CAS Finance & Accounting
A sound knowledge of finance and accounting is essential for successful executives. Everything you do in business has some effect on “the numbers”, and even if financial issues may not be the primary goal of your position, you should be able to understand the main financial statements of your company, draw the necessary conclusions, use financial arguments to get the resources for your next project, and lead your team accordingly.
The CAS Finance & Accounting gives you a solid understanding of financial topics and allows you to apply it in your own business environment right away. As part of a class with participants from various industries, you will also expand your professional network and benefit from peer learning.
This CAS forms an integral part of our International Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program and can be credited toward the full degree.
Overview of the CAS
Degree
Program Start
Venue
Duration
Application Deadline
ECTS
Program Language
Program Fees
Program Details
Structure
The CAS Finance & Accounting consists of five Master Classes of 2.5 days each.
Preparation starts 10 days before each class. The purpose of the preparations is to ensure that all participants have a certain level and understanding of the basic concepts of the class (e.g. bookkeeping). Moreover, preparation gives you time to pre-read materials (e.g. cases) that will be used for discussion in class.
Classes take place from Thursday morning to Saturday lunchtime. Their focus lies on interaction with faculty and peers as well as on application of the prepared concepts to real-life cases. They are set up for on-site participation but will be recorded for later reference and occasional online participation. Group work will not be recorded.
After class, participants have 14 days to complete an exam or applied transfer task (paper).
Benefits
After the CAS Finance & Accounting Proficiency, you will understand the various financial reports (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) published by companies and use these and other data to make better decisions and create value. You will also get to know valuation models that support sound investment and management decisions in the context of project and company acquisitions. In the elective modules, you can (a) add knowhow about the use of fundamental microeconomic tools and concepts for managerial decision-making, or grasp (b) a good understanding of the foundations of uncertainty modelling and business analytics.
You will benefit from renowned faculty from leading business schools and from exchanging ideas with experienced leaders in your class. The financial knowledge you gain can be applied immediately in your professional environment. If desired, you can build on the CAS Finance & Accounting Proficiency with additional CAS programs to earn a DAS in Business Administration or the International Executive MBA.
Modules, Dates & Professors
Please note that courses and dates can be subject to change.
Applied Assignments
Each of the five courses will be assessed through applied assignments that incorporate your own work-related projects, delivering immediate added value for you and your company.
Upon successful completion of all assignments, you will be awarded the degree CAS Finance & Accounting Proficiency from the University of Bern.
Target Audience/Requirements
We appreciate diversity and welcome executives and project managers from all industries and roles into our programs.
To qualify for the CAS Finance & Accounting Proficiency, you should meet the following criteria:
- Over 5 years of experience in a responsible position and a university degree (or equivalent),
or
over 10 years of management experience and an alternative education (admission sur dossier) - Potential to take on further responsibilities
- Alignment with the values of Rochester-Bern: respect and fairness, trust and loyalty, curiosity and openness
- Fluency in English and strong time management skills
Program Fees
The CAS program consists of a total of 5 Master Classes. The participation fee is CHF 14,800.
This includes tuition fees, all required preparatory materials, coffee breaks and water on regular course days, as well as registration and examination fees. The invoice will be issued at least 6 weeks before the start of the program.
Your Study Journey
Financial Accounting
–
Filip Roodhooft
In the Financial Accounting Master Class, we discuss the different types of financial information that stock market companies prepare. Financial Accounting creates transparency in financial markets and helps capital providers make good decisions when allocating funds. After the course, you will understand the different financial statements (balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements) that a company publishes externally. You will also understand how estimates impact the financial information that companies publish externally.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Finance & Accounting and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Managerial Accounting
–
Filip Roodhooft
The Managerial Accounting Master Class uses case studies to show how managers can apply internal information within companies to make better decisions and create value. One of the key contributions of the finance function in companies is strategic decision-making and strategic performance measurement. After the course, you will understand how reports prepared by financial managers can help other managers make better decisions and how financial managers can measure the strategic process of a company.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Finance & Accounting and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Project Valuation
–
Claudio Loderer
The Project Valuation Master Class provides the conceptual framework necessary to help managers decide what investment decisions make best sense. We take a look at investment projects, such as replacing machines, launching new products, or building new factories. The perspectives presented in the course cover both theoretical and practical issues. While the course’s focus is on investments, the principles we develop apply to management decisions in general with a view to helping you make better choices.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Finance & Accounting and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Company Valuation
–
Philip Valta
The Company Valuation course provides the conceptual framework necessary to help managers decide what investment decisions make best sense when it comes to the exciting topic of computing the value of companies and negotiating agreements about the acquisition and sale of companies. The perspectives presented in the course cover both theoretical and practical issues.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Finance & Accounting and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Corporate Financial Policy
–
Urs Wälchli
In this course, you learn how firms interact with capital markets and why that is relevant. At the core of our considerations are three financial policies:
- Financing policy: How should firms finance their business activities?
- Investment policy: Which factors should guide a firm’s investment activities?
- Payout policy: How much and how should firms return capital to their investors?
You learn how financing instruments can be used to bridge disagreements, make deals more valuable, set the right incentives, and even serve as a “truth serum”. You discover the power of these tools in financing decisions throughout the lifecycle of a firm, including seed financing, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings. Finally, we extend this logic to financial risk management and learn how different financial instruments can be used to mitigate risk.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Application
Online Application
We accept applications exclusively through this form. You will need the following documents:
- Portrait photo (.jpg, .jpeg, or .png, highest resolution possible)
- Current resume (.pdf)
- Transcripts/diplomas of your highest degree (.pdf)
- Copy of passport or ID for university registration (front and back)
- Completed motivational letter (download template here)
- Two completed recommendation forms (download template here)
Please note that the application form cannot be saved temporarily.
Admissions Interview
We will contact you to schedule an interview with a member of the RoBe management team. A decision regarding your admission will be made within one week of the interview.
Confirmation and Preparation
Along with the written confirmation of admission – at the latest 6 weeks before the start of the program – you will receive the invoice for the program fee. Once payment has been received, we will send you the preparatory materials for the first Master Class.
Class Statistics
In our classes, we seek to combine a diversity of profiles to provide you with the most beneficial classroom experience and professional network possible. Here you can find the statistics of a typical class.
Origin
Functional Background
Industry Background
| Percentage of Female Students | Average Age |
Average Work Experience |
Average Management Experience |
| 26% | 39 | 16 | 9 |
Your Benefits
Well-Aligned Curriculum
Strengthen your finance skills with courses in Financial and Managerial Accounting, Project and Company Valuation as well as an elective and bring increased value to your organization.
International Excellence
Bloomberg Businessweek 2025
(Simon Business School) since 1996
Financial Times 2026
Next Information Sessions and Open Days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the CAS Finance & Accounting cost?
CHF 14,800. The program fee includes tuition fees, all required preparatory materials, coffee breaks and water on regular course days, as well as registration and examination fees.
Can I complete the CAS while working?
Yes, the program is specifically designed for working professionals. The course days take place Thursday to Saturday and are spread over a period of 4 months.
Is the attendance in the courses mandatory?
The modules are successfully completed if at least 80 percent of them have been attended. Absences exceeding 20 percent of the module times must be compensated so that the corresponding ECTS points can be recognized.
What are the alternatives in the event of a conflict of dates?
Students who unfortunately cannot attend class due to illness or an important date conflict have the option of completing their module block with the next class. The final diploma will then be issued accordingly only after completion of this module block.
Can I apply without a university degree?
Rochester-Bern’s continuing education programs are generally aimed at individuals with a university degree and professional experience. In exceptional cases, professionals with equivalent degrees or several years of professional experience may be admitted (admission sur dossier). The decision is made in consultation with the program management.
How does the registration process work?
1) Online registration with application dossier, 2) One admission interview (if applicable), 3) Registration and preparation after confirmation of admission.
What degree do I receive?
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Finance from the University of Bern.
Get in touch with us!
Do you have questions about the program? Our team is happy to answer them.