QU Department of Accounting and Information Systems in the College of Business & Economics (CBE) held its Open Day on March 28 to introduce prospective students to its graduate and executive programs – Master’s of Accounting (MAC), and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) review program.

 Department Head Dr Helmi Hammami stated that Qatar University’s advantage is that it provides an excellent academic environment as well as state-of-the-art educational technology, making it one of the best providers of learning in Qatar.

“The Master’s of Accounting program is expected to be one of the most successful programs in Qatar, Dr Helmi said, adding, “Accounting is a vibrant profession in continuous change. It is the only business sector that always needs professionals whether the economy is flourishing or in downturn. Today’s accountant is an expert with analytical skills and critical thinking, vision and leadership. They are strategic partners for companies seeking success and survival in competitive markets”.

 He stated further, “Here in Qatar, the accounting profession is evolving and the Qatari economy is in need of skilled people with accounting background and knowledge who will contribute to its development. Holding such a degree or a CPA qualification will definitely make a change for the better in a person’s career prospects”.

 He explained that MAC graduates will be knowledgeable in such areas as financial accounting, cost accounting, fraud detection and prevention, information security, enterprise resource planning, accounting information systems, legal environment and corporate governance. This combination of skills makes accountants effective partners in the value creation aimed by corporations. “The future is bright for MAC holders”, Dr Helmi said.

 A requirement for graduation is a final project on Business Information and Consulting in which students have to solve practical problems facing companies operating in Qatar. “This is a good opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom in real contexts”, Dr Helmi said, adding that MAC students are taught by faculty members who graduated from prestigious universities and have had careers in academia and industry and whose international experience and educational background will be an asset to the students’ success.

 Students following the CPA course will prepare for a 4-part exam in Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Dr Helmi noted that since July 2011, the CPA uniform exam is being offered in Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Lebanon, and CPA students from Qatar may sit for the exam in any of these four locations. Applications are currently open for the upcoming Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) module which information can be accessed on the CBE website.