MSc in Accounting & Finance Management

Program Overview

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MSc in Accounting & Finance Management

Overview

A progressive master's course designed to prepare graduates for management careers in accounting and finance.

This Masters in Accounting and Finance Management programme is delivered on a full and part time/blended basis by a team of award-winning accounting, finance and legal industry and practice professionals and full-time academics. The programme provides advanced insight to an extensive range of laws, regulations and professional frameworks and standards, accounting and finance management theories concepts, practices, tools and techniques, and modern accounting and finance technology.

Learners acquire the advanced knowledge, skills and competencies required to prepare and interpret reports and recommend compliant, best practice and ethical solutions for a range of organisational internal and external financial and reporting requirements, and effectively lead individuals, teams and organisations in contemporary business. Graduates are thus prepared for an exciting and rewarding career in the accounting, finance and related professions.

Why Study Accounting & Finance Management at Griffith College

• Designed and delivered by qualified professionals, industry experts and full-time academics, including national and international Professional Accountancy Bodies' examinations award winning lecturers (ACCA and CPA).
• Six elective module choices offering three possible career pathways; Professional Accounting, Finance Professional, Business Management.
• Opportunity to work with and promote yourself to industry in the Business Consultancy and the Dissertation by Practice Industry Project capstone modules.
• Engage with national and EU Business Research with the Research and Innovation Hub.
• Consistent recognition at the Irish Accountancy Awards for 'Excellence in Accounting Education'.
• Student winners at HECA Research Awards; Student Entrepreneur winners of EU Seed Funding.

Intake Dates

• Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
• Cork - Full-Time - September 2025
• Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
• Dublin - Part-Time - February 2026
• Dublin - Full-Time - February 2026
• Cork - Full-Time - February 2026

Course Details

Core Modules

• Financial Reporting: Learners build knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations, accounting standards and frameworks, and apply them in the preparation of financial statements of single company entities.
• Strategic Financial Management: Learners advance the knowledge, technical and advisory skills and abilities to analyse and evaluate business financing options, manage financial risks and formulate appropriate investment decisions.
• Law and Governance: The module addresses the international, legal and regulatory environment of business, including the principles behind global corporate governance regimes.
• Financial Data Analysis: Learners develop technical understanding of FDA principles, tools and techniques for harnessing and interpreting financial data to make informed business financial decisions.
• Strategic Corporate Reporting: Learners advance knowledge and skills to apply laws, regulations and accounting standards and frameworks in the preparation, presentation, analysis and interpretation of financial statements of single entities and complex group entities.
• Strategic Performance Management: Learners build the knowledge, skills and professional judgment required to select and apply strategic management accounting techniques and contribute to the overall performance and strategic development of an organisation.
• Business Consultancy: Learners work on a live consultancy project; integrating knowledge and skills gained across the programme, and develop strategic critical thinking, business acumen and the competencies to work successfully in a professional team environment.
• Business Research Methods: The nature, purpose and approach to business, commercial and academic research is explored, including design of research questions, critical literature reviews, and primary data collection, analysis, presentation and communication.

Electives

• Taxation (IRL): Learners develop the knowledge and skills to interpret and apply the principles and legislation governing the Irish taxation system relevant to individuals and corporations.
• Advanced Audit & Assurance: Learners gain advanced knowledge and skills in the analysis, evaluation, resolution and conclusion of compliant assurance and non-assurance engagements.
• Sustainable Finance: The module advances understanding of the concepts, roles and practices related to sustainable finance in a complex, evolving landscape.
• Quantitative Finance: Learners advance their understanding and application skills in quantifiable statistics, metrics and financial analysis tools and techniques for financial decision making.
• Digital Transformation: Learners build understanding of digital transformation in business management through comprehensive exploration of emerging technologies, strategic frameworks and practical case studies, enabling learners to lead and navigate transformative changes in business.
• Leadership in Organisations: Learners learn how to effectively lead individuals, teams and organisations, by developing a deep understanding of the role and impact of leaders in responding to business, stakeholder, ethical and environmental issues in contemporary business.

Dissertation

• Dissertation [Traditional]: Learners enhance their knowledge, research and business communication skills and contribute significantly to their chosen field through a supervised research project.
• Dissertation by Practice - Industry Project: Learners enhance their knowledge, research and business communication skills and contribute significantly to their chosen field through a supervised project, on behalf of, and in conjunction with, industry.

Course Contact

• Suzanne Burdis: Graduate Business School Programme Director, Griffith Professional Accountancy Lecturer, Business Associate Lecturer

Timetables

• Full-time course: Prospective Timetable (PDF file)
• Part-time course: The part-time course will run subject to meeting sufficient numbers. The timetable will follow the following format - Three evenings per week, 6.30 pm-9 pm; online + 3/4 Saturday workshops.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Applicants normally must hold an approved honours degree in the field of accounting and finance or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary / professional institution.
• English Language: All applicants for whom English is not their native language must provide proof of English language proficiency to a standard of at least 6.5 in IELTS, 575 TOEFL or equivalent.

Accreditation of Prior Learning and Prior Experience (APL/APEL)

• The Graduate Business School welcomes applications from those with prior academic and/or professional learning experience which may be relevant to the MSc in Accounting and Finance Management programme. Applicants who wish for their prior academic and/ or professional learning experience to be considered are requested to indicate this at the time of application and we will be happy to examine all of the relevant documentation accordingly.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland: EUR 10,350.00 (Dublin), EUR 10,200.00 (Cork)
• Irish/EU citizens, living abroad: Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Flexible payment options

• Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

• Is your company paying for your course? They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form (PDF file) and send this to the Student Fees Office.

Progression

Career Progression

• Graduate trainee financial/ management accountant
• Graduate trainee financial manager
• Graduate trainee external auditor
• Graduate trainee internal auditor
• Graduate trainee tax advisor/ consultant
• Financial Data Analyst
• General manager
• Entrepreneur and business owner

Academic Progression

• Graduates can progress to professional accountancy and finance bodies to advance their studies and attain professional qualifications, including:
  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • Chartered Accountants (ACA)

Exemptions

• ACCA: Up to 9 exemptions in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) fundamental exam papers:
  • Business and Technology (BT)
  • Financial Accounting (FA)
  • Management Accounting (MA)
  • Corporate and Business Law (LW)
  • Taxation (TX) - depending on elective choice
  • Financial Reporting (FR)
  • Performance Management (PM)
  • Financial Management (FM)
  • Audit and Assurance (AA) - depending on elective choice
• ACA: Exemption from CAP 1 with the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) Ireland

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MSc in Accounting & Finance Management is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time postgraduate program designed to prepare graduates for management careers in accounting and finance. The program is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

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Program Objectives:

• To provide students with an advanced and comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance principles and practices, enabling them to significantly extend their knowledge and apply it in a complex global environment.
• To equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in management positions within accounting and finance fields.
• To develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, enabling students to navigate complex business scenarios and propose effective solutions.
• To foster strong communication and presentation skills, enabling graduates to effectively communicate their ideas and findings to various stakeholders.

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Program Description:

The MSc in Accounting & Finance Management program adopts an active and participatory learning approach, fostering critical analysis, problem-solving, and team-based work. The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, case studies, group discussions, and individual research projects. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Strategic Performance Management
• International Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Advanced Audit and Assurance
• Law and Corporate Governance
• Strategic Financial Management
• Research Methods
• Business Consultancy and Analysis

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Exemptions:

Upon completion of the taught program, learners gain up to nine exemptions from the ACCA foundation papers, facilitating progression towards ACCA professional qualifications.

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Other Key Features:

• Awarding Body: Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
• Modes of Delivery: Full-time / Part-time
• Campuses: Dublin Main Campus / Cork

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Overall:

The MSc in Accounting & Finance Management program at Griffith College equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required for successful careers in various accounting and finance management roles.

• Strategic Performance Management
• International Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Advanced Audit and Assurance
• Law and Corporate Governance
• Strategic Financial Management
• Research Methods
• Business Consultancy and Analysis
• Module 1: Strategic Performance Management
Focus: Key issues and methodologies in strategic management accounting.
• Module 2: International Financial Reporting and Analysis
Focus: Understanding and applying accounting standards in preparation of financial statements and their analysis/interpretation.
• Module 3: Advanced Audit and Assurance
Focus: Applying knowledge and skills in various assurance and non-assurance engagement contexts, while considering best practices and current developments in the field.
• Module 4: Law and Corporate Governance
Focus: Examining corporate governance requirements in developed capital markets, exploring theoretical principles and their application in real-world scenarios.
• Module 5: Strategic Financial Management
Focus: Analyzing key macro and microeconomic variables, financial transactions, and their impact on investment and financial decision-making.
• Module 6: Research Methods
Focus: Understanding the nature, purpose, and value of business and commercial research, including conducting critical literature reviews, data analysis techniques, and research report preparation.
• Module 7: Business Consultancy and Analysis
Focus: Integrating knowledge and skills across the program, including financial, legal, audit, and taxation modules, within a broader organizational and strategic context, and developing professional skills for effective business consultancy and analysis.
• Taxation (IRL)
• International Tax Law
• Digital Business
• Portfolio Management
• Managerial Economics
• Regional Analysis
• Leadership and Management Development

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Dissertation:

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Possible Assessment Methods (based on general postgraduate program assessment practices)

• Examinations: Written examinations may assess students' understanding of key concepts, theories, and practical application of knowledge.
• Coursework: Assignments, case studies, and individual research projects may assess students' ability to apply learned knowledge and skills to practical scenarios and demonstrate critical analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Presentations: Oral presentations may assess students' communication skills and ability to effectively present complex information to various audiences.
• Research Dissertation: The research dissertation will be assessed based on the quality of research, analysis, and presentation of findings, demonstrating students' ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field.
Assessments may be evaluated based on criteria such as:
• Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of relevant concepts, theories, and their application.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate complex issues and propose effective solutions.
• Problem-solving: Demonstrating the ability to identify and address complex problems using appropriate methodologies and techniques.
• Communication: Effectively communicating ideas, findings, and arguments in written and oral forms, using clear and concise language.
• Research Skills: Demonstrating competency in conducting independent research, evaluating sources, and presenting findings in a well-structured and insightful manner.

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Possible Teaching Methods (based on general postgraduate program teaching practices)

• Lectures: Providing students with an introduction to key topics and concepts, delivered by experienced faculty members.
• Seminars: Engaging students in interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Workshops: Providing practical training and hands-on experience in utilizing relevant software, techniques, and tools.
• Individual Supervision: Offering personalized guidance and support to students as they conduct their research dissertation.

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Faculty:

The program is likely taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, with strong academic credentials and extensive industry experience.

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Unique Approach:

The program may adopt a unique approach to teaching and learning, such as:

• Focus on practical application: Emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, simulations, and guest speaker presentations.
• Integration of professional skills: Development of essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.
• Experiential learning: Opportunities for students to engage in practical projects, internships, or industry-based research, gaining valuable real-world experience.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Financial Analyst
• International Banking
• Business Development Executive
• Business Analyst
• Product Manager
• Accounts Payable Accountant
• Operational Risk Officer
• Operations Manager
• Financial Controller
• Cost Accountant

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Other:

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Progression:

Upon successful completion of the MSc in Accounting & Finance Management, graduates may pursue further studies at the doctoral level or enter the workforce in various accounting and finance management roles.

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Exemptions:

The program offers exemptions from up to nine ACCA foundation papers, facilitating graduates' progress towards achieving professional accounting qualifications.

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Industry Focus:

The program prepares graduates for careers in diverse industries, including finance, banking, accounting, consultancy, and management.

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Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 10,200 Cork: EUR 10,200 Study Mode: Part-Time Dublin: EUR 10,200 Cork: EUR 10,200 Irish/EU citizens, living abroad Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section. International Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section. Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards. A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only. Flexible payment options Sponsorship Dublin: Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 Email: accounts@griffith.ie Cork: Post: Student Fees, Griffith College, Wellington Road, Cork Email: studentfees.gcc@griffith.ie 2% Learner Protection Charge All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded. QQI Award Fee Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses.