Graduate Program (Masters in Accounting or Finance) - US or UK?

Question

Hi there. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Systems from my home country of Malaysia. I wouldn't call it a mistake but after almost four years of soul searching, I have come to the conclusion that IT is not my cup of tea and I am now seriously pondering a change in career.

My options are: i) Master of Accounting (MAcc), ii) Master of Science in Finance (MSc), iii) MBA with concentration in either Accounting or Finance, iv) Master of Science in both Accounting & Finance.

Considering the fact that I haven't got a pure Finance/Accounting background, which option should I really pursue? Secondly, I am torn between doing my Masters in the US or the UK, as graduate programs in both countries differ a great deal in terms of syllabus and subjects offered. Being an international student I would prefer a program which is recognised worldwide should I decide to try my luck in exotic places like Dubai/Shanghai etc as an expat later in my career.

Many thanks. :)

Answer 1

My question to you would be what about IT don't you like?

Because from my own experience, accounting and finance mirror IT in a lot of aspects.

Now to your question, the country of your degree should probably be where you want to work. Many US corporations look unfavorably at foreign accounting degrees. I recruited exclusively in Accounting for 4 years and know how very anal and close-minded CPA's in the states can be. Nearly every controller and CFO I worked with required accredited US degrees.

If you do not possess any experience, the double major would be much more impressive to a future employer.

Good luck to you

Answer 2

The MBA gives you the most options. The accounting degree locks you into being an accountant. The MS in Finance locks you into being a financial engineer -- and would probably require you to do more mathematics (unless you want a MS from a lesser school). The MBA does not lock you into any one career path.

As for the US vs UK -- if you are good enough to get into a top school, then the US is the place. The UK only has one MBA program in the top 10 (LBS), while the US has eight. The 30th ranked US MBA program is better than the 2nd ranked UK MBA program.

Answer 3

A degree at a registered university is not the same as a degree at an accredited university. Accreditation matters if you are going into a "professional" career. (business, education, anything medical, etc.)