Masters in Governmental Accounting at Rutgers Business School offered online answers growing demand

Aug. 11, 2009 - PRLog -- As the demand for greater transparency and accountability in the spending and allocation of government dollars continues to increase, the need has grown for accounting professionals with specific expertise in government financial management.

"Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government," said President Barack Obama in his Inaugural Address.

To answer this call, a unique online program – the nation's only advanced degree program in governmental accounting – the Masters in Governmental Accounting at Rutgers Business School, prepares graduates to take advantage of career opportunities in today's fastest growing specialized fields – governmental accounting, auditing, and finance. The 10-course program is tailored for prospective CPAs, practicing CPAs, MBAs, MPAs, and accounting students who want to specialize and advance their careers in government financial management.

Designed for professionals who have already begun their careers, the Masters in Governmental Accounting program positions graduates to advance in the field of public financial management or transition from the private to the public sector.
"The Rutgers Governmental Accounting program is singular in its focus in preparing professionals for the rapidly growing area of public financial management,” said Dean Michael Mead, Research Manager, Governmental Accounting Standards Board Instructor, Masters in Governmental Accounting.

“Along with developing accountants who can better serve and manage the financial needs of government, the program also has helped to establish a pool of professionals who can provide critical input to the standard-setting process, which benefits all taxpayers," said Mead.

Through its online offerings, students can earn the Masters in Governmental Accounting degree without ever setting foot in a classroom, allowing them to continue in their careers as they build their knowledge and expertise. Out-of-state candidates working in government are eligible for in-state tuition rates.

“The online program is an attractive way to acquire a body of knowledge that will allow you to better execute your responsibilities as a financial manager in government and work at a high level of competency,” said Peter Wozniak , CFO, Somerset Raritan Valley Sewage Authority.

As an online program, students benefited from working with a network of professionals throughout the United States. “You have students from all over the country working in different areas of government, which exposes you to a variety of perspectives,” said Jackie Shelly, Manager Fiscal Resources, N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission. “The instructors bring real-world knowledge to their classes and the case studies teach you how to think through problems and develop solutions. You can really take what you learn and apply it. It’s well worth the investment.”

Certificate in Governmental Financial Management

As an alternative to the master’s program, non-matriculated students may complete four online courses to receive a Graduate Certificate in Financial Management and prepare to sit for the Certified Government Financial Manager exam. The courses – Governmental Accounting and Auditing, Public Sector Auditing, Governmental Budgeting Systems, and Design and Development of Information Systems – also can later be applied towards the master’s degree.

How to apply

Contact: 732-445-4441
Email for more information: govmaccy@business.rutgers.edu
Visit: http://www.business.rutgers.edu/govmaccy

Rutgers Business School: http://www.business.rutgers.edu

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Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick is an integral part of one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most distinguished institutions of higher learning: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Founded in 1766, Rutgers Business School has been accredited since 1941 by AACSB International–the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — a distinction that represents the hallmark of excellence in management education. Today, Rutgers Business School is educating more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students at two main campuses in New Jersey as well as six satellite locations in New Jersey, China, and Singapore. Rutgers Business School is ranked #10 nationwide for “Most Competitive Students” by The Princeton Review; and is part of the campus that is ranked #1 in diversity nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, for 12 straight years. Full-time MBA and part-time MBA programs give excellent options for people looking to boost their careers.