Accounting
Accounting and Finance course teaches students to flex their mathematical muscles whilst applying technical knowledge to various business situations. Keen to pursue a course in Accounting and Finance? Read on to find out more about why to study this program in the abroad and what career options await you.
Accounting degrees abroad
Accounting and accountancy is one of the most important subjects in modern international business. Skilled accountants are at the heart of every successful business, so it’s no surprise that accounting is considered one of the secure and most rewarding careers you can pursue.
The study of accounting is all about the movement of money in and out of a business. It covers the measurement, processing and analysis of financial transactions, and how to display and present that information. It’s an ideal choice if you are highly organized, analytical and have a passion for numbers.
Choosing to study accounting abroad gives you a great opportunity to study at universities and accounting schools from all over the world. It means you’ll have a larger choice of programs, and you’ll be able to learn while experiencing a whole new culture and way of life.
Accounting program structure
The program content, curriculum and structure of accounting degrees can differ depending on the university you’re attending. Some programs include elements of finance, or combine the two subjects in a joint degree.
At undergraduate level you can study a BA or BSc – there is little difference between the two, but BSc degrees may have more focus on practical elements. In the US you can study for a Bachelor of Accounting, which you may need in order to work as an accountant.
Undergraduate degrees last between three and four years, depending on the country and whether the course includes an additional year abroad. Master’s degrees are also available, and will usually last between one and two years, and a PhD in accounting will take up to five years to complete.
There are topics and modules you can expect to study on any accounting program, including:
- Financial reporting
- Management accounting
- Auditing theory and practice
- Accounting information systems
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Business law
- Principles of taxation
Most Accounting and Finance programs are designed for students who have a keen interest in finance, analysis and management topics in general. These courses are tailored to the needs of the current economy, market opportunity and business environment. Depending on the program and University you choose, the course elements may vary. However most programs are designed to cover topics such as asset pricing, corporate finance, quantitative methods, finance reporting, financial analysis, empirical finance to name a few. To develop your skills further in areas of your interest you can choose one of the optional units which may range from financial modelling to banking, derivatives, investment management, behavioural finance, advanced corporate finance and credit risk. The course helps you to read and understand financial statements, evaluate business performance, asset management, leverage management, tax management and cost management. In addition to this, you will learn to question and analyse information, develop critical arguments, improve your analytical skills, enhance communication skills – all of these are of great value in any management role.
Some postgraduate programs in Accounting and Finance develop your skills in specialised fields of the finance industry, for instance MSc in actuarial science. You can also consider pursuing a PhD in specific fields, such as trade statistics or even banking.
Nearly a quarter of Accountancy and Financing graduates are employed as chartered and certified accountants. Among the common occupations are finance and investment analysts and advisers.
Students who graduate in Accounting and Finance have a wide spectrum of job options. Popular career options in this field include banking, financial advisor, finance trader, chartered accountancy, insurance, investment, tax, financial auditor.
You will have a broad range of opportunities on completing a degree in accounting and finance. Moreover you can choose an industry or sector of your interest to complement your knowledge in this field. Most students opt for accountancy firms, while a number of others are attracted to the high flying jobs in banks. Insurance companies are also a growing trend and if this is an area you are interested you can opt for the numerous insurance brokering jobs available in the market. Alternatively you can also choose to work for consultancies, accounting firms and large corporations. For the more enterprising ones, you can open up your own consulting or accounting firm as well.