Bachelor of International Finance & Accounting

Would you like to play a part in the world of international finance or are you just interested in studying with people from all over the world? Then International Finance and Accounting (IFA) at Saxion University of Applied Sciences is a degree to consider. IFA is a study path of the study program Finance and Control.

Theory and practical experience go hand in hand. This degree is an excellent basis for a career in business or public service in your own country or abroad. It also offers the possibility to do your Master's at a university in or outside of The Netherlands. The content is similar to that of the Dutch Finance and Control degree.

ACCA - Accelerate Programme

The partnership between ACCA and Saxion UAS offers graduates of the Bachelor of International Finance and Accounting the option to add ‘ACCA Student’ to their CV. This enhances your employability and shows your commitment to a future in accounting, finance and business management. It gives you an early start to a successful career.

The First Year

Working on basic knowledgThe e
The focus this year will be on the basic knowledge you will need as a financial specialist. You will participate in lectures on micro- and macroeconomics, financial management, accounting, international law, taxation and business communication.

International Finance and Accounting programme is structured around the following themes:

​Financial Management

Emphasis in this course is on issues of Investment and Financing. We will discuss: investment selection methods, the functioning of the stock exchange, valuation of shares and bonds, risk measures, the theory of MM, mergers/take-overs and the functioning of derivatives (options, futures). What risks are associated with investing abroad and mergers with (take-overs by) foreign companies?

​Financial Accounting

The Financial Accounting course can be divided into three areas: Annual Accounting/Reporting (for example the relevance, reliability and comparability of information in the Annual Report), International Financial Accounting (about IFRS, US-GAAP and the different accounting traditions) and Business Administration.

​Management Accounting

In this course planning and management activities of business are addressed. Topics are: expenses and net price, stock rating, performance assessment, budgeting and control and quality management (TQM, Six Sigma, etcetera). We will also discuss different management and reward systems and styles and see that they strongly depend on the cultural background of the company.

​Professional Skills

Other essential professional skills that we will cover, such as Computer Skills, Professional Communication, Business English, Intercultural Groupwork and Ethics.

​Internship

During your internship you work independently on professional tasks in a business organization in The Netherlands or abroad. You get to experience the coherence between the various disciplines within an organization as well as working under time pressure.

The Second Year

Developing an international perspective
In the second year we will dive into the field of finance more deeply. You will learn how to look at economic relations, financial markets, currency markets and accounting from an international perspective.

The Third year

From theory to international practice
In the third year you will deepen your knowledge of financial and management accounting and auditing and you will further improve your research skills. Furthermore you will deploy your knowledge and skills during your internship in an international business environment.

The Fourth Year

Doing your minor and writing your Research and Advisory Report
Your minor is very valuable for your future professional situation or follow-up study. During your minor you can either study a specific topic in-depth or broaden your range of courses. You will continue your studies by writing your Research and Advisory Report. The periods both take half a year and you will spend one of these semesters in a country other than your own.

Job opportunities

With a degree in Finance and Control, you can be employed at a wide range of internationally oriented companies, which could be a bank, insurance company, multinational, or the European Union.

CloseFinancial Accountant

• Strongly involved in statutory reporting and sees to it that it adheres to International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Involved in the end-of-month closing and reporting to management.
• Responsible for the continuous improvement and development of accounting processes.
• Responsible for meeting time requirements regarding local tax and statutory requirements.
• Builds excellent working relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Led business-required projects for OPEX improvements.

Financial Controller

• Does the first analysis and review of business input for the monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
• Takes follow-up action for clarification and corrections towards all geographies.
• Provides support on group cash management administration of the financial transactions in line with guidelines and
• regulations to ensure timely, complete, and correct capturing of data.
• Review balance sheets and the P&L classification of accounts used.
• Prepares IFRS position papers for new International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Assists in M&A activities.

Financial Analyst

• Carries out revenue and membership analysis.
• Does receivable review for risk analysis.
• Prepares (for) audits.
• Does reports and reviews.
• Does ad-hoc reporting as requested.
• Participates in project work.

You can also think of professions like...

• Financial Planner
• ​Financial Manager
• Treasurer
• Stock Market Analyst
• Portfolio Manager
• Policy Advisor
• Financial Advisor