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Build your future in finance

Executive Master of Finance & Control Programme

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The joint EMFC programme offered by the VU and UvA consists of three semester-long modules. You set your own study pace: you can complete the full programme in 18 months, or spread the modules over a longer period (e.g., 22–24 months) to follow a tailored schedule.


What will you learn?

  1. You will develop an understanding of how organisational strategies are formulated and executed, and how strategic decisions are made at senior management level.
  2. You will apply data-driven techniques to analyse operational processes and improve them in a targeted manner.
  3. You will analyse and design business processes efficiently and effectively, aiming to create maximum customer value based on the principle of operational excellence.
  4. You will explore disruptive technologies and assess their impact on the sustainability and future-readiness of business models.
  5. As a finance professional, you will contribute actively to customer-focused solutions by linking financial expertise to client needs.

To ensure the programme stays aligned with the latest developments in the field, we regularly update themes based on our own research, insights from the large and active network of 2,600 alumni, and the extensive experience and knowledge of CFOs and other executives on our Advisory Board. The five current themes below form a red thread throughout the curriculum and are integrated into all three modules:

  • Long-term value creation and sustainability
  • Digitalisation and automation
  • Datafication and AI
  • Fact-based and evidence-based planning and decision-making
  • Finance as a strategic partner and personal leadership

The programme is organised into three semester-long modules, each lasting six months. Each module covers interconnected topics and explains the relationships between them. Below is a selection of topics from each module and course to give you an impression of the programme content.

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Executive Master of Finance & Control programme 

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Open Evening 19 May at VU Amsterdam

18:00-18:45 English session
19:00-19:45 Dutch Session

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Prof. dr. Bert Steens RC MCM

Prof. dr. Bert Steens RC MCM

Prof. Dr. Bert Steens studied Econometrics at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) and Controllership at VU Amsterdam. He is programme director of the EMFC programme and full university professor of Management Accounting & Control. His experience stems from his roles as an advisor at EY (1989 – 1999), partner of EY (1999 – 2001 and 2005 – 2018) and vice-president of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (2001 – 2005). He obtained his PhD at VU Amsterdam for research into the influence of transfer pricing on economic value creation. He lectures within the EMFC programme and other executive programmes and advices organisations. He lectures Investment Appraisal & Business Valuation, Data Analytics & Business Intelligence and the application within Management Accounting. Research areas include transfer pricing, cost accounting, valuation, controllership, and performance management.

View the profile of Bert Steens

Dr Sander van Triest

Dr Sander van Triest

Dr Sander van Triest is co-training director of the EMFC course. He studied technical business administration at the University of Twente, where he also obtained his PhD. He is an associate professor at the Amsterdam Business School of the University of Amsterdam. In the past, he was there, among other things, programme director of the MSc Accountancy & Control, and as education director responsible for all master programmes of the ABS. He currently chairs the Accounting Section, and teaches management accounting and methodology. His research focuses on the implementation of management control systems at the operational level, and the impact of new developments such as home working and AI on that implementation.

View the profile of Sander van Triest

September - February

Module A runs from September to February. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

Courses

Finance Function Excellence (FFE)
Gain an in-depth understanding of the organisation of the finance function and the role of the business controller as a strategic and operational business partner.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Discuss the tools used for planning, forecasting and performance measurement, and evaluate how the finance function in your own organisation utilises them.

Tax Law (TL)
Understand when and how national and international tax aspects can influence operational decisions, enabling you to be an effective discussion partner for tax specialists.

Financial & Sustainability Reporting (FSR)
Expand your understanding of the regulations governing financial and sustainability reporting, and the role of the controller in this process.

Corporate Governance (CG)
Understand the legal and regulatory framework of organisations, from the role of the works council to financial regulators.

Leadership (LS)
Develop your personal and professional leadership skills, and explore your own leadership style, strengths and areas for development.


February - August

Module B runs from February to August. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

Courses

Performance Management (PM)
Develop performance measurement systems that align with organisations’ operating models, and understand how data analytics and AI play a role in this.

Data Analytics & AI (DAAI)
Apply data analytics and AI to complex data, and understand how this can support performance management.

Business Case Analysis (BCA)
Draw up business cases and understand how to translate project proposals into valuation models. 

Information, Technology & Control (ITC)
Understand how technology supports accounting information systems and internal control business processes in order to ensure their effective management.  

Business Project (BP)
Work under supervision to develop and carry out a research project within your organisation as the final project of your programme.

September - February

Module C runs from September to February. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

Courses

Business Valuation & Corporate Finance (BVCF)
Develop a conceptual framework for making investment and financing decisions within organisations, and apply that knowledge to understand how stakeholders such as investors, analysts and banks view an organisation.

Treasury Management (TM)
Explore the value that corporate treasury activities and departments bring to the organisation.

Strategy & Stakeholder Management (SSM)
Understand how interests, culture, leadership and governance influence decision-making processes within organisations.

Strategy Realisation (SR)
Learn how management control systems play a role in the implementation of strategy.

  • Module A: Control, Comply & Lead

    September - February

    Module A runs from September to February. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

    Courses

    Finance Function Excellence (FFE)
    Gain an in-depth understanding of the organisation of the finance function and the role of the business controller as a strategic and operational business partner.

    Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
    Discuss the tools used for planning, forecasting and performance measurement, and evaluate how the finance function in your own organisation utilises them.

    Tax Law (TL)
    Understand when and how national and international tax aspects can influence operational decisions, enabling you to be an effective discussion partner for tax specialists.

    Financial & Sustainability Reporting (FSR)
    Expand your understanding of the regulations governing financial and sustainability reporting, and the role of the controller in this process.

    Corporate Governance (CG)
    Understand the legal and regulatory framework of organisations, from the role of the works council to financial regulators.

    Leadership (LS)
    Develop your personal and professional leadership skills, and explore your own leadership style, strengths and areas for development.


  • Module B: Measure, Explain & Forecast 

    February - August

    Module B runs from February to August. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

    Courses

    Performance Management (PM)
    Develop performance measurement systems that align with organisations’ operating models, and understand how data analytics and AI play a role in this.

    Data Analytics & AI (DAAI)
    Apply data analytics and AI to complex data, and understand how this can support performance management.

    Business Case Analysis (BCA)
    Draw up business cases and understand how to translate project proposals into valuation models. 

    Information, Technology & Control (ITC)
    Understand how technology supports accounting information systems and internal control business processes in order to ensure their effective management.  

    Business Project (BP)
    Work under supervision to develop and carry out a research project within your organisation as the final project of your programme.

  • Module C: Valuate, Decide & Develop 

    September - February

    Module C runs from September to February. A lecture day consists of approximately 6 hours of lectures. The time required for preparation is similar to the number of lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

    Courses

    Business Valuation & Corporate Finance (BVCF)
    Develop a conceptual framework for making investment and financing decisions within organisations, and apply that knowledge to understand how stakeholders such as investors, analysts and banks view an organisation.

    Treasury Management (TM)
    Explore the value that corporate treasury activities and departments bring to the organisation.

    Strategy & Stakeholder Management (SSM)
    Understand how interests, culture, leadership and governance influence decision-making processes within organisations.

    Strategy Realisation (SR)
    Learn how management control systems play a role in the implementation of strategy.

Would you like to know more?

Please feel free to contact Patty Faase or Ewald Liebegut.

020 - 5986035

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
School of Business and Economics for Professionals
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV AMSTERDAM

Volg ons

Contact

  • Patty Faase
  • Education coordinator
  • Ewald Liebegut
  • Education coordinator

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