in most areas of business, including executives in:
•Manufacturing
•Engineering
•Human resources
•Sales
•Marketing
Continuing Education Information
Graduate programs with a focus on accounting and finance are offered by most universities for individuals who are interested in studying these subjects more thoroughly. For example, students enrolled in MBA programs can improve their knowledge in the field through coursework in managerial accounting, financial accounting, and taxation, among other topic areas. It usually takes one to two years to complete these programs, which offers flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals.
