Programm Course Name
Master of Science in CFO Leadership (MCFO)
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RMB¥358,000
Tuition fee for the entire programme
About the MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CFO LEADERSHIP
Developed with insights from eminent finance and industry leaders, the Master of Science in CFO Leadership (MCFO) programme at SMU’s School of Accountancy is a distinctive postgraduate degree programme specially designed to develop managers in specialist knowledge on Accounting and Finance, as well as their leadership and management skills. The programme equips finance and business leaders by equipping them with the broad competencies required to effectively manage the complexities of the finance function in today's challenging business environment.
Why Master of Science in CFO Leadership
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CONVERGENCE OF ACCOUNTING, FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT
From controllership and corporate finance to leadership and strategy, the innovative curriculum is designed around the core competencies essential to the roles of a modern-day finance leader.
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2
RICH KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE FOR FINANCE EXECUTIVES
The programme offers a conducive platform for like-minded finance and business professionals to enrich their knowledge, exchange experiences, learn what works and what does not, and understand as well as explore potential solutions to the challenges facing the finance function.
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3
OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND PEDAGOGY
Delivered through SMU’s hallmark interactive classroom pedagogy, the programme is taught by a multi-disciplinary faculty with strong academic and industry experience. The programme’s Executive Conversation Series features talks by veteran CFOs and business leaders who will share their wealth of experience with participants.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORKING HORIZON
In a globalised economy, networking has become more important as a channel for sharing professional knowledge and best practices. As part of the SMU–Tsinghua partnership with one of China’s top universities, the programme offers opportunities for participants to network with finance and business managers from China.
Candidates should have at least 7 years of full-time relevant work experience, and are:
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Business managers – business decision makers keen in enhancing Accounting and Finance knowledge and who interact closely with Finance managers and CFOs. -
Potential and aspiring CFOs – Those who are not currently CFOs but whose career paths to-date demonstrate potential and aspiration to become CFOs or finance leaders in the future – including financial controllers, corporate treasurers, audit managers, bus -
Business professionals with a keen interest to enhance their competencies and skills in financial leadership who are from corporations to professional firms and public organisations.
Testimonials
Programme Details
Programme Information
From controllership and corporate finance to leadership and strategy, the innovative curriculum is designed around the core competencies essential to the roles of a modern-day finance leader. Delivered through SMU’s well-known interactive classroom pedagogy, the programme is taught by a multi-disciplinary faculty with strong academic and industry experience, and augmented by veteran CFOs and business leaders who will share their wealth of experience at the Executive Conversation Series as part of the programme’s curriculum.
SMU School of Accountancy launched the SMU-Tsinghua Master of Science in CFO Leadership degree programme together with Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management at the Global CFO forum held in Beijing in 2018.
Modelled after the existing Master of Science in CFO Leadership (MCFO) programme at SMU, this degree programme is jointly taught by faculty from both SMU and Tsinghua. Targeting aspiring CFOs and senior finance executives in China who have a minimum of seven years' working experience, it aims to develop CFO talents who can be highly effective in the increasingly competitive market in China.
Successful candidates will be awarded the Master of Science in CFO Leadership from SMU. The medium of instruction for the course is mainly in Mandarin. Most of the courses will be conducted at Tsinghua University. Students will be required to attend an intensive one-week study tour at SMU.
- Full time Duration
- ACADEMIC SESSION I
- ACADEMIC SESSION II
- ACADEMIC SESSION III
- ACADEMIC SESSION IV
- ACADEMIC SESSION V
- ACADEMIC SESSION VI
The programme is intended to be completed in 6 academic sessions over 18 months. Each academic session comprises of 4 days per block per month.
- Financial Reporting in the IFRS World (Part I)
- Understanding the Global Economy and Financial Markets
- Financing Decisions
- Financial Reporting in the IFRS World (Part II)
- Business Valuation
- Leadership in Organisations
- Tax Planning
- Legal Issues and Risks in Business
- Financial Risk Management
- Risk Governance
- Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Managing Relationships with Stakeholders
- Corporate Strategy
- Business Intelligence Analytics
- Executive Conversation Series
- Managing for Value Creation
- Strategic Financial Analysis
- Data Thinking and Behavioral Sciences
Events
Admissions
Fees
Application
S$100
Application fee is non-refundable and payable at the time of submission of online application
Registration / Deposit
- S$400 (Inclusive of GST)(Singaporeans & Permanent Residents)
- S$500 (Inclusive of GST)(International)
Registration fee is non-refundable and payable on acceptance to the programme. The registration fee matriculation, orientation, examinations, library and computer account.
Tuition Fee
RMB ¥ 358,000 for the entire programme
The tuition fee covers all course instruction, course materials and required textbooks, as well as attendance at the Executive Conversation Series, but it excludes, meals travel and accomodation expenses
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax collected on behalf of the Singapore Government and will be charged at the prevailing rate.
Scholarships
A very limited number of partially-funded scholarships is available to potential candidates on a competitive basis. Interested candidates should indicate their interest to be considered for scholarships in their online applications. Scholarship interviews will be conducted concurrently with admissions interviews. Scholarship decisions will be made only after admissions offers are made.
SMU also has a number of corporate scholarships that admitted students can apply for.
SMU Alumni enjoy an attractive 10% tuition fee relief if you enroll in the Master of Science in CFO Leadership (MCFO).
FAQ
FAQ
The MCFO programme consists of 15-course units (CU). Students complete the programme over 18 months. All students will officially graduate around May and attend the graduation ceremony in July or August.
There is only one admission intake in September each year.
Each term starts on 2nd week of September. Please contact us directly should you wish to find out the exact start date.
Assessment varies across courses but generally, it would comprise class participation, continuous assessment, group projects or cases, and a final examination.
You will need to apply to a professional accounting body for membership. The rule for advancement to CPA or CA status may differ from one professional body to another. In general, you would need to complete a set of examinations (which you may be partially exempted from) and meet practical experience requirement. Candidates are encouraged to contact the various professional accounting bodies directly regarding qualifying requirements.
- Applicants must demonstrate good prior academic performance in an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution of higher learning.
- Applicants must have sufficient background in Mathematics/Calculus.
- GMAT or SMU Admission Test* is a compulsory requirement for admission to this programme.
- Applicants with post-undergraduate working experience will have an added advantage.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by members of the MPA Admission Panel. For international students, telephone interviews will be conducted if they are not in Singapore.
- Applicants must show proficiency in the English language. A TOEFL or IELTS test is required if the applicant's undergraduate degree was not conducted in English.
*More information about SMU Admission Test is available here. Candidates may only take the SMU Admission Test after they have submitted the online application form. Please contact the administration office to take the SMU Admission Test.
As a number of our courses in the programme are quantitative in nature, a good background in mathematics/calculus is essential to enable you to progress through these courses. Some of the criteria that will be used in evaluating the applicant's background in mathematics/calculus include:
- GMAT score with a minimum score of at least 60 percentile for quantitative component; or
- Satisfactory completion of some mathematical courses at a university level; or
- Have completed at least two mathematical courses at polytechnic level with minimum B grade; or
- An acceptable foundation in mathematics at GCE A-level or O-level or its equivalent.
At least seven years of full-time, relevant work experience
We require applicants to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed over a long period of time in your education and work. The score report gives separate scores for the quantitative and verbal sections of the test, as well as a total score. There is also a short analytical writing section. The GMAT is used to ensure fairness, objectivity and validity in selection and provides supplementary information to that contained in the application form.
More information is found in the GMAT website. The website provides information about preparing and registering for the GMAT test.
In Singapore, the computerised GMAT can be taken at Pearson Professional Centers.
Address: 10 Anson Road , Level 30, Unit 3, International Plaza , Singapore 079903
Tel: 6225 2027
Seat availability for taking the GMAT can be checked online here; tests are generally available in the morning at 9 am from Monday to Friday and the second Saturday of every month. Test takers are generally required to report half an hour earlier. The GMAT takes less than 4 hours, and can only be taken once every calendar month, for up to 5 times every 12 calendar months. Enquiries can be made at GMAT's Regional Registration Center:
Prometric
PO Box 12964
50794 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Phone: +60-3-7628-3333 (also 02-03-7628-3333 if calling from Singapore)
Fax: +60-3-7628-3366
E-mail: searrc@prometric.com
We have not set a minimum GMAT score. We adopt a holistic approach in our selection process and the overall quality of the applicant determines the admission to the programme. This would include prior academic performance at university, work experience, referees reports, interview scores, etc. However, we consider scores above 600 to be competitive.
Yes, you can retake GMAT but retaking the test is only recommended if you believe you have under-performed significantly at the first attempt. Please be well prepared before you go for your GMAT test as GMAT can only be taken once a month. We will use your highest valid GMAT score.
If the rest of your application is completed, you can send it to us, even if you have not taken the GMAT. However, we will require your GMAT score to evaluate your application. You should email us your unofficial scores as soon as you receive them and arrange with the test centre for the official score report to be sent to SMU. SMU's GMAT institution code for MPA is F8D-3B-56.
No, every applicant is required to take GMAT, regardless of their academic background or prior qualifications. Our applicants come from very diverse backgrounds with different types of academic qualification. GMAT is a useful common benchmark to assess the applicants objectively and fairly.
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years after the test date. If your GMAT results are older than 5 years, you will need to re-sit your GMAT.
We do not have a minimum TOEFL/IELTS score as each applicant is evaluated on all the credentials.
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.
Application starts in August , and closes in in May for August intake. Early application is encouraged.
You may sign up to attend one of our Information Sessions; please check for available dates. You may also email your queries to mcfo@smu.edu.sg.
Yes. We accept applicants with degrees in any discipline.
We generally expect applicants to have at least an undergraduate degree. Those without a university degree but have outstanding career profiles may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As this is a programme for middle to senior executives, we regret that only applicants with at least five years of full-time work experience can be considered.
Yes, as long as your experience involves managerial and business decisions. We are keen on a good mix of candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates who do not have any prior demonstrated knowledge in introductory accounting and finance may be guided with relevant preparatory courses before the start of the programme.
There is only one intake per year in August. Each cohort begins the programme in August each year and ends in June of the following year.
GMAT/GRE tests are conducted internationally throughout the year. To register for a test date and venue in your vicinity, please visit the testing institutions’ respective websites:
- GMAT: www.mba.com/the-gmat
- GRE: www.ets.org/gre
In Singapore, the computerised GMAT can be taken at Pearson Professional Centers, 10 Anson Road, Level 30, Unit 3, International Plaza, Singapore 079903, Tel: 6225-2027. GMAT is generally conducted in the morning from Mondays to Fridays and the second Saturday of every month. The test takes up to four hours, and can only be taken once every calendar month for up to five times every 12 calendar months.
Yes, you may submit your programme application first, and then submit your test score to us once you have completed the test. However, we will not be able to provide you with any decision on your application until we have received your official test score.
We encourage applicants to take the GMAT or GRE. However, those who are unable to do so may opt to take the SMU Admission Test by indicating this option in their online application to us. As the SMU Admission Test is not available to the general public, we must receive your completed programme application first before we can arrange for you to take the test.
Yes. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for a face-to-face interview as part of the admissions process.
Shortlisted applicants will be informed by email regarding their interview date and venue. Interviews are held either on SMU campus or at a location mutually convenient for the candidate and interviewer.
Shortlisted overseas applicants may request for an interview in Singapore on specific dates should they be visiting here. Depending on schedule availability and suitable arrangements, we may also interview candidates overseas.
All classes are conducted full-time during each academic session of 8 days.
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