Designed to be industry centric, the SMU Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) programme aims to equip graduates with the skills to thrive in the evolving accounting landscape.
Hear more about the programme from Gan Inn Siang, an MSA graduate from the Class of 2025. He is currently a Finance Transformation Manager, Finance Digital Office, at Singtel.
How has the Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) programme equipped you with future-ready skills in areas such as data analytics, AI, and data transformation?
For someone with a traditional accounting background and a deep passion for technology, the MSA programme has served as a crucial bridge to the future of finance.
It provided a solid foundation in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data transformation, making these technical subjects accessible and relevant to the accounting profession. For instance, the curriculum demystified complex topics, such as the fundamentals of data preparation and cleaning, data visualisation, and machine learning.
Through hands-on experience in using analytical tools, the MSA has equipped me with the necessary skills to apply these technologies in the workplace — essential in today’s data-driven accounting landscape.
How did the programme help you connect technical knowledge with practical business applications?
The programme has helped me with this in three ways:
1. Applying critical skills amidst a complex business environment
The programme emphasised the practical challenges of working with business data. In reality, a business’s natural state is often complex, with data that is far from perfect.
The MSA curriculum stressed the importance of data governance and data readiness before attempting any advanced analytics. This has been invaluable in my work, as it has provided me with a structured framework to tackle complex data projects and ensure the reliability of my analyses.
2. Flattening the AI learning curve
The programme has also provided a strong theoretical foundation on complex AI concepts.
For instance, having an appreciation for concepts like cosine similarity and vector databases, which are fundamental to Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) setups, has significantly made it easier to understand and implement advanced AI solutions.
This foundational knowledge has empowered me to engage in more technical discussions and contribute to innovative projects that leverage AI.
3. Augmenting financial analysis with a data science methodology
The MSA programme has cultivated a systematic approach to problem-solving, through the application of data science methodology.
This structured process, from defining the business problem to deploying a solution, has enhanced my financial and statistical analysis skills. It has enabled me to approach financial challenges with a more data-driven mindset, leading to more robust and insightful conclusions.
How has the MSA programme helped you in your career after graduation?
Post-graduation, I am now more confident in applying my skills to take on diverse challenges. This extends from core accounting functions, such as sustainability reporting and management accounting, to the more technical aspects of data analytics.
I am now comfortable navigating the entire data lifecycle, from establishing data governance and controls to deploying machine learning solutions for complex business cases.
This versatility has made me a more valuable asset to my organisation, allowing me to bridge the gap between finance, AI, and data science domains.
How would you recommend the MSA to someone considering further studies in accounting data and analytics?
I would highly recommend the MSA programme to anyone looking to future-proof their career in accounting. In a field that is constantly evolving with new technologies and regulations, a commitment to continuous learning is essential.
The MSA programme goes beyond imparting knowledge; it ignites a sense of curiosity, equips you with the tools for continuous learning, and fosters a mindset for lifelong learning.
By encouraging you to ask insightful questions and seek out innovative solutions to complex problems, it ensures that you will not only keep pace with the evolving accounting and finance landscape but also prepares you to lead the change.
The future of accounting is for those who are willing to continuously learn and grow, and the MSA programme is an excellent catalyst for that journey.
Learn more about the SMU Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) and how it can equip you with the skills to take your career to greater heights.
