Financial Management Basics
The module gives a basic understanding of accounting (HGB/IFRS), corporate taxation, corporate finance, and management accounting.
Financial Management and Controlling
Financial Management and Controlling
Financial decisions shape the success of companies - and that is exactly what the Master’s in Financial Management and Controlling prepares you for. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge in the areas of controlling, corporate finance, accounting, and taxation. Practice-oriented projects and case studies will show you how to analyze, prepare, and thoroughly evaluate and address issues and tasks in these business areas.
The program combines in-depth subject knowledge with an international perspective. The opportunity to integrate a summer school or a semester abroad into your master’s program will broaden your intercultural competence and prepare you for global financial markets. Through its strong practical focus, English-language modules, and close corporate partnerships, you’ll develop the skills to take on leadership roles upon completing your master’s degree - whether in controlling, financial management, or accounting.
Upon completing your master’s degree, you’ll be ready for challenging specialist and leadership positions where you’ll think strategically, work analytically, and confidently steer business decisions.
Career Prospects
The skill set acquired through this degree program prepares students for highly specialized and leadership roles in the fields of controlling, finance, accounting, and taxation—for example, as a financial director or “CFO” (Chief Financial Officer) of an organizational unit that is initially small in scale - even in an international context.
Master Talk for prospective students (online):
Monday, 16.11.2026, 6.00 p.m. (CET): Presentation of the degree program (Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha)
Curriculum Financial Management and Controlling
1st Semester
1. Semester
Financial Management Basics
The module gives a basic understanding of accounting (HGB/IFRS), corporate taxation, corporate finance, and management accounting.
International Accounting and Auditing
This module covers international financial reporting and accounting policies under IFRS, as well as consolidated financial reporting and consolidation procedures, and the key differences between accounting under HGB and IFRS. It also addresses the legal framework for financial statement audits, the professional standards for auditors, and the components and processes of a financial audit.
International Tax Planning
This module provides an understanding of international tax planning, with a focus on cross-border investments and the impact of foreign tax law and double taxation treaties on inbound and outbound investments.
Corporate Planning and Reporting
This module covers the strategic planning process and the development of a business plan, considering an analysis of the macroenvironment and competitive landscape, as well as value creation strategies and implementation approaches. It also addresses the fundamentals and principles of internal and external financial reporting, the analysis of such reports, and sustainability reporting.
Legal, Compliance and Risk Management
This module covers the areas of corporate law (especially regarding corporate reorganizations), as well as compliance and corporate governance. In the area of risk management, based on the relevant legal principles, the entire risk management process is addressed from a corporate perspective.
Transfer Project I
The transfer projects combine theoretical expertise with practical applications in the fields of finance, accounting, controlling, and taxation. Students tackle real-world business challenges and independently develop well-founded solutions within the context of the project.
2. Semester
Business Analysis and Evaluation
This module covers value-based management and the concept of Economic Value Added. It also explores various approaches to business valuation.
Project Controlling and Turnaround Management
The module covers strategic and operational project management as well as topics related to corporate restructuring. It also addresses out-of-court restructuring and restructuring within the context of insolvency proceedings.
Capital Structure Management and Financing
This module examines various financing options and capital market theories from a corporate perspective, as well as the relevant factors in deciding on a capital structure.
Financial Asset Management and Mergers & Aquisition
Based on the fundamentals of capital markets and portfolio theory, this module covers the concepts of financial asset management and the CAPM. It also addresses the process and procedures involved in M&A transactions.
Management Elective I
This module offers the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in selected management disciplines. Depending on the area of focus, specialized content is supplemented by practical applications.
Transfer Project II
The transfer projects combine theoretical expertise with practical applications in the fields of finance, accounting, controlling, and taxation. Students tackle real-world business challenges and independently develop well-founded solutions within the context of the project.
3. Semester
Management Elective II
This module offers the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in selected management disciplines. Depending on the area of focus, specialized content is supplemented by practical applications.
Financial Management Seminar
As part of a case study, the seminar focuses on applying the knowledge gained in the areas of controlling, finance, and accounting to real-world problems.
Master‘s thesis
The Master's Thesis marks the completion of the degree program and covers the independent investigation of a practical or academic problem in the field of financial management or controlling, using appropriate academic methods.
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester |
Program structure
Semester 1-3
The Financial Management and Controlling program is offered on a full-time basis and comprises a total of three semesters. The first two semesters focus on the topics of controlling, finance, accounting, and taxation. In addition, students gain in-depth knowledge of strategic corporate management and develop social and methodological skills. The third semester is devoted to writing the master's thesis and participating in the interdisciplinary Financial Management Seminar. The program is designed to be case study and project-oriented. Some of the courses are held in English.
Compulsory courses are generally spread across the weekdays from Wednesday to Friday. During the first four weeks of the first semester and for individual courses, lectures also take place on Saturdays.
Option: International experience
International experience can be gained either through a semester abroad at one of THI's partner universities or through an optional four-week stay in China (summer school). Further information can be found in the section “Quick info – Summer School” and in the overview of THI's partner universities.
Financial Management and Controlling Insights
Documents about the degree program:
The degree program is accredited by Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (ELIAS).
Application and admission
Requirements
Evidence of the following qualifications has to be provided for admission to the master’s degree course in Financial Management and Controlling (FMC):
- An economics degree from a German university with at least 210 credit points and or an equivalent qualification from a university in Germany or abroad. A certificate must be submitted as proof. The Examination Commission decides on equivalence.
- Proof of sufficient proficiency in English at level B2. In the General statutes section of the Law Office you will find the document "Recognized English Tests B2" where all tests recognized as equivalent are listed; this is not required if the university entrance qualification or first degree was acquired in English or the applicant can show that English is their mother tongue.
The course is subject to limited admissions.
Application with less than 210 ECTS
It is possible to apply for the FMC master’s degree with less than 210 ECTS; however, proof of compensation of the missing 30 ECTS has to be provided no later than the end of the application period by means of:
- proof of practical experience outside the degree course which corresponds to the practical semester of a bachelor’s degree in economics in terms of content and scope or
- proof of practical or theoretical study and examinations taken at a German or foreign university in addition to the student’s first degree which corresponds in content and scope to the demands of a bachelor's degree in economics.
NOTE: Please note that where documents are submitted to show evidence of practical professional experience or either practical or theoretical achievements worth 30 ECTS – in addition to a bachelor’s degree – the documents must clearly indicate that the 30 ECTS were obtain over and above the bachelor's degree programme. Confirmation can be provided by the university showing that the ECTS/internship were not counted towards the first degree. The duration of the practical professional experience gained outside the first degree should be equivalent to 20 weeks of full-time work. Furthermore, the internship reference must be submitted in officially certified form together with the other application documents. In both cases, we recommend to submit meaningful documents from which the Examination Committee can clearly understand the substantive aspects immediately.
AACSB accreditation
With its AACSB accreditation and its own Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, THI Business School stands for international excellence.
Our lecturers
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Corporate Finance
Prof. Dr. Mandy Habermann
International Accounting and Finance
Prof. Dr. Markus Jordan
External Accounting and Business Tax
Prof. Dr. Alois Rauscher
Internal and External Accounting
Prof. Dr. Karin Schmidt
Business Management, Accounting and Controlling
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Zellner
Accounting and International Tax Law
What documents do I have to submit with my application?
A full list of documents is provided in the application tool.
Here you will also find detailed requirements in terms of the form in which the documents have to be submitted. All documents initially have to be uploaded online.
In the event of admission to the master's degree course, certain documents then have to be submitted as an original or as a certified copy.
Can the bachelor’s degree certificate be submitted at a later stage?
The bachelor’s degree certificate can be submitted later providing evidence is submitted before the regular application deadline that the applicant will complete their first degree course at the end of the current semester with 210 ECTS points. This is done by uploading a recent transcript of records and proof of the final ECTS credits earned upon graduation (for example, excerpt study and examination regulation). Whatever happens, the final certificate or confirmation of successful completion of the first degree must be submitted no later than at matriculation.
What is the NC (admission restriction) for this master’s programme and what are my chances of being accepted?
- It is not possible to provide information about the NC (numerus clausus – admission restriction) for the master’s degree course during the application period because it will not yet have been determined at this point.
- Your admission cannot be reviewed until your application documents have been submitted. It is not possible to make a definitive statement without looking at the certificates first.
Are waiting semesters counted in connection with the master’s programme?
Waiting semesters are not counted in connection with an application to a master's degree course. Students who have applied previously are not at any advantage or disadvantage.
Can the master’s programme be taken on a part-time basis?
The master’s program is designed as a full-time program; however, all required courses are offered on weekdays from Wednesday through Friday (and in some cases on Saturday as well). There are no required lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays, so in principle, students have the opportunity to hold a part-time job or work as a student employee alongside their studies. In general, students also have the option of extending the duration of their studies to 4 or 5 semesters, thereby reducing the number of ECTS credits earned per semester to ensure a good balance with professional responsibilities.
Do I have to take the TOEFL test if I have completed a semester abroad?
- By the time of matriculation you have to have acquired sufficient proficiency in English, demonstrated by submitting a Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a point score or at least 530, a computer-based TOEFL with a point score or at least 197, an online TOEFL with a point score of at least 71 or an equivalent qualification.
- This is not required if the university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate qualifying the student for a bachelor's degree in Germany) or the first university degree was acquired in English, or if the applicant can show that English is their mother tongue.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.
Degree program director
-
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Degree programme director Financial Management and Controlling
Contact
-
Nicole Schneider, Dipl.-Betriebswirtin (FH)
Project Manager
Other programmes you may be interested in
-
Digital Procurement & Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
The Master's programme in Digital Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chain Management is a Master of Science in Purchasing to offer you a specialisation in innovation management, cost engineering & value engineering, procurement processes and negotiation techniques, digitalisation, supply chain management and sustainable supplier management in an international environment. Logistics and procurement are at the start of global supply chains.
About the degree program -
Taxation and Consulting
Master of Arts (M. A.)
Key areas in Taxation and Consulting include tax law, accounting, auditing and corporate structures. The programme brings together national and international taxation, reporting and professional advisory methods. The result is advanced preparation for complex tax and assurance practice. The content is organised around current research, professional terminology and real-world system requirements.
About the degree program -
Retail and Consumer Management
Master of Arts (M. A.)
Retail management, consumer behaviour, marketing and data analytics define the academic profile of Retail and Consumer Management. Its subject areas cover omnichannel strategy, digital commerce and international retail concepts. Its specialist profile is shaped by customer-centred management across physical and digital channels.
About the degree program -
Business Management
Master of Arts (M. A.)
The Master’s programme in Business Management at THI Business School is designed for graduates of business-related Bachelor’s degrees who want to advance their management expertise and prepare for leadership responsibilities. The flexible four-semester part-time format reduces weekly class commitments, creating valuable opportunities for internships, working student roles, or professional projects alongside study.
About the degree program
Financial Management and Controlling
Financial decisions shape the success of companies - and that is exactly what the Master’s in Financial Management and Controlling prepares you for. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge in the areas of controlling, corporate finance, accounting, and taxation. Practice-oriented projects and case studies will show you how to analyze, prepare, and thoroughly evaluate and address issues and tasks in these business areas.
The program combines in-depth subject knowledge with an international perspective. The opportunity to integrate a summer school or a semester abroad into your master’s program will broaden your intercultural competence and prepare you for global financial markets. Through its strong practical focus, English-language modules, and close corporate partnerships, you’ll develop the skills to take on leadership roles upon completing your master’s degree - whether in controlling, financial management, or accounting.
Upon completing your master’s degree, you’ll be ready for challenging specialist and leadership positions where you’ll think strategically, work analytically, and confidently steer business decisions.
Career Prospects
The skill set acquired through this degree program prepares students for highly specialized and leadership roles in the fields of controlling, finance, accounting, and taxation—for example, as a financial director or “CFO” (Chief Financial Officer) of an organizational unit that is initially small in scale - even in an international context.
Master Talk for prospective students (online):
Monday, 16.11.2026, 6.00 p.m. (CET): Presentation of the degree program (Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha)
Curriculum Financial Management and Controlling
1st Semester
1. Semester
Financial Management Basics
The module gives a basic understanding of accounting (HGB/IFRS), corporate taxation, corporate finance, and management accounting.
International Accounting and Auditing
This module covers international financial reporting and accounting policies under IFRS, as well as consolidated financial reporting and consolidation procedures, and the key differences between accounting under HGB and IFRS. It also addresses the legal framework for financial statement audits, the professional standards for auditors, and the components and processes of a financial audit.
International Tax Planning
This module provides an understanding of international tax planning, with a focus on cross-border investments and the impact of foreign tax law and double taxation treaties on inbound and outbound investments.
Corporate Planning and Reporting
This module covers the strategic planning process and the development of a business plan, considering an analysis of the macroenvironment and competitive landscape, as well as value creation strategies and implementation approaches. It also addresses the fundamentals and principles of internal and external financial reporting, the analysis of such reports, and sustainability reporting.
Legal, Compliance and Risk Management
This module covers the areas of corporate law (especially regarding corporate reorganizations), as well as compliance and corporate governance. In the area of risk management, based on the relevant legal principles, the entire risk management process is addressed from a corporate perspective.
Transfer Project I
The transfer projects combine theoretical expertise with practical applications in the fields of finance, accounting, controlling, and taxation. Students tackle real-world business challenges and independently develop well-founded solutions within the context of the project.
2. Semester
Business Analysis and Evaluation
This module covers value-based management and the concept of Economic Value Added. It also explores various approaches to business valuation.
Project Controlling and Turnaround Management
The module covers strategic and operational project management as well as topics related to corporate restructuring. It also addresses out-of-court restructuring and restructuring within the context of insolvency proceedings.
Capital Structure Management and Financing
This module examines various financing options and capital market theories from a corporate perspective, as well as the relevant factors in deciding on a capital structure.
Financial Asset Management and Mergers & Aquisition
Based on the fundamentals of capital markets and portfolio theory, this module covers the concepts of financial asset management and the CAPM. It also addresses the process and procedures involved in M&A transactions.
Management Elective I
This module offers the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in selected management disciplines. Depending on the area of focus, specialized content is supplemented by practical applications.
Transfer Project II
The transfer projects combine theoretical expertise with practical applications in the fields of finance, accounting, controlling, and taxation. Students tackle real-world business challenges and independently develop well-founded solutions within the context of the project.
3. Semester
Management Elective II
This module offers the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in selected management disciplines. Depending on the area of focus, specialized content is supplemented by practical applications.
Financial Management Seminar
As part of a case study, the seminar focuses on applying the knowledge gained in the areas of controlling, finance, and accounting to real-world problems.
Master‘s thesis
The Master's Thesis marks the completion of the degree program and covers the independent investigation of a practical or academic problem in the field of financial management or controlling, using appropriate academic methods.
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester |
Program structure
Semester 1-3
The Financial Management and Controlling program is offered on a full-time basis and comprises a total of three semesters. The first two semesters focus on the topics of controlling, finance, accounting, and taxation. In addition, students gain in-depth knowledge of strategic corporate management and develop social and methodological skills. The third semester is devoted to writing the master's thesis and participating in the interdisciplinary Financial Management Seminar. The program is designed to be case study and project-oriented. Some of the courses are held in English.
Compulsory courses are generally spread across the weekdays from Wednesday to Friday. During the first four weeks of the first semester and for individual courses, lectures also take place on Saturdays.
Option: International experience
International experience can be gained either through a semester abroad at one of THI's partner universities or through an optional four-week stay in China (summer school). Further information can be found in the section “Quick info – Summer School” and in the overview of THI's partner universities.
Financial Management and Controlling Insights
Documents about the degree program:
The degree program is accredited by Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (ELIAS).
Application and admission
Requirements
Evidence of the following qualifications has to be provided for admission to the master’s degree course in Financial Management and Controlling (FMC):
- An economics degree from a German university with at least 210 credit points and or an equivalent qualification from a university in Germany or abroad. A certificate must be submitted as proof. The Examination Commission decides on equivalence.
- Proof of sufficient proficiency in English at level B2. In the General statutes section of the Law Office you will find the document "Recognized English Tests B2" where all tests recognized as equivalent are listed; this is not required if the university entrance qualification or first degree was acquired in English or the applicant can show that English is their mother tongue.
The course is subject to limited admissions.
Application with less than 210 ECTS
It is possible to apply for the FMC master’s degree with less than 210 ECTS; however, proof of compensation of the missing 30 ECTS has to be provided no later than the end of the application period by means of:
- proof of practical experience outside the degree course which corresponds to the practical semester of a bachelor’s degree in economics in terms of content and scope or
- proof of practical or theoretical study and examinations taken at a German or foreign university in addition to the student’s first degree which corresponds in content and scope to the demands of a bachelor's degree in economics.
NOTE: Please note that where documents are submitted to show evidence of practical professional experience or either practical or theoretical achievements worth 30 ECTS – in addition to a bachelor’s degree – the documents must clearly indicate that the 30 ECTS were obtain over and above the bachelor's degree programme. Confirmation can be provided by the university showing that the ECTS/internship were not counted towards the first degree. The duration of the practical professional experience gained outside the first degree should be equivalent to 20 weeks of full-time work. Furthermore, the internship reference must be submitted in officially certified form together with the other application documents. In both cases, we recommend to submit meaningful documents from which the Examination Committee can clearly understand the substantive aspects immediately.
AACSB accreditation
With its AACSB accreditation and its own Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, THI Business School stands for international excellence.
Our lecturers
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Corporate Finance
Prof. Dr. Mandy Habermann
International Accounting and Finance
Prof. Dr. Markus Jordan
External Accounting and Business Tax
Prof. Dr. Alois Rauscher
Internal and External Accounting
Prof. Dr. Karin Schmidt
Business Management, Accounting and Controlling
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Zellner
Accounting and International Tax Law
What documents do I have to submit with my application?
A full list of documents is provided in the application tool.
Here you will also find detailed requirements in terms of the form in which the documents have to be submitted. All documents initially have to be uploaded online.
In the event of admission to the master's degree course, certain documents then have to be submitted as an original or as a certified copy.
Can the bachelor’s degree certificate be submitted at a later stage?
The bachelor’s degree certificate can be submitted later providing evidence is submitted before the regular application deadline that the applicant will complete their first degree course at the end of the current semester with 210 ECTS points. This is done by uploading a recent transcript of records and proof of the final ECTS credits earned upon graduation (for example, excerpt study and examination regulation). Whatever happens, the final certificate or confirmation of successful completion of the first degree must be submitted no later than at matriculation.
What is the NC (admission restriction) for this master’s programme and what are my chances of being accepted?
- It is not possible to provide information about the NC (numerus clausus – admission restriction) for the master’s degree course during the application period because it will not yet have been determined at this point.
- Your admission cannot be reviewed until your application documents have been submitted. It is not possible to make a definitive statement without looking at the certificates first.
Are waiting semesters counted in connection with the master’s programme?
Waiting semesters are not counted in connection with an application to a master's degree course. Students who have applied previously are not at any advantage or disadvantage.
Can the master’s programme be taken on a part-time basis?
The master’s program is designed as a full-time program; however, all required courses are offered on weekdays from Wednesday through Friday (and in some cases on Saturday as well). There are no required lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays, so in principle, students have the opportunity to hold a part-time job or work as a student employee alongside their studies. In general, students also have the option of extending the duration of their studies to 4 or 5 semesters, thereby reducing the number of ECTS credits earned per semester to ensure a good balance with professional responsibilities.
Do I have to take the TOEFL test if I have completed a semester abroad?
- By the time of matriculation you have to have acquired sufficient proficiency in English, demonstrated by submitting a Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a point score or at least 530, a computer-based TOEFL with a point score or at least 197, an online TOEFL with a point score of at least 71 or an equivalent qualification.
- This is not required if the university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate qualifying the student for a bachelor's degree in Germany) or the first university degree was acquired in English, or if the applicant can show that English is their mother tongue.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.
Degree program director
-
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Degree programme director Financial Management and Controlling
Contact
-
Nicole Schneider, Dipl.-Betriebswirtin (FH)
Project Manager
Other programmes you may be interested in
-
Digital Procurement & Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Master of Science (M. Sc.)
The Master's programme in Digital Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chain Management is a Master of Science in Purchasing to offer you a specialisation in innovation management, cost engineering & value engineering, procurement processes and negotiation techniques, digitalisation, supply chain management and sustainable supplier management in an international environment. Logistics and procurement are at the start of global supply chains.
About the degree program -
Taxation and Consulting
Master of Arts (M. A.)
Key areas in Taxation and Consulting include tax law, accounting, auditing and corporate structures. The programme brings together national and international taxation, reporting and professional advisory methods. The result is advanced preparation for complex tax and assurance practice. The content is organised around current research, professional terminology and real-world system requirements.
About the degree program -
Retail and Consumer Management
Master of Arts (M. A.)
Retail management, consumer behaviour, marketing and data analytics define the academic profile of Retail and Consumer Management. Its subject areas cover omnichannel strategy, digital commerce and international retail concepts. Its specialist profile is shaped by customer-centred management across physical and digital channels.
About the degree program -
Business Management
Master of Arts (M. A.)
The Master’s programme in Business Management at THI Business School is designed for graduates of business-related Bachelor’s degrees who want to advance their management expertise and prepare for leadership responsibilities. The flexible four-semester part-time format reduces weekly class commitments, creating valuable opportunities for internships, working student roles, or professional projects alongside study.
About the degree program