In today's increasingly intricate business environment, more professionals are feeling a need to enhance themselves beyond their own specialist stream.
Accounting and corporate finance management are widely applicable subject areas that all sorts of executives find useful as they advance to more senior positions.
Heeding this growing demand, the Chinese University teamed up with Shanghai National Accounting Institute in 2004 to marry the university's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree and the institute's CFO Professional Certificate under the MAcc programme targeted mainly at seasoned executives and professionals. This is a unique initiative in Hong Kong, and has drawn increased applications not just locally but also from the mainland, according to Dr Oliver Rui Meng , director of the MAcc programme.
'This is a very attractive combination, especially for middle level managers seeking to take their career further,' said Dr Rui. 'Our Master of Accountancy degree is accredited by leading international authorities such as AACSB International and the Federation of Schools of Accountancy. The CFO Professional Certificate is a leading professional qualification in China, and we are the only programme outside of the mainland to offer the certificate. It is particularly useful to people working in the mainland or involved with business there.'
Although the MAcc programme is open to applicants from any educational and career background, it imposes demanding eligibility requirements on their academic achievements, professional qualifications and work experience. Dr Rui said this was to ensure high standards of the programme and the benefits it generated for its students.
'Our students will do more than just updating their knowledge and gaining useful qualifications. They will also build useful networks and benefit from sharing with other students of a high calibre,' said Dr Rui.
'About one-third of our students have no accounting or finance background. Some of them work in information technology, sales and marketing, for example, and many come from major local and international companies. The diverse background of our students enhances the scope and quality of sharing and exchange in class.'
