Master's in Financial and Management Accounting

The Financial and Management Accounting master’s programme is one of the international master’s programmes offered at the AACSB accredited Oulu Business School.

Globally responsible business is the core of Oulu Business School’s ethos. In accounting, this approach is realized in curricula via courses such as Sustainability Reporting and Assurance and Sustainable Management Control. Students are allowed to take courses in all fields of study including Finance, Economics, Marketing, International Business Management, and Business Analytics.

The Oulu Business School provides flexible study paths and valuable practical experience via its networks, which significantly benefit the students’ professional growth. By studying at the University of Oulu’s business school graduates get relevant competence in corporate sustainability due diligence and EU ESG requirements to meet labour market expectations.

Studying at Oulu Business School is a genuinely multicultural experience, as international degree students, exchange students from all over the world, and of course local students attend the same courses on the Financial and Management Accounting programme. Students on the programme can also apply for an exchange or double degree programme with another business school.

As a Financial and Management Accounting master’s student, you can apply for a double degree option with Pforzheim University, Germany. This opportunity allows you to complete two master's degrees in two high-quality universities with distinct cultural and academic emphasis.

Seats are limited, and selection is competitive. Application happens separately during your first year of studies in Oulu. If successful, you will complete your second-year studies at Pforzheim campus.

The Oulu Business School seeks ambitious candidates for its Master’s in Financial and Management Accounting programme who exhibit a strong foundation in business and a passion for advancing their expertise in accounting.

Ideal candidates pursue the following skill set via their master’s studies:

• An ability to analyze financial data and utilize it for strategic decision-making within corporate environments.
• A strong sense of corporate governance and globally responsible business practices.
• An understanding of sustainable financial practices and standards, coupled with a desire to operate in a multicultural business landscape.
• The ability to thrive in a diverse learning environment, benefiting from and contributing to peer support networks.
• Eagerness to engage in real-life projects, case studies, and to pursue internships in companies of their choice, reflecting a hands-on approach to learning.
• They aspire to excel in roles such as Controller or Financial Analyst.

Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for this programme, detailed information available at Studyinfo.

As noted earlier, you may choose up to 50% of the courses in your master’s degree. Optional studies formulate your competence. Studying Financial Accounting and/or Management Accounting gives you expertise and core competence in the following topics:

In Financial Accounting you will learn:

• Financial analysis and firm valuation
• International financial reporting
• Corporate governance
• Sustainability reporting and assurance
• Fundamental equity investment analysis. 

In Management Accounting you will learn:

• Cost accounting
• Budgeting
• Management control
• Performance measurement
• Globally responsible business.

The FMA programme includes real-life projects, case studies, and strong connections with the business community. Our courses are lectured by our own professors, guest professors from other business schools worldwide, and high-profile businesspeople to ensure that students will get a diversified perspective on current issues in accounting.

The University of Oulu’s generic skills framework is applied across all accounting courses.

For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, look at the study guide:

• Read the study guide for Financial and Management Accounting programme

Great salary prospects and vast career opportunities internationally await graduates in the area. The FMA programme gives students the ability and knowledge to pursue their academic careers further. Whether students aim at pursuing an academic career or working in business life after finishing their studies, they will be well-prepared for both options.

Graduates can find positions under titles such as:

• Controller
• Financial Analyst
• Researcher
• Auditor
• Chief Financial Officer
• Consultant.