Program Overview
MSc in Accounting and Finance is designed to develop students understanding of a broad range of finance and accounting concepts, and their application to a range of management and organizational contexts. Specifically, you will be provided with a stimulating and intellectually challenging management development program, along with a rigorous education in the concepts of financial management and accounting. PAID-WA’s accounting and finance master's degree curriculum combines theory with practice in the two in-demand fields. By broadening your skill set in areas such as budgetary analysis, cost accounting, and financial management, you can improve your marketability significantly in a number of careers.
Main Objective
The main objective of the program is to provide the theoretical framework and skills accountants and financial managers need in order to cope with an increasingly complex and global accounting environment. It also provides a valuable foundation for those contemplating careers in areas such as investment banking, financial analysis which are likely to involve extensive use of accounting information
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program Students will gain knowledge of global financial markets and the finance and investment industry – how different organizations interact, their roles, and factors behind success or failure. Students will learn how to estimate the fair value for an investment, to test assumptions and sensitivities, and to compare different investments. Students will gain an understanding of the role of different asset classes, their behavior in isolation and in relation to other asset classes, and an understanding of how portfolios of investments can be constructed and analyzed. Specifically, Students will develop:
- Critical analysis skills – an ability to assimilate new knowledge in the field of accounting and finance as well as the capacity to provide critical analysis of the field.
- Research skills – an ability to identify and define pertinent research questions, to review the relevant literature, to define a proper methodology and to conduct research in the context of data analysis or experiments.
- Discipline - a major difficulty in investment is removing emotion from the decision-making process. The program will seek to imbue students with the discipline required to make good investment decisions. • Analytical and numerical skills - an ability to analyze and solve valuation and investment problems, to handle large volumes of numerical data and extract and manipulate relevant data in a meaningful manner.
- An understanding of analytical and problem-solving methods through the use of techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis.
Program Duration:
Two Academic Years
Target Audience
The target audiences for the master’s degree include individuals with first degree in this field and others with professional certificates who desire to become masters in the field of accounting, finance and microfinance that are drawn from the public sector, private sector etc.
Career Opportunities
Careers in accounting and finance can be found in every type of business endeavor. The outlook for the types of professions you can explore with an Accounting and Finance MSc. degree appear strong well into the future. Positions you may qualify for after earning your MS in Accounting and Finance include: Public and corporate accountant, Personal financial planner, Investment analyst, Auditor, Budget analyst, Financial reporting and management professional, Tax preparation and planning specialist and Record and bookkeeper