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Master Accountancy and Control – What to expect?

Academic, Accounting, Accounting, Article

The Master’s in Accountancy and Control offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in accountancy as well as in finance & control. It is an intensive yet flexible program where you are largely in control: how you study, the direction you choose, and how you organize your time. In this article, you’ll find practical tips and experiences to help you navigate the program successfully. Core Courses Financial Accounting and Reporting Do’s: Attend the lectures. The second part of each lecture often focuses on a case study that applies the theory in practice, which helps solidify your understanding.Don’t: Start studying too late. The material contains a lot of theory. While it’s not extremely difficult, the volume can be overwhelming if you don’t start early. Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation Do’s: Focus on understanding the formulas. Many variables can be approached with different formulas, so knowing what you are actually calculating is more effective than memorizing them all.Don’t: Underestimate this course. Since the content is finance-oriented, it may be more challenging to follow if you come from an accounting background. Corporate Sustainability (Not taken) Advanced Financial Accounting (Auditing Track) Do’s: Review past exam questions. Professors tend to repeat question styles and topics each year, which gives you a good indication of what to expect.Don’t: Procrastinate. Like FAR, there’s a lot of theory involved, and it’s impossible to fully grasp it all in just a few days. Thesis Business Application Do’s: Choose a problem from your immediate environment. This makes communication easier and less formal compared to working with an external company where you’d need frequent calls or visits.Don’t: Delay your literature search. Finding relevant sources in academic journals can be time-consuming, while the actual writing often takes less time. Replication Study Do’s: Ask for help from a fellow student with experience in R, Stata, or Python. Learning these tools can be tricky, and getting guidance can save you a lot of time.Don’t: Postpone your work. This thesis type requires consistent weekly effort; otherwise, you risk running out of time. Opportunity for a Student Job or Internship Since the program only requires attendance on two days a week, you’ll have time to pursue a student job or internship alongside your studies. This allows you to gain valuable practical experience and immediately apply the knowledge you acquire in the classroom. Conclusion The Master in Accountancy and Control is demanding, but definitely manageable if you prepare well and work consistently. The program combines theory, case studies, and research to provide you with a strong academic foundation, while also giving you the flexibility to gain practical experience. If you strike the right balance between studying, practical work, and personal development, you won’t just earn a degree. You’ll also build a strong foundation for a successful career in accountancy and control.

The Wealth in Your Wardrobe: Handbags as a New Asset Class

Article, Column, Finance, Investments

Buying a handbag is often dismissed as an emotional expense or a fashion indulgence. In reality, certain bags can represent a smart financial decision. In recent years, luxury handbags have increasingly been viewed as valuable assets that can outperform some traditional investments. For people who love fashion and are looking for alternative ways to grow their wealth, this market offers surprising opportunities. Handbags are tangible items that you can use and admire while they increase in value, which makes them appealing to both collectors and investors. Examples of Value Appreciation A strong example of price growth is the Hermès Birkin 25 Togo. In 2019, the retail price was around 6,600 euros. By 2024, the same bag sold for about 8,600 euros. That represents a rise of approximately thirty percent in five years, which outperforms many stocks. On the secondhand market, prices are often even higher because of low supply and increasing demand. In some cases, depending on the color, material, and condition, a Birkin can sell for 12,000 euros or more. Chanel shows a similar trend. The Classic Flap Bag, which cost about 2,000 euros in 2010, now retails for over 9,000 euros in 2024. And this is without any rare or limited-edition status. Annual price increases from brands like Hermès and Chanel cause these bags to grow in value naturally. As a result, they attract not only fashion lovers but also investors searching for steady returns outside the traditional financial markets. The Acquisition Process Getting a luxury handbag like the Birkin or Kelly from Hermès is not easy. Two methods are most commonly used today. Growing Interest in Fashion as an Investment The market for luxury handbags continues to grow across the globe. More people now recognize fashion as a serious investment opportunity. While stocks and real estate are subject to economic fluctuations, rare and well-maintained bags often remain stable in value or even increase over time. Especially for models that are difficult to find, prices rarely drop. These bags remain popular with a loyal group of collectors and buyers. Luxury resale platforms report rising demand and prices year after year. This shows that the luxury handbag market is becoming a genuine asset class. Younger investors and fashion-forward buyers are leading this shift. They are drawn not only by financial gain but also by the joy of owning something beautiful and tangible. Conclusion For anyone who enjoys fashion and has extra capital to invest, luxury handbags from brands like Hermès offer a unique combination of beauty and value. Unlike many other assets, you can use a designer handbag without necessarily decreasing its worth. While not every bag will guarantee a profit, a strong understanding of the market and the right timing can turn a fashion accessory into a smart investment. In this way, a handbag becomes more than a stylish item. It becomes a meaningful and valuable part of both your wardrobe and your financial portfolio.

The changing role of commercial banks due to CBDCs

Academic, Accounting, Accounting, Article, Article, Column, Finance, Finance, Finance

The rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) raises fundamental questions about the role of commercial banks in our financial system. These digital currencies issued by central banks combine the reliability of government-backed money with the efficiency of modern payment technologies. Central banks around the world are exploring the feasibility of a CBDC, as seen in China and the European Union. This article examines what CBDCs actually are, how they can be implemented, what advantages and risks they bring and what their potential impact is on the survival and function of commercial banks. What are CBDCs Central Bank Digital Currencies are digital forms of national currency that are issued and guaranteed directly by the central bank. This makes CBDCs a secure alternative to traditional means of payment such as cash and the money held in commercial bank accounts. In the current system commercial banks manage the money of citizens and businesses, which is only indirectly linked to the central bank. With CBDCs, the risk of bankruptcy of intermediary commercial banks is removed since the central bank itself guarantees the value. Thanks to recent innovations in digital technologies such as blockchain and mobile payments it has now become technically possible to introduce national digital currencies. Direct or indirect The implementation of a CBDC can take place in two fundamentally different ways: direct or indirect. The difference lies in the level of involvement of commercial banks in their contact with the end user. In a direct model, citizens and businesses have an account or digital wallet directly with the central bank, while in an indirect model commercial banks remain the main point of contact for users. Direct In the direct model, the central bank itself becomes the financial service provider for citizens and businesses. Consumers would open a digital wallet with the central bank where they store their digital money. All transactions would then go directly through the central bank’s network without the involvement of a commercial bank. This would mean the central bank is not only responsible for issuing money but also for maintaining accounts, customer service, and transaction processing. Although this model offers maximum transparency and control for the government and could provide more stability in times of crisis, it also carries significant risks. Commercial banks would largely be sidelined, which could lead to a decline in competition, innovation, and customer-focused services. It would also mean an unprecedented expansion of the state’s role in payment systems. Indirect In the indirect model, also called the two-tier model, the existing financial ecosystem largely remains intact. The central bank creates the digital currency and guarantees its value, but distribution and customer contact are handled by commercial banks or other recognized financial institutions. Citizens would still have a wallet or digital account with their own bank, but the underlying digital euro or currency would remain a direct claim on the central bank. This model is considered more attractive by many central banks including the European Central Bank, as it provides stability while respecting the role of existing banks. It avoids a direct threat to the current banking system, encourages cooperation between the public and private sectors, and allows for a phased introduction with room for technical adjustments. The Benefits of CBDCs The Drawbacks of CBDCs Examples The Future of Commercial Banks and CBDCs Although CBDCs will play a key role in the future of the financial system, it seems unlikely that a fully direct model where central banks themselves carry out all financial services will become the standard. This is because such a model would represent a major shift from the current banking system. Commercial banks fulfill an essential role as intermediaries between the central bank and the public. Many central banks such as the European Central Bank prefer an indirect model. In this model the distribution of digital currency continues to take place via commercial banks. This offers the necessary stability and keeps competition and innovation within the private sector intact. The role of commercial banks therefore appears to be largely secure. They can continue to focus on their traditional tasks such as providing loans, offering customer service and developing financial products. At the same time commercial banks can improve their services by collaborating with the new digital infrastructures made possible by CBDCs. However, the future of commercial banks depends on their ability to adapt to digitalization and take advantage of the benefits that CBDCs bring. The coming years will reveal how the financial ecosystem continues to evolve. It seems likely that commercial banks will continue to play an important role, albeit in an increasingly digital and technologically advanced landscape. Conclusion CBDCs represent an important development in the financial system. They offer benefits such as more efficient payments, broader access to financial services and greater control for central banks. At the same time, they bring risks in the areas of privacy, cybersecurity, and the role of commercial banks. The success of CBDCs depends on careful implementation and the maintenance of public trust.

Summer Schools at Companies in Accountancy, Finance, and Economics

Academic, Accounting, Accounting, Column, Finance

Introduction For students and recent graduates, summer schools offer a unique opportunity to get acquainted with top companies in the Netherlands and to deepen their knowledge in their field. In the sectors of accountancy, finance, and economics, various companies organize exclusive summer schools and similar programs each year. These initiatives are not only aimed at transferring knowledge but also at attracting young talent. In this article, we discuss the opportunities that summer schools offer, their benefits, and why some companies choose not to organize them. Many companies offer summer schools as part of their talent development programs. During these programs, participants work on real-life cases, attend trainings, and gain a clear picture of what it’s like to work at the company. In addition to gaining professional knowledge, students also get familiar with the company culture and the career opportunities within the organization. Summer Programs in Accountancy and Finance In the accountancy and finance sectors, several companies offer summer programs where students can gain practical experience and get a feel for the work environment. Often, participants work within a team for a short period and receive guidance from experienced professionals. Additionally, companies regularly offer training sessions and workshops to help develop both technical and personal skills. These programs are typically available at multiple office locations and are often concluded with a networking event. Besides professional content and mentorship, participants often receive financial compensation and access to resources such as a laptop or career coach. Applications for these programs usually take place in the spring. Deadlines vary by company but generally fall between March and May. The programs themselves typically take place in July or August. Why Choose a Summer School at a Company? Participating in a company-organized summer school offers several advantages: Practical Experience: Participants get the chance to work on real business cases and gain hands-on experience. Networking Opportunities: Summer schools provide direct access to professionals and recruiters, which can be valuable for future career prospects. Personal and Professional Growth: Through intensive training sessions and workshops, students develop both soft skills and technical expertise. Career Launchpad: Many companies use summer schools as a way to scout talent early and recruit potential employees for traineeships or entry-level positions. Why Don’t Some Companies Organize Summer Schools? While some companies see summer schools as a strategic investment, others choose not to organize them. Common reasons include: Staff Availability: Summer is often a vacation period, making it difficult to organize a high-quality program. Internal Workload: Many companies are occupied with internal processes and preparations for upcoming projects during this period, leaving less time to mentor students. Distorted View of the Work Environment: Some companies feel that a summer school does not give a realistic picture of the job, as the summer dynamic differs from the rest of the year. Who Organizes These? Many companies offer summer schools. For example, PwC offers such programs. Universities like Eindhoven University of Technology, Utrecht University, and HEC also offer summer schools. The Summer Schools in Europe website provides more information about summer programs across Europe. Conclusion If you’re considering joining a summer school, it’s wise to research available programs early. Some companies offer valuable learning and networking opportunities, while others may choose alternative forms of talent development. Visit company websites for the most up-to-date information and application opportunities, or contact their recruiters. A summer school can be an investment in your future and a great way to kickstart your career.