The four collaborating partners are joining forces to help students fast track their global career 

 In what is undoubtedly a global first in cooperation between one of the ‘Big Four’ professional services firms and international universities, Deloitte, the University of Nicosia (UNIC), Cass Business School (Cass), and UNIC Global Training have joined forces to offer an innovative international programme in Accounting and Finance, which will allow its graduates to markedly distinguish themselves in today’s globally competitive professional environment.

The aim of the four-year undergraduate programme is to maximize the learning and experience of students through two years of academic studies at UNIC, followed by two years at Cass, during which they will participate in business workshops and engage in rich internship experiences at Deloitte. The international programme thus offers candidates the opportunity to obtain two university degrees, the UNIC Bachelor (BSc) in Accounting, and the Cass Bachelor (BSc) in Accounting and Finance, while building their professional skills working alongside Deloitte professionals.

Commenting on the new joint offering, the Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, characterised the partnership with CASS, one of the top Business Schools in the world, a milestone in the history of the University and an honour for the School of Business and the Department of Accounting. “The double degree in Accounting and Finance adds to our impressive portfolio of collaborations […] in line with our strategy of partnering with renowned universities. It is also indicative of our focus on actively promoting cross-border education”. He also spoke about the vital component of the programme, namely the practicum offered via Deloitte, one of the world’s largest leading professional services firms, which, coupled with the academic component, “offers candidates in related fields the means to truly fast track their global career”. Rector Pouyioutas concluded by underscoring a broader objective shared by the collaborating partners: “This venture serves as a prime example of how academia and industry can join forces to develop great programmes and curricula that address evolving labour market needs, while at the same time ensuring top academic quality”. Indeed, it is envisioned that the programme and its format could set the trend for further cooperation between big professional services firms and international universities going forward.

“I am very excited about this new partnership with the University of Nicosia and Deloitte”, remarked Dr. Dirk Nitzsche, Associate Dean for International Relations and Course Director Quants Masters Programmes at the Cass Business School, City, University of London. “It shows that Cass is committed to internationalisation and to being a business school for the professions”, he continued, noting in parallel that this marks the first programme of its kind that Cass is offering with a European partner and a global company. In terms of its benefits to aspiring candidates, Dr Nitzsche underscored the following: “This programme provides a new, exciting opportunity for undergraduate students wanting to pursue a career in accountancy. With two internships at Deloitte and a truly international education, graduates from this programme will have the potential to become thought leaders in their field”.

 On his part, Mr. George Pantelides, Consulting Leader and HR Partner at Deloitte, spoke about their excitement and pride in being part of this initiative alongside reputable institutions, which will result in a unique talent pool of young professionals. “Upon graduation, the students will bring to the market a combination of outstanding academic knowledge, coupled with the ever-evolving business skills and experience required to succeed in our field internationally”, he continued. Commenting on their pivotal role in the programme, Mr Pantelides said the following: “We believe our contribution to this programme helps us achieve our purpose to make an impact, not only for the students who will attend the programme, but also for our clients and our industry who will benefit from talented professionals. Working closely with Deloitte, students will gain practical experience through internships at our offices in Cyprus and throughout the Middle East, in a truly international environment which spans across 150 countries worldwide”. He concluded by highlighting Deloitte’s longstanding commitment to helping their clients and people excel by always being one step ahead: “This is what we’re doing here – we’re creating leaders from inception.”

UNIC Global Training played an instrumental role in bringing the parties together, given its unique standing as an affiliate of UNIC and a longstanding training partner of Deloitte, with over 25 years of experience in developing and delivering training programmes for the financial sector. Commenting on the development, UNIC Global Training CEO, Mr. Odysseas Christodoulou, remarked: “We are delighted that Deloitte is actively promoting the marriage between accounting training and academic education in this way, embracing the double degree programme between two pioneering universities, the University of Nicosia, and the world-renowned Cass Business School”. In closing, Mr. Christodoulou explained that the International Programme offers graduates the opportunity to truly maximise their career opportunities and earning potential: “Graduates with the double degree from UNIC and Cass will be eligible for a graduate job with Deloitte and have the opportunity to complete their professional qualification studies [among others, ACCA, ACA, CPA, CFA] with UNIC Global Training, either online or in the classroom”.

The International Programme in Accounting and Finance is the ideal programme for students intending to pursue a career in the accounting profession and professional services industry (Auditors, Tax Advisers, Risk Management Consultants, Data Analysts) or in any other specialty where financial accounting is a central element. Interested candidates are invited to visit the website for more information and to apply online: www.unic.ac.cy/deloitte-cass