Career Opportunities
The programme positions its graduates to compete for careers in the finance teams of leading global companies and equips students for employment in these key areas:
(1) Finance Teams
Large Irish and multinational companies have many opportunities in their finance teams. Students who have completed a UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School degree are considered by many employers to have developed their accounting and financial management knowledge and skills to a level that means they can make an immediate contribution. The analytics, sustainability and technology expertise that can be developed on the programme gives graduates a significant advantage with organisations that need those skills combined with accounting and finance skills.
(2) Accounting Practice
Many roles are open in accounting practice to graduates of this programme. Leading accounting services firms will recognise the knowledge and skills developed in this programme, especially the analytics, AI and sustainability skills.
(3) Funds Accounting/Administration
There are many opportunities in the Dublin International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) for graduates of this programme in fund administration and accounting roles.
94% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. (Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in December 2023.) Many of the graduates go on to join the accounting profession as professionally qualified accountants due to the exemptions available.*
* Subject to module choice and approval from awarding professional bodies. More information will be available in summer 2024.
Note: This programme is designed to prepare students for a career in professional accountancy or financial services. Applicants should note that it is not a suitable preparatory programme for PhD studies.
Companies hiring our graduates include
Alumni Insight
Ross Donovan
MSc Accounting & Financial Management 2020, Finance Project Manager at DCC Vital
"The MSc in Accounting & Financial Management helped increase my knowledge in an area of interest and broaden my career opportunities. The course combines financial accounting and strategic management accounting concepts. This leaves the door open for students to pursue employment in practice or industry. The multicultural nature of the class added to the learning experience. I now look forward to putting what I have learned into practice as I take up a position as a Finance Project Manager."
UCD Careers Network
The UCD Smurfit Career Development Centre team will work with you to define your career path and support you in developing the career-related skills, know-how, and confidence to pursue your post-MSc career goals.
Our holistic programme is designed to support you at key points in your career development. Our programme is structured into three key stages, designed to support you in building and driving your own career.
A variety of workshops, events, one-to-one career appointments and access to a range of online tools and resources prepare you for future opportunities.
Getting Started: Set-up for Success
Building Career Skills & Professional Networks
Success at Interview and Professional Brand Building
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
