KPMG is partnering with Villanova and Ohio State University to develop a masters of accounting that emphasizes data analytics. See the video below. 

 

KPMG attributes the development of this program to the increasing use of data throughout the world. The program will try to utilize modern analytics technology. 

25 students will enter the program for Villanova in 2017 at and 25 will enter the program at Ohio State’s Max Fisher College of Business in 2017. 

KPMG developed a website strictly for this new program. KPMGMasters.com

It cites the fact that the world is more data-rich than ever as a reason for the program. 

What will this curriculum be composed of?

Well according to KPMG’s website the curriculum will include the following:

 

  • Data Analysis and Visualization
  • Systems for Data Analytics
  • Auditing through Information Systems
  • Probability and Uncertainty and Statistical Decision Making
  • Auditing with KPMG Automated Audit Procedures
  • The Future of Data and Analytics
  • Data Mining for Business Intelligence
  • Fraudulent Financial Reporting

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KPMG caveats the curriculum saying that its up to the universities to come up with the final curriculum themselves. 
The main benefit of the program is that KPMG will completely fund each student that is accepted into the program. 

KPMG will also offer real-world experience during a 16 week (4 month) internship. Students will take part in this internship in the spring semester of 2018. Upon completion of the program the student would obviously have to accept a full time offer from KPMG in order to reap the financial benefits. 

If the person becomes a high performer when they transition to KPMG, they have the ability to become an audit senior associate after only one year. They can also become an audit manager after only 4 years. This is a benefit for audit associates because it normally takes at least 2 years to become a senior associate. However, I’m not sure it is a benefit to those trying to become managers. Many of the other big 4 accounting firms already allow the opportunity to become a manager after four years if you are a high performer. 

The data and analytics program will be offered in the following locations

  • Atlanta
  • Houston
  • San Francisco
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Columbus
  • Dallas
  • Los Angeles
  • Minneapolis
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • Short Hills
  • Silicon Valley
  • Washington DC

Check out our KPMG locations page for more information about each of these locations.