Accounting & finance degree

Studying accounting and finance opens the door to a major sector of business management. All companies need skilled accountants, and graduates can expect exciting opportunities. The degree provides a strong foundation, helping students build the qualifications required for professional success.

Accounting is a vital activity for businesses. Accountants are finance specialists who keep track of income and expenditures and ensure that all official documents are legally sound. The information they contain is used by management and stakeholders to make business decisions. These documents are also used by the state for tax and control purposes. Accountants have high responsibilities. All companies need such professionals to protect them from legal liability and to help them make the right decisions.

EDHEC Business School, whose Master's in Finance is ranked #6 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2024, offers an Accounting & Finance programme to help you achieve your professional goal.

The importance of accounting

To grow, companies need to make informed decisions. One of the most influential elements is their own financial health. This is why accounting is so important to businesses. By recording all the company's transactions and monitoring revenues, costs and profits, accounting departments have a clear understanding of how the company is doing and what it can do with its current financial status. They can use this information to make recommendations.

Investors also need information before they decide to invest in the company.

They can’t make a decision if they don’t have clear and reliable data. Because accountants provide such reliable information, the whole business world knows it can rely on them to make their investment decisions.

Budgeting and planning would be almost impossible without the input of accountants. With their in-depth knowledge of the business situation, they help to forecast future budgetary needs, set goals and devise strategies to achieve them.

Accounting also has strong legal implications.

As mentioned earlier, many of the documents produced by accounting departments are used by governments for tax purposes. An error or omission can have legal and costly consequences for the company. Ensuring compliance with the law is one of the most important responsibilities of accounting professionals.

The ultimate aim of accounting is to help companies achieve their objectives by monitoring their financial health: cost reduction, cash flow management, financial analysis... are some of the daily tasks that accounting professionals carry out in order to contribute to the success of their company.

The future of accounting

Accounting has evolved in recent years. New technologies offer opportunities for professionals. In recent years, accounting has undergone a significant digitalisation.

In the future, this trend will continue and more innovations will emerge and reshape the sector. Solutions such as cloud computing or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software open up new opportunities for greater efficiency and better synergy with other departments.

One of the most important trends is the rise of AI and automation. Accounting involves many repetitive tasks that can be automated, allowing accountants to focus on recommendations and other high-impact tasks. Their role is likely to evolve towards more leadership and decision-making. AI is also one of the hottest topics in the sector, as it can help with data collection and analysis.

With the digitalisation of the sector, another important issue is emerging: cybersecurity. Accounting departments need to consider the security of the data they handle. To do this, they need skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.

Innovation plays an important role in accounting, and professionals in the sector need to adapt. If you choose to study accounting and finance, you will learn how to anticipate future trends and be ready to integrate them into your work.

Career prospects after obtaining a degree in accounting & finance

A degree in accounting and finance can open the door to many positions. While being an accountant is the best known career prospect, there are more job opportunities than you might think. First, you can work for many different types of organisations. The main employers are companies and accountancy firms. Depending on where you work, your daily activities will be different. There are many opportunities for career progression. You will often start as a junior, but after years of experience and several promotions, you can move into management positions and become an accounting manager. You can also specialise in areas such as forensic accounting (detecting fraud) or even environmental accounting (analysing the costs and benefits of a company's activities and their impact on the environment).

A degree in accounting and finance can open the door to many positions. While being an accountant is the best-known career prospect, there are more job opportunities than you might think. First, you can work for many different types of organisations. The main employers are companies and accountancy firms. Depending on where you work, your daily activities will be different. There are many opportunities for career progression. You will often start as a junior, but after years of experience and several promotions, you can move into management positions and become an accounting manager. You can also specialise in areas such as forensic accounting (detecting fraud) or even environmental accounting (analysing the costs and benefits of a company's activities and their impact on the environment).

In corporate accounting, you will have an in-depth knowledge of your company and you will play a more direct role in its strategy and development. Whereas working for an accounting firm involves a less direct involvement. On the other hand, you will have more opportunities for career development and you will learn a lot in a company that is entirely dedicated to accounting. There is also the possibility of working for a bank or insurance company.

Accountants are usually well paid. For example, the average annual salary in the United States is around $65,000.

After graduation, aside from an accountant, you can become a:

Financial analyst
Structured finance analyst
Auditor
An analyst specialised in transaction advisory services
An analyst specialised in valuation & business modelling

Key recruiters in Accounting & Finance

What skills will you gain from studying accounting & finance?

To obtain your degree in accounting and finance, you will need to develop a range of skills. The sector has many facets that you will discover during the programme.

In addition to advanced accounting, you will also study specialised subjects such as international or sustainable accounting, two important topics in today’s world. You will also learn about mergers and acquisitions, audit and internal control. You will also learn about transversal skills such as project management and leadership.

A good accounting and management programme will also include business cases to help you learn by solving very real problems.

The programme will help you develop the important soft skills required in the sector such as good communication to explain complex financial concepts, analytical skills and attention to detail, teamwork and integrity.

Why should you pursue a degree in accounting & finance at EDHEC Business School?

Accounting is an important area of finance and offers many career opportunities to those who choose it. It is a modern and evolving field, adopting new technologies to improve its efficiency.

Transcript

Accounting tells a story. Too often, younger students come to classes with anxiety about accounting being maths, being complex, mathematical analysis...

No. Accounting is really about a story. It's about organising all these data, this information impacts an organisation and from that, try to better steer, better reach corporate goals in the future. And we try to best prepare our students to develop strong numerical skills especially in terms of valuation, in terms of financial analysis We want them to be able to deal with complex accounting issues such as: deferred taxes... how those complex accounting issues influence the decision-making process of investors, creditors.

We have the chance in the programme to have an excellent partner in the name of PwC. Their consultants come to the classroom and share important questions with our students through case studies, round tables, brainstorming... So it helps us to always refresh the message. The faculty always try to renew the message, always try to keep up with market development to give you an example, in my own course
which is international accounting We try to always pay attention to pressing topics such as climate change and we explain to our students, how traditional accounting plays a role in helping tomorrow's decision-makers, hopefully, do the "right" choices.

Once our students have graduated, they join typically auditing companies. So they are becoming consultants, they are being active in transaction services so they either help their corporate clients to transform the company deal with transactions such as:
merger & acquisitions, the due diligence for instance is an important aspect of any transaction. So it's basically an in-depth investigation of the company, you are trying to partner with our students also join the research industry, because they become equity analyst because with the programme they have a strong set of skills in both accounting and also corporate finance.]

EDHEC Business School offers an MSc in Accounting & Finance, in partnership with PwC, one of the leading audit and consulting companies in the world. This advanced Master of Science degree will provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to start an exciting career in accounting, in your home country or abroad.

MSc in Accounting & Finance

FAQs about Accounting & Finance Degree

What is accounting and finance?

Accounting and finance focus on managing a company's financial health. Accounting involves recording and analysing financial transactions to ensure legal compliance with accounting standards and provide stakeholders make informed decisions. Finance explores resource allocation, investment decisions, and strategic planning to achieve long-term goals. Together, they form a strongknowledge base for careers like investment banking or private equity.

Is a Master of Science (MSc) in Finance and Accounting degree good?

A Master's in Finance and Accounting is a great way to gain advanced knowledge in financial management and accounting. This degree is highly regarded as it equips graduates with the practical skills required for diverse careers, such as investment banking or becoming a qualified accountant. The degree also provides a head start in passing professional examinations needed for certifications in the field.

What does an accounting and finance degree involve?

An accounting and finance degree involves studying financial principles, accounting methods, and business strategies. Finance students will learn about financial reporting, auditing, taxation, financial management, and corporate finance while developing practical skills in communication and teamwork. The programme typically includes modules on management accounting, international finance, and sustainable accounting. In addition, they will develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking, which are essential for navigating the professional world.

What jobs can I do with a Master's in Accounting and Finance?

An accounting and finance degree opens doors to numerous career paths. Finance students can work as an accountant, financial analyst, auditor, or valuation expert. Many graduates find roles in corporate accounting, accounting firms, or even in specialised fields like forensic accounting or sustainability finance. The versatility of this degree allows for opportunities in banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms as well.

Do I need maths for accounting and finance?

Mathematics is an essential part of studying accounting and finance because it underpins financial analysis, budgeting, and data interpretation. While you don’t need advanced mathematics, a solid grasp of basic principles and logical thinking is crucial for success in this field. Understanding these concepts also ensures readiness for core finance courses and real-world applications.

What are the entry requirements for an accounting and finance degree?

Entry requirements for an accounting and finance degree vary by institution. Generally, applicants need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as finance, accounting, or business management. Proficiency in English by meeting English language requirements is essential, often demonstrated by scores from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC. Some programmes may also require standardised test scores, such as the GMAT or GRE. For advanced courses, applicants may need to provide a personal statement.It's advisable to consult the specific admission criteria of the institution you're interested in.

Is an accounting and finance degree worth it?

Pursuing an accounting and finance degree is considered valuable due to the critical role these fields play in business operations. Graduates gain knowledge and practical skills that are in high demand across various industries, leading to diverse career opportunities. The degree provides a strong foundation for roles in accounting, financial analysis, auditing, and consultancy, often accompanied by competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.

What is the expected salary with an accounting and finance degree?

The salary for graduates with an accounting and finance degree varies depending on the role and location. Entry-level positions, such as junior accountants or financial analysts, typically offer competitive starting salaries. With experience, professionals can advance to higher-paying roles, such as accounting managers or financial consultants. For example, in the United States, the average salary for accountants is approximately $65,000 annually, while more senior roles can earn significantly more.

What is the difference between finance and accounting?

While finance and accounting are interconnected, they serve distinct functions. Accounting focuses on recording, classifying, and reporting financial transactions to provide an accurate picture of an organisation's financial health. It involves preparing financial statements and ensuring compliance with regulations. Finance, on the other hand, is concerned with managing an organisation's assets and liabilities, planning for future growth, and making investment decisions. It involves analysing financial data to guide strategic planning and resource allocation.

What Master's degrees are offered at EDHEC Business School?

EDHEC Business School offers a variety of Master's programmes to cater to diverse career aspirations. Notably, the Master in Management – Finance track, ranked #4 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2024, allows students to study finance from day one. This programme includes a full year of professional immersion and culminates with the opportunity to specialise by choosing from five MSc programmes in finance, in the final year.

The Masters of Science in Finance, ranked #6 globally by the Financial Times in 2024, features specialised MSc options, including:

Each programme combines rigorous academics with professional preparation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for global finance careers.

All programmes are taught entirely in English, so applicants must meet the English language requirements to enrol. For detailed information, visit EDHEC’s official website.