At SMU Accounting Masters, we are proud of the remarkable journeys our alumni embark upon. Recently, we had the opportunity to hear from Jerry, a graduate of our Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) program. Here’s a glimpse into Jerry’s experience.
Why did you choose SMU and the MSA programme?
Choosing Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) was a decision shaped by several factors. SMU’s global reputation, world-class faculty, and unparalleled networking opportunities were major draws. However, what truly captivated me was the unique pedagogical approach—encouraging interaction between students and professors, challenging conventional thinking, and fostering an environment where tough questions can be asked.
On a personal level, pursuing the programme was more than just acquiring another academic qualification. After completing my bachelor’s degree and witnessing the rapid evolution of the accounting field, I recognised the importance of updating my skill set to stay competitive. I wanted to transform my traditional accounting expertise into a future-ready asset. The MSA programme at SMU fulfilled all these criteria, offering a comprehensive platform to enhance my knowledge and skills in a way that aligns with modern business needs.
How has the experience benefited you?
The MSA experience has exceeded my expectations!
From the outset, I gained hard skills like programming in Python and R for data cleaning, transformation, and analysis, along with data management using Structured Query Language (SQL). The programme focus on data governance provided the foundation that has been crucial in shaping my domain expertise. Moreover, learning Tableau for data visualisation completed the full circle of my analytical capabilities. We delved into a range of specialised technical applications, including optimising financial portfolios, building fraud detection models, and even developing predictive models to capture signals for long-term market returns.
As a former auditor, I was already familiar with working on raw data. This programme significantly refined my ability to derive meaningful insights from a financial, risk management, and control perspective, further enhancing my appreciation for the transformative power of big data.
Overall, the skills and knowledge gained through the MSA programme have unlocked multiple career opportunities. Whether I choose to continue in audit, accounting, or finance—enriched by big data insights—or explore digital transformation and data-centric roles, the programme has provided me with the flexibility and tools to chart my own path.
What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s?
For anyone considering a master’s programme, my key advice is to take the leap of faith when hesitation is at its peak.
When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, I was filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Even after thorough research, the doubts remained. But one guiding principle that helped me overcome this was to embrace the leap even when hesitation is strong. Often, external circumstances may present more reasons not to pursue a degree than reasons to go forward. However, as I learnt from the MSA, it's crucial to weigh the few compelling reasons to pursue the degree against the many minor doubts. That’s when you take the leap—and begin your journey of learning.
SMU’s MSA programme exemplifies how experienced professionals can become dual-domain experts, adding a new layer of data-driven insights to their foundational training. This not only advances our careers but also enables us to add significant value to the organisations we serve. When we embrace data-driven decision-making, we become catalysts for meaningful change within our companies.
Jerry’s journey through SMU’s Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics)(MSA) program highlights the value and impact of our educational offerings. The insights and advice shared by Jerry reflect the program’s commitment to preparing students for success in the accounting field.
For more information about the MSA program, please click here.
