Management Accounting and Control

In rapidly evolving business landscapes, defining strategy is only the beginning, true success lies in effective execution. Managers need reliable financial and non-financial information to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and steer their organisations in the right direction.

The MSc in Management Accounting and Control (MAC) trains you to become a finance and business expert who can support management in formulating and implementing strategy. You will learn how to apply management accounting and financial management techniques, and combine them with insights from strategy, human behaviour, change management, and data analytics. This unique combination prepares you to provide valuable strategic advice and support decision-making in areas such as market expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and organisational change.

Graduates of the MSc MAC are in very high demand. Many start their careers as management accountants, business controllers, or consultants in financial or strategic roles. Others pursue careers in business development, HR, or sales, and over time move into senior positions such as financial manager or general manager. Employers value MAC graduates for their ability to combine financial expertise with strategic insight and strong communication skills.

Management Accounting & Control Programme

From Bachelor to Master

Students with a BSc in International Business, Business Administration, Economics and Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research, or Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Groningen have direct access to the MSc MAC.

For students with other academic backgrounds, admission may also may also be eligible but need to complete additional courses depending on prior coursework in finance, accounting, and management.

The MSc MAC itself is a one-year full-time programme (60 EC), with start dates in September and February.

MSc Management Accounting & Control

The MSc MAC programme balances finance, accounting, and strategy within the broader context of business and management.

Key features:

Unique positioning: one of the few Master’s programmes in the Netherlands that explicitly places financial issues within a wider business and strategy context.
Focus areas: specialise further in themes such as Future Prosperity and Sustainability, Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, or Energy Transition and Climate Change.
Personalisation: choose from a wide range of electives to match your career ambitions from digital business and AI, to sustainability management, financial reporting, HRM, healthcare, and marketing.
Practical relevance: apply theory in real-world cases and often combine your Master’s thesis with an internship.
Small-scale and highly valued: with around 50 students per year, the programme is medium-sized and consistently receives excellent evaluations.
Internationally accredited: by AACSB and EQUIS, placing Groningen among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.

Throughout the programme you will develop strategic, analytical, and communicative skills, enabling you to translate financial and management information into actionable advice for organisations.

Financial Controlling Tour

17 until 19 November 2025

A&C / MAC Activity

12 February 2026 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM

Study Choice Coach

Are you considering a (Pre-)Master MAC 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.