Cambridge to coach financial change agents

Cambridge University’s Judge Business School has launched a new part-time Master of Accounting degree (Cambridge MAcc) to develop global thought leaders in financial information.

The two-year programme will be run in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and is designed to groom ‘change agents’ for the finance industries.

Candidate applications open on September 18 for the programme’s first student cohort beginning in autumn 2018. The new Cambridge MAcc degree programme will offer weekend classes allowing students to continue their current employment, while drawing on the academic and cultural richness of the Cambridge experience.

The Cambridge MAcc will focus on developing students’ ability to make financially relevant decisions in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity, by relying on knowledge of accounting standards and statistical techniques in conjunction with judgment and discretion. 

It was formulated in consultation with senior practitioners and employers, who endorsed the programme’s aim to develop critical and innovative thinking in financial information.

Core courses include accounting applications for data science, predictive analytics and strategic performance management, and the programme also examines topical issues, such as blockchain and accounting issues revolving around global climate change. Students will also further develop professional skills such as interpersonal dynamics and negotiation.

Dr Willis said: “We are looking to develop genuine change agents who will guide how the world processes and interprets financial information going forward. Our target student is likely early career, on the fast track, and often asks ‘why’ when challenging how financial information is developed and handled.

“We think we are uniquely positioned to gather these talented students from around the world and share ideas about how to predict and steer the complex future they face in this business.”

More details are at www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/programmes/macc/

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Dr Michael Willis, director of the new programme