Accountancy & Controlling

An accountant audits financial reports, ensures compliance with regulations, and provides assurance to external stakeholders such as management, investors, banks, tax authorities, and suppliers. There is often a distorted image of the profession: many imagine accountants sitting behind a desk all day working with spreadsheets. In reality, accountants often work in young, dynamic teams, visit a variety of companies, and gain unique insights into how organisations operate. Because they regularly interact with clients and management, it is essential to be strong in communication as well as in analysis.

A controller focuses more on the finance and management side of organisations. Controllers design information systems, analyse risks, and provide insights that help management steer the organisation. There are two main types of controllers:

  • A Financial Controller focuses on financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and ensuring that the financial administration of an organisation is accurate and efficient.

  • A Business Controller works more closely with management, translating financial data into strategic advice, supporting investment decisions, and evaluating business performance.

In short: controllers produce, interpret, and advise based on the figures, while accountants verify and validate them for external stakeholders.

Because of the growing shortage of both accountants and controllers, graduates are highly sought after. Whether you aim to work as an auditor in an international accountancy firm, a Financial Controller safeguarding accurate reporting, or a Business Controller guiding strategic choices, you will find that the job market offers a wide range of opportunities with excellent career prospects

As a graduate, you will be qualified for a wide range of roles:

  • Auditor in an international or national accountancy firm.

  • Business Controller or Financial Controller in large corporations, SMEs, or public institutions.

  • Consultant advising on financial risk, compliance, or sustainability.

  • Sustainability Controller or Manager, contributing to the transition towards responsible business practices.

A&C Programme

Bachelor: Business Administration with Accountancy & Controlling profile

The BSc in Business Administration takes three years (full-time). In the first year, you receive a broad introduction to all areas of business: marketing, strategy, organisation, finance, and accounting.

In the second year, you choose your specialisation profile. If you select Accountancy & Controlling, you will start focusing on subjects such as financial reporting, auditing, taxation, risk analysis, and management control. You also learn how to link financial information to decision-making processes within organisations.

In the third year, you continue in your chosen profile and prepare for your Bachelor’s thesis. Successfully completing this Bachelor gives you direct access to the MSc in Accountancy & Controlling, but also to many other Master’s programmes at the University of Groningen, such as Business Administration, International Financial Management, or HRM.

This means that even though the profile is specific, you still keep flexibility if you later decide to pursue a different path.

Pre-Msc Accountancy & Controlling

If your previous studies do not fully match the entry requirements, you may need to complete a one-year Pre-Master. This track equips you with the necessary academic background in finance, accounting, and business administration to start the MSc well-prepared.

MSc Accountancy & Controlling

The one-year MSc in Accountancy & Controlling deepens your expertise and prepares you for the professional field. You will study how technological innovations, sustainability, and regulation shape financial reporting and decision-making.

In Groningen, you can choose from three specialisation profiles:

  • Accountancy: auditing, fraud detection, assurance, and the auditor’s role in society.

  • Controlling: finance, management control, risk management, and supporting strategic decisions.

  • Sustainability Management & Controlling: integrating sustainability into financial reporting, governance, and strategy.

The MSc combines theory with practice through interactive teaching and assignments, giving you the tools to work in an environment where regulations, technologies, and sustainability requirements are constantly evolving.

Executive Masters: the path to RA or RC

After completing the MSc, you can choose to continue with one of Groningen’s Executive Masters. These programmes are part-time (1.5-2 years) and designed for students who combine study with relevant work experience.

  • To become a Registered Accountant (RA), you follow the Executive Master of Accountancy. Groningen is the only university in the Netherlands where you can follow this NVAO-accredited route. Alongside your MSc, you obtain a second Master’s degree and work towards the RA title.

  • To become a Registered Controller (RC), you follow the Executive Master in Finance and Control, preparing you for strategic financial leadership and the RC designation.

With these Executive Masters, Groningen offers the full pathway from Bachelor to professional qualification, something not available anywhere else in the Netherlands.

Events for Your Study

Ready to put theory into practice, discover exciting career paths, and connect with leading companies? Sign up now for one of these events!

Accountancy Day

today from 8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
BSc A&C
MSc A&C
Network

Accountancy Tour Amsterdam

22 until 23 September 2025
Network
MSc A&C

Financial Controlling Tour

17 until 19 November 2025
Controlling
Finance
Network

A&C / MAC Activity

12 February 2026 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM
MSc A&C/MAC
View all events

Study Choice Coach

Are you considering a Bachelor or (Pre-)Master A&C but unsure which path to take? FSG can help! We’ll connect you with an experienced member who can provide guidance, answer your questions, and share their insights to help you make the right choice for your academic journey.

Sign up!