Controllership Degrees: Master's, PhD & Online Course Info

About this article
Ever think about a career as a private accountant or other financial planning expert? If so, a master's degree in controllership can get you started on the road to a respected career in the field. Students learn specialized skills like consulting, auditing, and bookkeeping that will be instrumental in their day-to-day careers in the field of business accounting and finance. Individuals with a master's degree in controllership can choose from a variety of careers and often go on to work as financial advisors, investment consultants, and in other related areas of expertise. Please read on to find out more.
View available schools

Why Earn a Master's Degree in Controllership?

A master's degree in controllership will provide students with superior training in the areas of finance, accounting, bookkeeping, and tax-related services so they may choose their own unique career paths. Students learn the economic principles and managerial methods needed to advance in existing careers or build new ones. Graduates can opt to work in accounting firms, Fortune 500 clubs, corporate settings, or for government organizations as auditors. The master's in controllership degree program has an extremely high level of post-graduation job placement, as accountants and others within the financial management realm are always in high demand.

Career Possibilities

Occupational Outlook and Demand

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of financial managers is predicted to grow as fast as the national average through 2014. The growing need for financial proficiency due to regulatory reforms and economic expansion will drive job escalation during the next decade. Jobseekers will likely face competition because the number of job opportunities is expected to be less than the number of qualified applicants. Candidates with capability in bookkeeping and economics - predominantly those with a master's degree-should have the best job prospects.

Salary Information

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov, the median income of financial managers was $81,880, while accountants and auditors averaged $50,770. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earned an average annual income of $28,570 in May 2004.

Degree Specifics

Coursework Requirements

Students seeking a master's degree in controllership must complete coursework that will prepare them for success in the rewarding field of financial controllership. While class titles may vary according to university, the following courses are typical of a master's of controllership degree program:

  • Microsoft Quickbooks
  • Electronic Bookkeeping
  • Tax Policy and Economics
  • Theory of Accounting
  • Auditing

Skills You Will Learn

Before becoming eligible for graduation, students must show mastery of certain skills gained during the course of the master's of controllership degree program. In addition to basic bookkeeping and accounting procedures, students must also show proficiency in the following areas:

  • Mathematics and calculation
  • Problem-solving
  • Technological savvy in programs like Quickbooks and Microsoft Access
  • Comprehension of worldwide economics and business practices
  • Financial planning and implementation
  • Government finance and auditing