Program Design and contents
Executive Master of Finance & Control/Registered Controller
The Executive Master of Finance & Control/Registered Controller consists of 4 semesters of 5 months each. Each semester covers academic subjects, business projects and practical skills. You finish the program with a Master’s thesis on a real-world management control problem in your own organization.
Contents
Semester 1
The program starts with Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems. This module is all about risks and how to avert and minimize their adverse impact. The first semester focuses on the reliability of financial information. The Management Accounting & Control module mainly examines how accounting information can prompt desired behavior in the employees of the organization. These two modules lay a solid foundation for the following semesters.
Semester 2
This semester continues with Internal Control & Accounting Information Systems, mainly by zooming in on strategic and business risks, as well as the impact of IT trends. It also looks at strategic management and the related question of how to ensure that strategic goals are actually achieved. In Corporate Finance, instructors translate current financial issues into the modern controller’s professional field. The semester ends with a brief module on how to conduct a high-quality audit on an organization.
Semester 3
Financial Accounting and Reporting covers external reporting for organizations, largely based on information prepared by the controller. This means that proper knowledge, understanding and skills and the right attitude towards this topic are critical for registered accountants (“RAs”) and treasurers as well as for controllers. The Tax Law module expands on legal and fiscal principles. This covers the international perspective, to provide support in the international reporting and financing that involves controllers. In Corporate Law, we look at specific case studies and current case law to examine the responsibility and liability of directors, supervisory board members and shareholders.
Semester 4
One of the challenges facing modern controllers is big data (analytics). The Information Management module takes a practical approach to this, with topics like blockchain, IT investments, data-driven work, and IT governance. Production and Logistics Management provides a clear understanding of the importance of integral chain management, with the use of a management game. TIAS strives for final graduation projects that impact the organization: which is why this semester also includes a module on Change and Implementation.
Time investment
The program lasts 22 months (incl. thesis) and consists of four semesters of approximately 13 weeks.
There are two program start dates each year: in the autumn in Tilburg and in the spring in Utrecht. At both locations, weekly classes are held on Fridays throughout the semester, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Friday was intentionally chosen as the designated course day. Many finance professionals find that Friday offers the best opportunity to step back from daily operations. It provides space to reflect, explore complex challenges, and gain fresh insights that can be immediately applied in practice. As such, Friday serves as a powerful day for reflection and professional growth.
There are no substantive differences between the training locations. The teaching team is also almost identical.
The study load during the semesters is estimated by participants at 16 to 20 hours per week (including the class day itself). There are various educational periods during the 22 months. The success rates are high: 70 to 90 percent of the participant obtains the EMFC diploma within two years of the start.
Result
Graduates of this Executive Master program are awarded the protected title of “Executive Master of Finance and Control” (“EMFC” after their name). Because this program is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (the “NVAO”) as a Master of Science, you may also use the internationally recognized title “MSc”. You also enjoy automatic admission to the Register of the Netherlands Association of Registered Controllers (the “VRC”), after which you can use the professional title “RC”.
A word from our Academic Director
“As the Academic Director, I see how financial professionals develop themselves in every program. They gradually start asking different questions, and explore new approaches to solutions. Not only do they become excellently versed in finance and control, they also grow into the role of business partner for the Management of their organization. This means the added value of participants starts growing during the program itself. The program is challenging, but our unique approach is proven to minimize delayed graduation and dropping out. This program is our shared investment. We’ll be happy to tell you more!” Prof. Dr. Michael Corbey, PHD
A word from one of our participants
“I already had a master’s degree in finance and extensive experience in finance roles for large multinationals. I approach everything with an open mind, including when I started the program, with the intention of learning from other people. Through different learning methods, plenty of interaction, presentations, and current business cases, many things I already knew were presented from a different perspective and tested in practice. I learn a lot from that. It gives me confidence in myself — that I see things correctly and can address them. But it also gives me the confidence to stand firmly behind myself and the company’s vision.”
Brigit Verschuren
