Degree Overview: Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) Degree with a Controllership Focus
Majors Overview May 12, 2015Get information about Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree programs with a controllership focus and their educational requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and certification and continuing education choices.
Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) Programs with a Controllership Focus
Students enrolled in a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree program are imparted a basic grasp of business finance. They may opt for a concentration in controllership or choose to complete elective coursework in the subject area. Basic courses in accounting are first completed, followed by controllership and finance.
Graduates of the program typically gain the knowledge they would need in order to take the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. Individuals can typically complete the program in 30 credit hours over the course of three semesters.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting or a similar field. Students without a suitable undergraduate degree may also gain admittance provided they complete prerequisite courses in economics, accounting, and finance.
Coursework
Coursework includes corporate finance and preparation of financial reports, including income statements and balance sheets. Additionally, students are also taught the ethical values and critical-thinking skills they would need in order to make sound financial decisions. The curriculum may include taxation, macroeconomics, ethics and communications. Core coursework relating to the controllership concentration may include subject areas such as:
•Management accounting
•Accounting information systems
•Risk-taking and decision-making
•Cost analysis
•Forensic accounting
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 9% has been predicted for financial managers, including controllers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $109,740 (BLS). Individuals who hold professional certification, in addition to a master’s degree can expect to enjoy the best opportunities in this competitive field.
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Over the whole duration of accountants’ careers, skills may be updated through graduate courses and conferences. Those who seek careers in research or academia may choose to earn a Ph.D. in Accounting. CPA certification is mandatory for accountants that file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The CPA designation is obtainable through the passage of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ CPA exam administered by the State Board of Accountancy. The CMA designation, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants, can be gained through the passage of a two-part, eight-hour examination.
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