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 play a critical role in the success of organisations, and the Financial Management and Controlling Master's degree programme prepares you to take on this responsibility. You will develop advanced expertise in controlling, corporate planning, financial asset management, international accounting, tax planning, as well as risk and compliance management. Through practice-oriented projects and case studies, you will learn how to analyse data strategically, evaluate investments, and steer complex business models in a dynamic global environment.
The programme combines in-depth financial expertise with a strong international perspective. A four-week Summer School in China and the opportunity to spend a semester abroad enhance your intercultural skills and prepare you for careers in international financial markets and globally operating organisations. Through close collaboration with industry partners, practical projects, and English-taught modules, you will build the competencies required to take on financial responsibility in organisations of all sizes, whether in controlling, corporate finance, financial management, or executive leadership roles.
By the time you graduate, you will be equipped for demanding specialist and management positions that require strategic thinking, analytical excellence, and sound financial decision-making.
Career Prospects
The programme prepares graduates for highly qualified specialist and leadership positions in the fields of controlling, corporate finance, accounting, taxation, risk management, and financial strategy. Combining analytical expertise with managerial competencies, graduates are well positioned to take on responsibility for financial planning and business performance within organisations.
Typical career paths include roles in financial controlling, corporate finance, treasury, accounting, tax advisory, risk and compliance management, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and strategic business controlling. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for future leadership positions, including roles such as Commercial Director, Head of Controlling, Finance Manager, or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), initially within business units or smaller organisational entities and later at a broader corporate level.
With its combination of financial expertise, international exposure, and practical experience, the programme offers excellent career opportunities in multinational corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, and growth-oriented companies.
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
Financial Management Basics
<p>The module gives a basic understanding of accounting (HGB/IFRS), corporate taxation, corporate finance, and management accounting.</p>
International Accounting and Auditing
<p>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. </p>
International Tax Planning
<p>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. </p>
Corporate Planning and Reporting
<p>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.</p>
Legal, Compliance and Risk Management
<p>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.</p>
Transfer Project I
<p>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.</p>
Business Analysis and Evaluation
<p>This module covers value-based management and the concept of Economic Value Added. It also explores various approaches to business valuation.</p>
Project Controlling and Turnaround Management
<p>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. </p>
Capital Structure Management and Financing
<p>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. </p>
Financial Asset Management and Mergers & Aquisition
<p>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.</p>
Management Elective I
<p>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.</p>
Transfer Project II
<p>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.</p>
Management Elective II
<p>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.</p>
Financial Management Seminar
<p>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. </p>
Master‘s thesis
<p>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.</p>
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester |
Evidence of the following qualifications has to be provided for admission to the master’s degree course in Financial Management and Controlling (FC):
- 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.
Find more details on how to apply.
The following link contains information for applicants from abroad concerning the application procedure.
Programme Documents
NOTE on 180 ECTS
Can I apply even if I have obtained less than 210 ECTS (normally 180 ECTS) in my previous bachelor’s degree?
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.
Please see the Study and Examination Regulations for details.
Our professors
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Degree programme director Financial Management and Controlling
Prof. Dr. Mandy Habermann
Student Advisor International Management
Prof. Dr. Markus Jordan
Degree program director Taxation and Consulting, Examination Committee THI BS
Prof. Dr. Alois Rauscher
Prof. Dr. Karin Schmidt
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Zellner
Degree program director International Management
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 lectures and seminars of this degree course are organised in block form, so it is essentially possible to do a part-time job while studying. However, please be sure to consider the significant workload that this involves: all master’s courses require preparation and follow-up, and there will be several project assignments during the semester. If regular employment is pursued there is very little scope for other private activities.
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
![[Translate to English:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/image-enhancer/57236/RCM-Jungbluth_2024__46__Header-533x355-crop-default-169-0-533-299.webp "[Translate to English:]")
Financial Management and Controlling
Financial decisions play a critical role in the success of organisations, and the Financial Management and Controlling Master's degree programme prepares you to take on this responsibility. You will develop advanced expertise in controlling, corporate planning, financial asset management, international accounting, tax planning, as well as risk and compliance management. Through practice-oriented projects and case studies, you will learn how to analyse data strategically, evaluate investments, and steer complex business models in a dynamic global environment.
The programme combines in-depth financial expertise with a strong international perspective. A four-week Summer School in China and the opportunity to spend a semester abroad enhance your intercultural skills and prepare you for careers in international financial markets and globally operating organisations. Through close collaboration with industry partners, practical projects, and English-taught modules, you will build the competencies required to take on financial responsibility in organisations of all sizes, whether in controlling, corporate finance, financial management, or executive leadership roles.
By the time you graduate, you will be equipped for demanding specialist and management positions that require strategic thinking, analytical excellence, and sound financial decision-making.
Career Prospects
The programme prepares graduates for highly qualified specialist and leadership positions in the fields of controlling, corporate finance, accounting, taxation, risk management, and financial strategy. Combining analytical expertise with managerial competencies, graduates are well positioned to take on responsibility for financial planning and business performance within organisations.
Typical career paths include roles in financial controlling, corporate finance, treasury, accounting, tax advisory, risk and compliance management, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and strategic business controlling. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for future leadership positions, including roles such as Commercial Director, Head of Controlling, Finance Manager, or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), initially within business units or smaller organisational entities and later at a broader corporate level.
With its combination of financial expertise, international exposure, and practical experience, the programme offers excellent career opportunities in multinational corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, and growth-oriented companies.
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
Financial Management Basics
<p>The module gives a basic understanding of accounting (HGB/IFRS), corporate taxation, corporate finance, and management accounting.</p>
International Accounting and Auditing
<p>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. </p>
International Tax Planning
<p>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. </p>
Corporate Planning and Reporting
<p>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.</p>
Legal, Compliance and Risk Management
<p>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.</p>
Transfer Project I
<p>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.</p>
Business Analysis and Evaluation
<p>This module covers value-based management and the concept of Economic Value Added. It also explores various approaches to business valuation.</p>
Project Controlling and Turnaround Management
<p>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. </p>
Capital Structure Management and Financing
<p>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. </p>
Financial Asset Management and Mergers & Aquisition
<p>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.</p>
Management Elective I
<p>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.</p>
Transfer Project II
<p>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.</p>
Management Elective II
<p>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.</p>
Financial Management Seminar
<p>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. </p>
Master‘s thesis
<p>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.</p>
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester |
Evidence of the following qualifications has to be provided for admission to the master’s degree course in Financial Management and Controlling (FC):
- 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.
Find more details on how to apply.
The following link contains information for applicants from abroad concerning the application procedure.
Programme Documents
NOTE on 180 ECTS
Can I apply even if I have obtained less than 210 ECTS (normally 180 ECTS) in my previous bachelor’s degree?
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.
Please see the Study and Examination Regulations for details.
Our professors
Prof. Dr. Tanja Sinha
Degree programme director Financial Management and Controlling
Prof. Dr. Mandy Habermann
Student Advisor International Management
Prof. Dr. Markus Jordan
Degree program director Taxation and Consulting, Examination Committee THI BS
Prof. Dr. Alois Rauscher
Prof. Dr. Karin Schmidt
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Zellner
Degree program director International Management
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 lectures and seminars of this degree course are organised in block form, so it is essentially possible to do a part-time job while studying. However, please be sure to consider the significant workload that this involves: all master’s courses require preparation and follow-up, and there will be several project assignments during the semester. If regular employment is pursued there is very little scope for other private activities.
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