Course overview
Take control of your financial future with data-driven insights
Accurate financial information is key in any organisation, enabling leaders to make informed decisions, drive growth, and respond to challenges. Effective financial and management accounting are essential for navigating the complexities of the business world, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks. By understanding financial data, leaders can gain valuable insights into their organisation's performance, make strategic decisions, and drive success.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to financial and management accounting, covering the fundamental principles, concepts, and techniques used in modern business. Through a combination of interactive learning materials, real-world examples, and practical exercises, you will learn about financial statements, cost analysis, budgeting, and decision-making. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with accounting professionals, analyse financial data, and make informed decisions that drive your organisation forward.
What you’ll learn
In this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of financial and management accounting, including the purpose and importance of accounting in modern organisations, the components of financial statements and how to analyse and interpret them, and costing, planning, controlling, and decision-making tools for management. You'll develop a solid foundation in the principles and concepts of accounting, enabling you to understand and navigate the financial aspects of your organisation.
You'll also learn about budgeting and budgetary control techniques, Cost-Volume-Profit analysis and its applications, and how to relate accounting to the broader context of strategic and operational considerations in business. By the end of the course, you'll be able to understand and apply key accounting concepts, analyse financial data, and make informed decisions to drive your organisation forward.
Why accounting matters now
Accounting plays a critical role in driving success and sustainability, and its importance extends far beyond the realm of accountants and financial professionals. With the increasing speed of global markets, rapid technological advancements, and shifting regulatory environments, organisations must be able to navigate financial complexities with accuracy and agility. Financial information is a vital tool for anyone looking to make informed decisions, drive growth, and mitigate risk. By understanding the language of accounting, individuals can gain a competitive edge, make smarter decisions, and contribute to the long-term success of their organisation, regardless of their role or industry.
Who should attend
This course is designed for anyone looking to develop an understanding of financial and management accounting, including professionals, managers, and leaders who want to enhance their financial decision-making skills. It's also suitable for individuals in non-financial roles who need to interact with financial data and make informed decisions, such as marketing, operations, and sales professionals. Additionally, this course may serve as a starting point for those interested in transitioning into an accounting-related role.
How you’ll learn
This is an MBA online course delivered over 12 weeks, with approximately 100 hours of study.
You'll learn through a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, case studies, and online tutorials. The online tutorials are live interactive sessions where you will review the topics covered in lectures using case studies or other materials to help embed and deepen your understanding. These are a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from the other participants. Online tutorials are typically scheduled every 2 weeks on weekdays from 12–2pm, most often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with final scheduling confirmed within eight weeks of the course start date.
Participants will be joining the existing Online MBA cohort, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking and idea exchange. The pace is designed to work alongside a full-time role but assumes steady weekly engagement.
Assessment and certification
During the course, you will complete two individual assessments. These are designed to embed your learning of the core operational and strategic accounting skills you have developed during the course. The assessment will help you practically apply your newly acquired skills and strategies in your workplace.
On successful completion, you will receive a University of Edinburgh Business School certificate, plus 10 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits, equivalent to 5 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. These credits can be put towards the University of Edinburgh MBA or Online MBA.
Course impact
With the skills and knowledge gained from this course, you'll be empowered to drive meaningful change and improvement within your organisation. You'll be able to make more informed financial decisions, drive business growth, and improve your organisation's overall financial health. The course will also enable you to communicate more effectively with financial stakeholders and contribute to the development of strategic plans and initiatives. As a result, you'll be well-positioned to take on new challenges, contribute to your organisation's success, and advance your career.
Course lead – Lecturer in Accounting
The delivering Lecturer is an experienced academic who has spent several years working as an assistant professor in Accounting prior to joining the University of Edinburgh Business School.
His research interests focus on the sociology of the accounting profession, a critical analysis of account field and its structure in the post-Soviet countries and emerging economies.
Course dates
2 June 2027 – 31 August 2027
Course fees
£2000
Application terms
Applications are accepted until 5pm UK time on Tuesday 18 May 2027.
Our participants typically hold a 2:1 honours degree or higher. We do, however, take a holistic view of every application. If your academic background does not meet these specific criteria, your application may still be considered if supported by a good professional track record.
Successful applicants must also evidence a minimum of three years’ management experience.
Before applying, please ensure you have gathered all the required supporting documents, including a CV and your sponsor letter (if applicable). For further details, please see the application form.
Cancellation requests must be received by 5pm UK time on Wednesday 9 June 2027 to qualify for a full refund. After this date, a refund will no longer be possible.
For more information about this course, please email us: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk