Typical Job Titles
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | Tax consultant |
| Management Accountant | Data Analyst |
| Financial Analyst | Financial Consultant |
| Investment Advisor | Equity or Credit Analyst |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Accounting | Financial Planning | Management Consulting
Area of study
Business and Administration
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
Accounting and Analytics Master of Science Degree
Overview
RIT’s master’s in accounting analytics leads to advanced accounting careers through the application of analytical tools and skills.
Why Study Accounting Analytics at RIT
- STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
- Solid foundation in accounting, auditing, and tax.
- Analytical skills consistent with emerging technology-oriented jobs in accounting.
- Hands-on experience with R and Python and with data visualization software such as Tableau.
- An understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL) and Systems Application and Products in Data Processing (SAP).
- Combine vital areas of technology, Big Data, AI and advanced analytics.
RIT’s Accounting Master’s
In RIT’s master’s in accounting analytics pulls together key areas of technology, finance, strategy, analytics, data modeling, and more to help you advance your accounting career.
Accounting Analytics Career Advancement with Hands-on Learning
RIT’s accounting MS students gain insights and career advantages through:
- Guidance through CPA examination and licensure process.
- Conducting research including traditional accounting topics plus technology such as text mining and analysis of accounting reports, and uses of blockchain in accounting, with professors published in the top academic journals.
- Networking opportunities through events like the Accounting Banquet and classroom visits.
- A dedicated career fair for accounting students, in addition to RIT-wide career fairs.
- Next Generation of Accounting club enhancing your studies with activities outside the classroom.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
- Accounts payable specialist
- Accounts receivable specialist
- Assistant controller
- Budget analyst
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Compliance Officer
- Controller
- FBI Investigator
- Financial Analyst
- Forensic Accountant
- Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Junior accountant
- Litigation Consultant
- Management Accountant
- Payroll administrator
- Tax consultant
- Treasurer
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart.
Curriculum
Accounting and Analytics, MS degree, typical course sequence
- ACCT-710: Tax Analysis and Strategy
- ACCT-738: Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Services
- ACCT-740: Comparative Financial Statement Analysis
- ACCT-745: Accounting Information and Analytics
- ACCT-796: Accounting Capstone Experience
- FINC-780: Financial Analytics
- MGIS-650: Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- MGIS Elective
- Graduate Electives
Total Semester Credit Hours: 30
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Accounting and Analytics MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Letters of recommendation are optional.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE or GMAT required for individuals with degrees from international universities. No minimum score requirement.
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method.
Faculty
- Ashok Robin: Professor
- Kean Wu: Associate Professor
- Suzanne McCaffrey: Lecturer
Related News
- August 7, 2024: Accounting and Analytics Catapults Graduates into Advanced Accounting Careers
- June 13, 2024: Saunders Graduate Programs Ranked by Eduniversal 2024
- June 3, 2024: Accomplishments from Saunders Students
Program Outline
Accounting analytics can help an organization answer financial questions by looking at all the data gathered by a company (e.g., transactional data, financial data, investment analysis, etc.) and analyzing this information to gain significant insights, predict future outcomes, or even ascertain risk.
Data Analytics for Accounting: Why Financial Data Matters
There are four key types of data analytics–descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive–and each has a role in helping an accountant report on activity happening within an organization. All four of these types of data can be used to create a full picture of what's happening within a business, what decisions can and should be made, and where growth opportunities lie.
Descriptive analytics tell us what is happening. Descriptive analytics categorizes and classifies a range of information. Accountants can use this trove of data to report on what is happening within a company, from cash flow, revenue and expenses, and inventory, to website traffic and social media analytics.
Diagnostic analytics tell us why something happened. Accountants are skilled at using data to create forecasts and predict trends. Diagnostics analytics is the use of data to determine the causes of trends and the correlations between any number of variables. For example, diagnostic analytics can help examine market demand for a product, can provide insight into why a product’s sales are up or down, or they can help explore correlation or causation between variables.
Predictive analytics tell us what’s going to happen. Will a key piece of machinery break down? Will an organization have enough cash flow in nine months? Should a company anticipate different staffing needs during a specific time period? Predictive analytics helps accountants examine data to forecast a range of different scenarios that can impact drive strategic decision making.
Prescriptive analytics tell us what we should do next. Prescriptive analytics is data-driven decision-making. It’s the use of data to determine a course of action. Social media applications use predictive analytics to determine what content to serve you based on your engagement with past content. Banks analyze transaction histories in order to identify fraud. Data on consumer behavior and shopping patterns can determine new product lines and product improvements. Prescriptive analytics can also point to problems that may arise or decision paths to avoid going down.
RIT’s Accounting Analytics Degree
In RIT’s master’s in accounting analytics, you’ll develop analytics skills to conduct descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis of accounting information. The program pulls together key areas of technology, finance, strategy, analytics, data modeling, and more to help you advance your accounting career.
This innovative accounting analytics program teaches you how technologies and business analytics are used in the accounting profession, with a specific focus on:
- Hands-on experience working with data-science oriented computing languages such as R and Python
- Working knowledge of databases in Structured Query Language (SQL) and Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP)
- Data visualization skills, such as Tableau
- Understanding of essential technologies such as blockchain
As an accountant or business professional seeking career advancement, you’ll benefit from the accounting analytics courses in areas that are making a significant impact on today's business operations, including big data, AI, and advanced analytics based on the foundation of accounting and auditing. You'll be taught business analytics and technology skills by faculty who teach in RIT's nationally ranked program in management information systems.
Analytics for Accountants
Accounting has become quantitative and technology-infused. As a result, an accounting analytics degree can help you manage internally- and externally-collected data, and analyze it in ways that help your organization grow, respond to change, meet consumer exceptions, make financial decisions, and predict and forecast the future. Graduates of RIT’s master’s in accounting analytics are in demand and work for dynamic companies in every single industry.
Students are also interested in: Business Administration MBA, Accounting and Financial Analytics Adv. Cert., Business Analytics MS
Careers and Experiential Learning
Salary and Career Information for Accounting and Analytics MS
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Business co-ops provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your knowledge of business, management, finance, accounting, and related fields in professional settings. You'll make valuable connections between course work and real-world applications as you build a network of professional contacts.
Students in the accounting and analytics MS are encouraged to participate in at least one cooperative education or internship experience.
SHOW MORE
About University
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)
Overview:
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.
Services Offered:
RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support Center:
- Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.
Advising Resources:
- Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Health and Wellness:
- Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.
Athletics and Recreation:
- Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.
Student Leadership:
- Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.
Student Accommodation:
- Offers on-campus housing options for students.
Parking and Transportation:
- Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:
Student Life at RIT Dubai:
- Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.
New Student Orientation:
- Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
American Degree:
- RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.
State-of-the-Art Campus:
- The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.
Study Abroad Options:
- Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.
Global Connectivity:
- RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
Academic Programs:
RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
- Masters of Science in Engineering Management
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
- Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
- Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
Other:
- RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
- The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
- The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.
Total programs
226
Average ranking globally
#442
Average ranking in the country
#132
Admission Requirements
View Printable Curriculum
Accounting and Analytics, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ACCT-710 | Tax Analysis and Strategy |
3 |
A continuation of Basic Taxation. Emphasis is on taxation of business entities, as well as estate and gift taxation and planning. Students use technology to prepare complex returns and to research tax issues. Tax analysis and planning are integrated throughout. Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ACCT-738 | Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Services |
3 |
An examination of the unique risks, controls, and assurance services resulting from and related to auditing financial information systems with an emphasis on enterprise resource systems. (Prerequisites: ACCT-705 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). | ||
| ACCT-740 | Comparative Financial Statement Analysis |
3 |
This course is designed to prepare students to interpret and analyze financial statements effectively. Explores in greater depth some of the financial reporting topics introduced in the core accounting course and includes a discussion of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Prerequisites: ACCT-603 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ACCT-745 | Accounting Information and Analytics |
3 |
The objective for this course is helping students develop a data mindset which prepare them to interact with data scientists from an accountant perspective. This course enables students to develop analytics skills to conduct descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis for accounting information. This course focuses on such topics as data modeling, relational databases, blockchain, visualization, unstructured data, web scraping, and data extraction. (Prerequisites: ACCT-110 or ACCT-603 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer). | ||
| ACCT-796 | Accounting Capstone Experience |
3 |
The principal focus of this course is students completing several projects provided by members of CPA firms and industry employers. Employers provide assignments, which may include data or require students to gather relevant data, and students use defined technology, which may include a variety of applications common in technological accounting practice, to complete projects in teams. Students also write comprehensive individual reports and analyses related to the projects. Peripheral work in the course includes examination of theoretical concepts, definitions, and models espoused in the accounting literature and relevant to analyzing various contemporary issues in financial accounting and reporting. The historical development of accounting standards and contemporary issues in financial reporting are integrated. The course requires writing and student presentations. Subject to approval by the Program Director, an individual student internship/coop followed by an in-depth report may obtain equivalent credit. Lecture 3 (Spring). | ||
| FINC-780 | Financial Analytics |
3 |
This course provides a survey of financial analytics applications in contexts such as investment analysis, portfolio construction, risk management, and security valuation. Students are introduced to financial models used in these applications and their implementation using popular languages such as R, Matlab, and Python, and packages such as Quantlib. A variety of data sources are used: financial websites such as www.finance.yahoo.com, government sites such as www.sec.gov, finance research databases such as WRDS, and especially Bloomberg terminals. Students will complete projects using real-world data and make effective use of visualization methods in reporting results. There are no pre or co-requisites; however, instructor permission is required – student aptitude for quantitative work will be assessed; waived for students enrolled in quantitative programs such as the MS-Computational Finance which have pre-requisites in the areas of calculus, linear algebra, and programming. Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| MGIS-650 | Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence |
3 |
This course serves as an introduction to data analysis including both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Contemporary data analytics and business intelligence tools will be explored through realistic problem assignments. Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
MGIS Elective |
3 | |
Graduate Electives |
6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
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