Business Economics - Accoutancy

Overview

Key facts

The study programme in Business Economics - Accoutancy at Ghent University studies the financial reporting process in organisations. On the one hand, financial reporting aims to inform investors, shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and the government about the organisation’s performance. Important aspects are the liquidity, solvability and profitability of the organisation. That communication occurs, to a considerable extent, via the annual report. On the other hand, the financial reporting system provides management with indispensable information that allows them to make accurate policy decisions. This discipline studies that last aspect within the Management Control course, while other courses investigate financial reporting based on international reporting standards (IAS/IFRS) and check the reliability (auditing) of financial reporting. Specific attention is paid to scientific research methods within the field of accountancy. Finally, supervised work sessions aim to integrate scientific research and questions that are relevant to the job. Several courses use a problem-driven methodology in which students analyse and work out specific case studies in small groups.

Labour Market

The largest outlet for Business Economics graduates is the business world. We find graduates in every possible position within companies and social profit organisations. Most graduates start their career in the discipline that they choose in the master’s programme. After a few years this often shifts. Some graduates are given greater responsibilities within the original field and become a Marketing Manager or Financial Director. Others expand their career within a different functional field or are promoted to general management posts. The broad orientation of the programme makes such career moves easier. A significant number of graduates choose what is called an economic profession: accountant, corporate consultant, fiscal advisor, registered accountant, etc. These professions can be practised as an employee or as a self-employed person. Finally, we also find Business Economics graduates in banks, insurance companies, government services and services close to the government. Some examples of jobs in which Business Economics graduates start: auditor, cost price expert (controller), financial director, financial consultant (IPOs, company acquisitions), marketing manager and market researcher.