An Accounting & Finance degree focuses on the management of monetary resources available to an organization. Such a degree is aimed at students who want to pursue careers in investment analysis, management, banking, auditing, consulting and financial management. It teaches students how to assess the assets and liabilities of an organization financially and manage the financial risk of their activity.
Accounting & Finance covers the core areas of financial accounting, management accounting and finance but also includes other aspects of the business activity, such as financial management and control, corporate finance, company accounts, investment and business law. Optional module options provided by different universities around the world often allow students to specialize in a particular area such as auditing, taxation, etc.
The completion of an Accounting & Finance degree comes along with numerous benefits. Students develop strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly demanded by employers in both the private and the public sector and result in graduates often finding employment in large multinational organizations that offer professional services such as PwC, KPMG and Deloitte. On top of that, established companies around the world offer excellent and well-structured graduate schemes, which help Accounting & Finance graduates to kick-start their careers.
Accounting & Finance degrees are mostly practically oriented. They allow students to put the knowledge and skills they acquire on a daily basis to practice through simulated and real-life business accounts management and work placement opportunities.
Most Accounting & Finance degrees are professionally accredited by professional bodies, such as ACCA, AIA, CIMA, ICAEW and CIPFA, which provides students with the opportunity to become chartered accountants. Students gain professional qualifications in accountancy, which eliminates the need for additional certifications after graduation.
Due to the nature of the Accounting & Finance Degree, which complements business-related subjects, students often have the opportunity to complete a joint honours degree.
An Accounting & Finance degree’s duration varies depending on the country and degree level. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting & Finance can be completed in three years. However, universities also offer students the option to take a sandwich course, which allows them to undertake a year-long placement between their second and third year, which extends the course to four years. Four years is the regular time of completion of this degree in other countries, such as the United States.
The first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance introduces the core principles of accounting and finance, including financial accounting, management accounting and finance as well as economics and business law. The second year’s focus is usually on managerial and business economics, financial control, corporate finance and company accounts, but optional modules might enable students to pursue their interests in other aspects of Accounting & Finance such as auditing or strategic business analysis. At this point, students studying at Higher Education Institutions in the UK could choose to take an industry placement in order to apply the theoretical concepts and the acquired knowledge to practice in the professional environment. The next stage of this degree is dedicated to further-developing students’ knowledge of financial and management accounting. Optional modules might enable students to specialize in a particular area of their choice such as auditing or taxation in some countries like the UK.
Masters’ degrees in Accounting & Finance usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete depending on the country that students choose for their studies.
Research-based degrees, such as MPhil and PhD, can take anywhere between 1 and 7 years depending on the country and type of degree. MPhil degrees in Accounting & Finance in the UK usually take 12 months if it is studied full-time and 24 months for part-time studies. PhD degrees in the UK, on the other hand, take about 36 months to complete if studying full-time and 72 months for a part-time program. In the US, students may be required to dedicate between 4 and 7 years on their degree.
Samford University has been a great fit for me, with a small but not too small campus and professors who are genuinely invested in their students’ success. The best part of Samford is the people, they’re kind and supportive, and the atmosphere is positive and friendly. I’m very happy with my decision to attend Samford.
View moreThe dormitories are situated in a convenient location on campus and maintained very high cleanliness standards. It is mandatory for freshmen to reside on campus. There are separate dorms for males and females, which is a preference for numerous parents. However, this is not unexpected as the college is associated with the Southern Baptist Church. Nevertheless, I personally do not find this to be bothersome.
View moreI absolutely love the atmosphere at Samford. The friendliness of the people, along with the genuine interest the faculty and staff show in supporting your academic success, is something I truly appreciate. Additionally, the small class sizes and abundant opportunities for student involvement greatly enhance the overall experience.
View moreThis university offers affordable tuition fees and is situated in a highly desirable location. It boasts a reasonable acceptance rate and a wide range of high-quality courses. These courses are engaging and dynamic, ensuring students stay interested and challenged throughout their studies. Additionally, the university has a strong track record of successful placements, with many students securing employment with ease by dedicating themselves to their studies.
View moreSamford University offers a superb educational environment. Learning is interesting because of the knowledgeable and friendly lecturers. There are many extracurricular activities available, and the campus is lovely. Meaningful relationships are fostered by the close-knit community with both students and professors. In general, Samford University provides a well-rounded education in a friendly setting.
View moreThe faculty is always helpful, and the Professors genuinely care about what they are teaching. Alumni connections are strong, and the career center is good at setting up jobs for graduating students. Overall, this is an amazing school.
View moreSamford University has great resources that make students feel included and accepted. Their facilities provide an excellent learning environment, from outside seating to the library. Samford also provides students with hands on experience in their field of interest, and the academic advisors are very present and want the best for all the students.
View moreStunning campus, great community, enthusiastic Professors and kind staff! I always feel at home and like I’m a member of a big family. Everyone looks out for each other so it makes the transition from High school to college much easier. I highly recommend!
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