Self-test: Is the "Expert in Accounting and Controlling with Federal Diploma" course the right one for me?
Use our free self-test to find out whether a job as an expert in accounting and controlling suits you or whether you are on the right path with a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for "Expert in Accounting and Controlling" with a federal diploma.
What does the day-to-day work of an expert in accounting and controlling with a federal diploma look like?
Experts in accounting and controlling assume responsibility for financial planning, controlling and the correct implementation of standards and laws in medium-sized and larger companies. For example, they work in an SME as head of finance or as head of group accounting in international corporations. They support the management in financial matters with key figures, statistics and evaluations, provide them with key management figures, monitor risk management, make suggestions for tax optimization and participate in strategic decision-making processes.
As Head of Finance, IT and sometimes HR Administration, they are responsible for the personnel management of their team and for the preparation of flawless accounting, including quarterly and annual financial statements, balance sheet and income statement, and the preparation of analyses, reports and key figures. You will prepare the accounts in accordance with the relevant standards and monitor the internal control systems. As an internal and external contact person, you will advise management on business management issues, on measures relating to the organizational structure and processes or on issues relating to national and international tax law and VAT.
Note: Remember that the division/weighting of tasks can vary greatly depending on the job profile and company!
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an expert in accounting and controlling?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Also keep an eye out for alternatives. Here you will find a list of training courses in related fields:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the Higher Professional Examination for Experts in Accounting and Controlling with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course or the Advanced Professional Examination for Accounting and Controlling Experts is aimed at the following target group:
- Persons with a higher vocational training qualification in accounting or fiduciary services
- Business economists who wish to specialize in the areas of accounting and controlling
- Professionals from the management consulting and fiduciary sector who would like further training in financing and controlling issues
Experts in accounting and controlling should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Enjoy dealing with numbers, standards and laws
- Independence and a sense of responsibility
- Negotiating skills and assertiveness
- Loyalty and discretion
- Planning and organizational skills
- Analytical and networked thinking and acting
- Communication skills (good foreign language skills)
- Ability to work in a team
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Advanced Professional Examination for Experts in Accounting and Controlling:
The admission requirements for admission to the Advanced Professional Examination for Experts in Accounting and Controlling are as follows:
(Note: The prerequisites must be fulfilled by the time of the examination or examination registration)
- In possession of a federal certificate in finance and accounting followed by more than two years of professional experience*
Or
- In possession of another federal certificate, federal diploma (HFP), diploma from a university of applied sciences (HF), degree from a university or university of applied sciences and more than three years of relevant professional experience in the field of accounting and controlling.
And
- There is no entry in the central criminal register in connection with the professional activity
And
- Participation in the leadership workshop (3 days), which is organized by the sponsoring body. In this workshop, candidates deal with the core processes of leadership using practical tasks.
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
*The calculation of the number of years of relevant professional experience is based on a workload of 80%. For part-time positions, the professional experience is credited on a pro rata basis.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the Advanced Professional Examination for Experts in Accounting and Controlling if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for experts in accounting and controlling, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Association for Higher Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP c/o examen.ch AG.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for experts in accounting and controlling, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Association for Higher Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP c/o examen.ch AG.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Subject matter and content of the training
When compiling the course content and subject matter, the schools of the preparatory courses for the Advanced Level Examination for Experts in Accounting and Controlling are guided by the specifications of the sponsoring body, the Association for Advanced Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP c/o examen.ch AG.
The following topics are taught in the courses and examined at the HFP:
- Accounting(e.g. Code of Obligations, accounting, consolidated financial statements)
- Controlling(e.g. conceptualizing, designing and managing controlling systems, value-oriented controlling, key figures, key figure analysis, revenue, performance and cost controlling, decision calculations, risk management, internal control system, developing and managing strategic controlling systems, operational planning, budgeting, budget control, project management)
- Corporate Finance(including basics, forms of financing, financial planning, risk hedging and diversification, investment decisions, company valuation)
- Taxes(e.g. taxes in accounting, restructuring for partnerships and legal entities, special topics according to DBG, StHG, VStG, StG, international tax law, VAT finalization, real estate, private shares, reporting procedures)
- Data management(e.g. objectives and basics of data management, automation for reporting, planning, etc.) AI in accounting and controlling)
- Guidance(including recognizing and performing leadership tasks, shaping and promoting the ability to cooperate, promoting and developing employees, communication and presentation)
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the relevant field. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of an expert in accounting and controlling with a federal diploma are not your thing. You would be better off looking at other further training courses. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
Apart from the examination fee, which is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination, the costs vary depending on the provider.
In general, the following costs must be expected for the three to five-semester part-time course to become an expert in accounting and controlling:
- Course feesbetween CHF 20,000 and CHF 25,000, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
Note: Members of the commercial association benefit from up to 10% discount on the course costs. Read morehereto. - External examination feesCHF 3,400 (as of April 2023) The examination fee is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination or course. The candidate pays this to the sponsoring body after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example, are not included in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government (so-called subject financing). Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 23,400 and CHF 28,400 for the course and exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance. Some schools also offer a discount for early booking.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, teaching times, teaching model and learning effort
- Duration:The training to become an expert in accounting and controlling is completed on a part-time basis and takes between 3 and 5 semesters (depending on the provider and training model). It has a modular structure.
- Lesson times:The course with its approx. 750 lessons is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences. There are often day courses and evening courses. For example, lessons can take place on a weekday afternoon and evening and/or all day on a Saturday.
- Teaching model:Many schools often offer different teaching models so that you have the opportunity to combine further education with family, work and free time in the best possible way. You can usually choose between face-to-face teaching or online formats, such as online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning.
- Learning effort:Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than four semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The final examination (HFP) to become an expert in accounting and controlling is held every year, provided that at least 40 candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise every two years. Candidates can choose the language in which they wish to take the Advanced Professional Examination: German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 28 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the oral examination, permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination consists of seven parts, which are structured as follows:
(Note: If you have a qualification as a certified public accountant, certified tax expert or certified fiduciary expert, you can be exempted from one or more of the following tax and corporate finance examination parts (only applies to certified public accountants). Detailed information on the recognition and crediting of other qualifications and achievements can be obtained from the awarding body).
1) Accounting (written, 5 hours, weighting 3)
On the basis of two to three guided case studies, candidates work on problems relating to the core processes of accounting.
2) Controlling (written, 5 hours, weighting 3)
Candidates work on problems using 2 to 3 guided case studies for the core processes of controlling.
3) Corporate Finance (written, 3 hours, weighting 1)
Candidates work on problems on the basis of guided case work. This covers the core processes of corporate finance.
4) Taxes (written, 2 hours, weighting 1)
In the area of core tax processes, candidates work on problems on the basis of guided case work.
5) Data management (written, 1.5 hours, weighting 1)
Candidates must work on the core processes of data management using guided case work.
6) Interdisciplinary case study (written, 4 hours, weighting 3)
In the form of an interdisciplinary case study, candidates work on a complex problem relating to the areas of competence specified for this part of the examination.
7) Presentation and technical discussion (oral, 1 hour 40 minutes, weighting 1)
In advance, the candidates draw up a concept for a specific initial situation. They then present the concept orally to a panel of experts. This is followed by an expert discussion.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Certified Expert in Accounting and Controlling".
In French: "Expert diplômé en finance et en controlling / Experte diplômée en finance et en controlling"
In Italian: "Esperto diplomato in finanza e in controlling / Experta diplomata in finanza e in controlling"
In English: "Chartered Expert in Financial and Managerial Accounting and Reporting, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education". Please note that the English title is merely a translation and recommendation and is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams (subthis linkyou will find a collection of so-called "zero series" for practicing)
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorshipthe Higher Professional Examination, the Association for Higher Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP c/o examen.ch AG. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams (subthis linkyou will find a collection of so-called "zero series" for practicing)
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorshipthe Higher Professional Examination, the Association for Higher Examinations in Accounting and Controlling BP/HFP c/o examen.ch AG. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course for the Federal Diploma as an Expert in Accounting and Controlling (HFP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further education. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become an expert in accounting and controlling is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as an expert in accounting and controlling does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a controlling expert is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: