The traditional lines between accounting and finance are blurring. Increasingly, employers seek professionals who can navigate both disciplines and leverage technology to drive decisions. Starting this fall, Willamette’s new Master’s in Accounting & Finance will meet this demand head-on, equipping students to lead in this evolving and growing sector through an integrated curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a strong foundation in technology.
While many graduate programs limit students to either area, Willamette’s new program enables students to combine these two highly complementary fields. The degree can be completed in just one year, giving graduates a leg up in their job search and the flexibility to work and lead across sectors.
“The combination of accounting and finance is particularly powerful in today’s job market,” says Romana Autrey, Dean of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management and Associate Professor of Accounting. “These jobs are projected to grow faster than average relative to other professions, making this a high-ROI degree for our graduates.”
Home to Oregon’s top MBA, the program builds upon the Atkinson Graduate School of Management’s existing strengths, including its strong alumni network in the financial services industry.
Rooted in Willamette’s commitment to hands-on experiential learning, the new program moves students quickly beyond the classroom to solve real-world problems. Students will access Atkinson’s world-class suite of experiential programs, taking a seat at the table with Willamette’s first-of-its-kind Angel Fund, managing a live portfolio in the O’Neill Student Investment Fund, and directing capital for social impact through the Philanthropic Investment program.
Autrey says that candidates for finance positions who also have accounting knowledge are highly sought after. In the midst of a severe shortage of accountants across sectors, experience with finance can help applicants for accounting jobs be even more prepared to help fill that gap. Mastery of both fields also gives students the flexibility to pivot across fields throughout their careers.
Masters in Accounting & Finance graduates will leave Willamette with a strong foundation for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinations, with coursework specially designed to prepare students for the rigors of professional licensing.
A strong foundation for a rapidly-changing financial world
The program’s focus on technology will help students master the tools they need to take on the next generation of accounting and finance challenges. For example, the course “Automation, Coding, and Computational Thinking” will prepare students to harness artificial intelligence and automation tools in their work. The curriculum will prepare students to apply forecasting, automation, and computational thinking directly to financial problems.
“This program sits right at the frontier of finance and accounting: it equips students with the technical, analytical, and ethical grounding to harness these tools thoughtfully,” Autrey says.
In a rapidly-changing economy, students will leave the program prepared to lead with broad skill-sets, a strong foundation in emerging technologies, and real-world experience. Autrey is excited to see the new program launch this fall.
“Helping the next generation step into an exciting future — and to lead that change rather than just react to it — is an incredibly rewarding part of this work,” Autrey says.
