The Role and Techniques of a Controller/CFO

7.5 credits

Syllabus, Master's level, 2FE874

Code
2FE874
Education cycle
Second cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Business Studies A1N
Grading system
Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
Finalised by
The Department Board, 5 February 2020
Responsible department
Department of Business Studies

General provisions

Master's Programme in Accounting and Financial Management - specialisation Management Control.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is 90 credits in business studies. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

For incoming exchange students, exceptions can be made from the requirement of 90 credits in business studies, provided that special reasons are considered to exist.

Learning outcomes

As a consequence of globalisation and new information technology, there are new expectations raised towards many professional roles - the Controller/CFO is no exception here. This new situation raises expectations and creates new responsibilities for the Controller/CFO. In relation to a Controllers/CFOs traditional activities - gathering, analysing, communicating and using information - there is now therefore, extensive role-development going on. New technology and new performance measurement are developed, all in an ambition to improve the language and communication around important topics inside and outside the company in focus. An especially important aspect here is the capability to continuously develop and maintain the design and development of the management control system.

After the course, the student should have:

  • Reached awareness of implications of the role and identities in general, and specifically, the Controller/CFO role in modern, complex organisations.
  • Gained an understanding - and the capability to analyse -important management control questions related to the Controller/CFO and the use of human, social, structural and financial capital.
  • Become acquainted with - and gained a basic competence - in some important methods and skills related to a modern Controller/CFO role.
  • Gain an understanding of - via analysis and evaluation - Design Science in relation to Management Control Systems.

Content

The course content circulates around the following important themes:

  • Role and identity theories related to Controller/CFO and management.
  • Controller/CFO own professional role, self-reflection and personal development. (The controller and human capital).
  • Controller/CFO and important relationships in the management of the company. (The controller and social capital).
  • Controller/CFO and information technology (the controller and the use of structural capital).
  • Controller/CFO and the modern "Tool box" for management control. A special emphasis will here be on modern quantitative oriented management methods for decision making.

Instruction

During the course a number of different moments will be used: lectures, seminars (small and mid sized groups). The course moments will include both written and oral presentations. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

The student will get one single grade, equivalent to 7,5 credits.

Examination includes an individual written exam and seminars individually assessed. The grade for the entire course is based on an assessment of all parts of the examination.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide guide that applies to the course section. The following grades will be used: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Examinations handed in late will not be assessed except under special circumstances. Any remaining supplemental work must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide. Otherwise the entire course (all examinations included) must be retaken during subsequent course sections.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.

Other directives

​The course overlaps The Role and Techniques of a Controller 2FE847, 8FE847 and The Role and Technique of a Controller/CFO (Contract Education) 8FE874.

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