The Schulich School of Business at York University and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have announced a partnership that will lead to a second globally recognized accreditation pathway for Schulich MBA and master of accounting students, as well as advanced standing for ACCA members pursuing an MBA at Schulich.
The ACCA pathway will enable Schulich MBA students specializing in accounting, and Schulich master of accounting students, to tailor their education and directly enter professional level exams for the ACCA designation upon graduation.
ACCA members, and affiliates with an undergraduate degree, may also receive advanced standing toward earlier completion of a Schulich MBA or master of accounting (MAcc) degree under the agreement.
Schulich has official accreditation with the Canadian accountancy body, through which students may work toward certification upon graduation.
The Schulich-ACCA partnership was announced at the ACCA’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto on June 16. The theme of the AGM was “Diversity and Inclusion: Linking Culture and Accounting”, with speakers including Stephen Shea who holds an MBA degree from Schulich and is the managing partner of talent at Ernst & Young Canada.
“As a globally ranked business school, Schulich is proud to be associated with the ACCA as we work to educate and develop international accounting and finance talent in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Dezsö J. Horváth, dean of Schulich School of Business, who spoke at the event. “Partnering with organizations such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is just one of the ways that Schulich prepares our students for successful careers with truly global credentials.”
Also speaking at the event was Marcia Annisette, director of Schulich’s master of accounting (MAcc) program, a Fellow with the ACCA, and an associate professor of accounting.
“The ACCA accreditation means that Schulich students who are enrolled in the school’s master of accounting program and MBA accounting specialization will have a more direct route to achieve a globally recognized professional accounting designation, ACCA, which is recognized in 80 countries around the world,” said Annisette. “Now, Schulich’s accounting students can choose between two excellent career options: the ACCA stream or the existing stream.”
Schulich master of accounting students learn the full range of accounting and related functions, including managerial finance, complex financial reporting issues and auditing information systems. They will also gain advanced technical expertise and the ability to make decisions within legal, financial, regulatory and ethical frameworks.
Helen Brand, ACCA’s chief executive, said this historic partnership between ACCA and the Schulich School of Business means that ACCA members and the thousands of students embarking on qualification globally now have the opportunity to achieve a master’s degree from one of the world’s most prestigious business schools.
“With our very strong tradition of innovation and expertise, our collaboration enables ACCA to expand and further develop the accountancy profession internationally, through one of the most diverse and groundbreaking MBA programs in North America,” she said.
Suzanne Godbehere, head of ACCA Canada, said: “ACCA’s partnership with the Schulich School of Business showcases our ongoing dedication to further advance the development of the accountancy profession globally. Through combining our expertise with Schulich’s longstanding tradition of training professionals of the highest calibre, students will have the skills and competencies demanded by today’s business world, and will be prepared for rewarding careers.”
Note: The ACCA accredited stream of the Schulich MBA and MaCC programs is subject to the approval of the governing body of York University, which is reviewing the proposed program.