The MSc Accountancy and Controlling emphasizes the importance of high-quality information. In today's world, such information is crucial for all kinds of decisions. For instance, shareholders have to decide whether to continue their investment in particular companies, and managers need to decide which strategy to follow for their company to remain successful. These and other decisions require relevant, reliable, and timely information. In your Master’s programme, you will learn how to design information systems that produce such information, and how to assess the quality of existing systems.

The emphasis will be on the future role of auditors and controllers in society. Therefore, much attention will be paid to the opportunities and threats which arise due to innovations in information technology. Similarly, the current trend of reporting about sustainability issues, and its implications for information systems, will receive ample attention. Of course, also more traditional topics, such as ways to detect fraud, will be discussed at length. Many graduates of the MSc Accountancy and Controlling further specialise by obtaining a professional qualification and/or following an executive master programme.

Why study this programme in Groningen?

The programme prepares you for a role as an accountant or controller in a dynamic world which faces major developments in IT and increasingly emphasises sustainability issues. This is an internationally accredited programme, providing high-quality teaching that meets both AACSB and EQUIS standards, which only one percent of universities worldwide achieve.

Job prospects

Your Master's programme is a good basis for many positions in both the private and the public sectors, including the positions of auditor and controller (sometimes called management accountant). Also becoming a consultant in related areas is an option.

Many auditors start their career at one of the Big Four auditing firms: KPMG, PwC, Deloitte and EY. Auditors examine a company’s information systems and test the reliability of these systems by conducting random sample checks and data analyses.

Controllers are employed by regular companies, where they prepare budgets and reports, make cost price calculations, assess investment proposals, and design performance measurement systems. Strategic decision-making, IT solutions, and risk management are also examples of subjects a controller deals with.