Choose the controlling profile in Groningen to learn how to analyze financial data, provide insights to support strategic decision-making, and ensure the organization's financial health.
How can controllers help to ensure that the organization achieves its strategic objectives? How can you optimize the financial resources within the organization, balancing the need for efficiency and profitability? What measures can you implement to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the organization's success in an ever-changing economic landscape?
In the Controlling profile of the MSc Accountancy and Controlling you will learn about the multifaceted role controllers play in addressing financial and non-financial information and economic and sustainability challenges. The programme in Groningen emphasizes the information needs of managers and other internal stakeholders and highlights the controller’s role as the “financial conscience” of the organization. You will gain knowledge of change processes implicated in new accounting techniques and systems and focus on the financial, technical, and sustainability aspects of management accounting.
Financial transparency, the rising importance of data analytics and business expansion have led to a growing demand for controllers. Our graduates gain the necessary knowledge and skills to steer organizations towards responsible and successful financial practices. Depending on your career goals, you could start working in companies such as Skania, Wehkamp, KPMG, and the Dutch Ministry of Finance.
Did you know you can continue with a second degree in Groningen, the Executive Master in Finance and Control and become a certified controller (RC)?
Your programme starts with a course about management accounting change processes. This course teaches how you can manage the implementation processes of new accounting techniques and systems. This course is accompanied by a course that trains you to design and use a variety of management accounting techniques. In doing so, you will be able to identify the purpose of accounting systems in different situations and understand how they influence the organization's planning, control and decision-making. Also, you will take a course in strategy in order to understand how you can control the strategic direction of your organization.
Further on in your programme, you will take courses that focus on the impact of big data and technological innovations on the internal control of the organization. Additionally, these courses address several other technological innovations (such as blockchain and cloud computing) and threats (such as ransomware and identity fraud) are discussed in the courses. Simultaneously, you will take a course that prepares you to make a successful start on your graduate thesis. Many different topics are possible; past topics include: how does the use of technologically advanced tools affect the role of the controller? And: How can you measure the environmental burden of the chemical industries?
As you work on your thesis, you can take two additional courses to complete your programme: in the course Research in Management Control, you will get acquainted with the newest insights in your specialization. The course Value-based Management trains you to assess the long-term value potential of new business proposals and most importantly, how to avoid the trap of short-term gains.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VakkenVakkencatalogus > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Management Accounting Change (5 EC) | ||||
| Management Accounting Techniques (5 EC) | ||||
| Strategic & Organizational Design (5 EC) | ||||
| Data-driven Control (5 EC) | ||||
| IT in Control (5 EC) | ||||
| Research in Accounting and Control (5 EC) | ||||
| Research in Management Control (5 EC) | ||||
| Master's Thesis Controlling (20 EC) | ||||
| Value-based Management (5 EC) | ||||
| Programma-opties |
|---|
| Healthy Society Focus Area (specialisatie) Focus on tackling problems that impact healthcare providers and their societal partners in their day-to-day work. Issues such as scarce human resources combined with a higher, more complex demand for care, and more demanding citizens require solutions, which you will think about and design. |
| Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialisatie) Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook. |
| Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialisatie) Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector. |
| Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialisatie) Are you interested in an international career in or involving China? Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture. |
| Master Internship (specialisatie) Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study. You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester. |
A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. If you wish to spend a semester abroad, you must extend the study period by one additional semester. Please discuss this with the programme coordinator as study exchanges are not arranged by the MSc A&C programme. You would need to arrange the exchange independently. If you choose to apply for the Double degree master Chinese Economy and Finance and are selected, then you can spend one year abroad in Shanghai.
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Alle HBO instellingen |
Via een pre-master van maximaal Non-standard Pre-Master For students who acquired a HBO diploma in Business Economics, a HBO Finance & Control or a diploma HBO AC without the Overall Test (OAT). Standard Pre-Master For all other HBO diplomas, a standard Pre-Master is offered. For more information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster |
|
| Accountancy | Alle HBO instellingen |
Via een pre-master van maximaal For HBO Accountancy graduates (30 ECTS) The accelerated programme is available for students who acquired a HBO diploma in Accountancy. A necessary requirement to be admitted to the programme is that you have passed the Overall Exam. For more information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrijfskunde - Accountancy and Controlling | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Drempelloze toelating Extra informatie:For students who follow the profile Accountancy and Controlling, there are no additional requirements. |
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Toelating onder voorwaarden Extra informatie:You need to complete the minor in Management Control If you do not have a minor in Management Control, please contact the study study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
| Sociologie | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Via een pre-master Extra informatie:You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Bedrijfskunde - Business and Management | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Toelating onder voorwaarden Extra informatie:Students who follow the profile Business and Management: you need to complete the minor in Management Control If you do not have a minor in Management Control, please contact the study study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
| Econometrie en Operationele Research | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Via een pre-master Extra informatie:You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Technische Bedrijfskunde | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Via een pre-master Extra informatie:You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Bedrijfskunde - Technology Management | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Toelating onder voorwaarden Extra informatie:Students who follow the profile Technology Management: you need to complete the minor in Management Control If you do not have a minor in Management Control, please contact the study study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
| Psychologie | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Via een pre-master Extra informatie:You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| International Business | Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |
Toelating onder voorwaarden Extra informatie:In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Actuariële Wetenschappen | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Business Analytics | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Econometrics and Data Science | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Economics and Business Economics | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Fiscale Economie | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Business Administration | Universiteit van Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Business Engineering | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Econometrie en Operationele Research | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Fiscale Economie | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| International Business | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Maastricht University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Fiscale Economie | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Econometrie en Operationele Research | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Bedrijfskunde | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| International Business Administration | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Economie en Beleid | Wageningen University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Bedrijfs- en Consumentenwetenschappen | Wageningen University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | Nyenrode Business Universiteit |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Business Administration | Nyenrode Business Universiteit |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Universiteit Twente |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Tilburg University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Economie | Tilburg University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Econometrie en Operationele Research | Tilburg University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Fiscale Economie | Tilburg University |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Universiteit Utrecht |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Business Analytics | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Econometrie en Operationele Research | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Bedrijfskunde | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| International Business Administration | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Economie en Bedrijfseconomie | Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Bedrijfskunde | Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen |
Via een pre-master van maximaal You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Vooropleiding | Organisatie | Instroom |
|---|---|---|
| Bestuurskunde | Universiteit Leiden |
Via een pre-master van maximaal For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and management: you need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Informatica | Universiteit Leiden |
Via een pre-master van maximaal For students following the profile Computer Science & Economics: you need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| Specifieke eisen | Extra informatie |
|---|---|
| vooropleiding |
To be eligible for admission to this Master's, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Business Economics or Business Administration with a specialization in Accountancy and Controlling; the content of the programme has to meet specific requirements; for instance, it needs to include courses in Accounting Internal Control. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| Type student | Deadline | Start opleiding |
|---|---|---|
| Nederlandse studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| EU/EEA studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| 15 oktober 2025 | 01 februari 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| 15 oktober 2025 | 01 februari 2026 |
| Specifieke eisen | Extra informatie |
|---|---|
| vooropleiding |
To be eligible for admission to this Master's, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Business Economics or Business Administration with a specialization in Accountancy and Controlling; the content of the programme has to meet specific requirements; for instance, it needs to include courses in Accounting Internal Control. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. |
| erkende verworven competenties (EVC's) |
A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre. |
| taaltoets cijfer |
IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176). |
| overige toelatingseisen |
Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes . |
Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.
| Type student | Deadline | Start opleiding |
|---|---|---|
| Nederlandse studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| EU/EEA studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| 15 oktober 2025 | 01 februari 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA studenten | 01 mei 2025 | 01 september 2025 |
| 15 oktober 2025 | 01 februari 2026 |
| Nationaliteit | Jaar | Kosten | Vorm |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EER | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | voltijd |
| niet EU/EER | 2024-2025 | € 20800 | voltijd |
Praktische informatie voor:
Controllers play a crucial role in optimizing resources, managing risks, and implementing financial strategies, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of businesses.
Our graduates are employed by profit and non-profit organizations, where they prepare budgets and reports, make cost calculations, assess investment proposals and design performance measurement systems. Strategic decision-making, IT solutions, and risk management are also examples of subjects a controller deals with. Finally, as the financial “conscience” of the organization, controllers make solicited and unsolicited recommendations to line managers to ensure that the organization is, and remains, in control.
As a controller, you may want to pursue a Chartered Management Accountant qualification (optional). You can follow the Executive Master of Finance and Control (EMFC). This part-time programme lasts two years, and – after completion – allows you to use the title Executive Master in Finance & Control and the Dutch equivalent 'registercontroller'.
Your courses are taught by a mix of practitioners, bringing a wealth of practical experience, and academics. The latter are engaged in cutting-edge research in your field and bring the newest insights. For example, their projects include: how can healthcare institutions control resource scarcity? What is the impact of AI on the work of controllers? And, does it pay for controllers to use internal company documents to manage the impressions of managers? The scope of research is wide, so there are bound to be domains that will particularly interest you.
