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FPM in Finance Accounting at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Finance & Accounting at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Ahmedabad?
This Finance & Accounting specialization program at IIM Ahmedabad focuses on equipping future academics and researchers with rigorous theoretical and empirical tools to address complex problems in finance and accounting. It delves into the intricacies of financial markets, corporate finance, investments, and accounting practices within the dynamic Indian and global economic landscape. The program emphasizes an in-depth understanding of financial concepts and their practical applications in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and policy analysts who hold a strong interest in generating original research and contributing to the body of knowledge in finance and accounting. It targets individuals with a robust quantitative background, a master''''s degree in a related field, or highly qualified professionals seeking to transition into research roles. Graduates are often passionate about solving real-world financial challenges through rigorous academic inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure faculty positions in leading academic institutions across India and globally, pursue careers as research economists in financial regulators like RBI or SEBI, or join think tanks. Entry-level academic salaries for PhDs in India can range from INR 15-25 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential. The program fosters critical thinking and advanced analytical skills, positioning graduates as thought leaders in the Indian financial sector and academia.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic and Statistical Foundations- (Year 1 Coursework)
Engage deeply with core Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Probability & Statistics, and Econometrics coursework. Utilize supplementary textbooks, online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX), and practice problem sets rigorously. Form study groups with peers to clarify concepts and prepare for comprehensive exams.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks by Varian (Micro), Romer (Macro), Wooldridge (Econometrics), Online platforms like Coursera/edX for advanced topics, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of these fundamentals is critical for developing robust research questions and methodologies in finance and accounting, which are essential for academic success and publications.
Develop Foundational Research Methodology Skills- (Year 1 Coursework)
Actively participate in Research Methodology courses, focusing on understanding various research designs, data collection techniques, and statistical software. Begin reading foundational research papers in finance and accounting to identify common methodologies and academic writing styles.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, Python, Stata, SAS), JSTOR, Google Scholar, SSRN for research papers, IIMA library resources
Career Connection
Early exposure and practice in research methods build the scaffolding for your thesis, preparing you for independent research and academic publishing.
Proactively Engage with Faculty Mentors- (Year 1 Coursework)
From the early stages, identify faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Schedule regular informal meetings to discuss course material, potential research ideas, and seek guidance on navigating the FPM program. Attend faculty research seminars diligently.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental research seminars, IIMA faculty profiles online
Career Connection
Building strong relationships with faculty is crucial for mentorship, future collaboration, and securing recommendation letters for academic job markets.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Advanced Electives and Seminars- (Year 2 Coursework and early Comprehensive Exam preparation)
Carefully select advanced electives in Finance & Accounting that deepen your expertise in areas like asset pricing, corporate finance, or financial reporting. Actively participate in advanced research seminars, presenting your preliminary work and engaging with critical feedback.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks and journals (e.g., Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, The Accounting Review), Research databases (Bloomberg, Prowess, CMIE)
Career Connection
Developing a strong specialization makes you an expert in your chosen field, increasing your appeal to academic departments and research institutions seeking specific expertise.
Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Exams- (End of Year 2 / Beginning of Year 3)
Form dedicated study groups for comprehensive exam preparation, focusing on solving past papers and discussing theoretical concepts. Seek feedback from senior FPM students and faculty on your understanding and presentation of topics. This stage is a major gate for progression.
Tools & Resources
Past comprehensive exam papers (if available), Review sessions by faculty, Study groups with peers
Career Connection
Passing comprehensives is a mandatory milestone, demonstrating your mastery of core and specialized subjects, essential for advancing to thesis research.
Initiate and Refine Research Ideas- (Year 2 Coursework and post-Comprehensive Exam)
Begin exploring potential thesis topics, conducting literature reviews in your chosen niche, and attending workshops on research proposal writing. Develop a portfolio of potential research questions and discuss them frequently with your faculty advisor and other mentors.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar for literature review, EndNote/Zotero for reference management, Workshops on academic writing
Career Connection
Early initiation of research ideas ensures a smoother transition into thesis work, laying the groundwork for publishable research that defines your academic career.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Thesis Research and Writing- (Year 3-5)
Dedicate significant time to data collection, analysis, and writing your doctoral thesis. Maintain regular meetings with your thesis advisory committee, incorporating their feedback diligently. Aim to present your work at internal and external research colloquia.
Tools & Resources
Data analysis software (Stata, R, Python), LaTeX for academic writing, International and Indian research conferences
Career Connection
A well-written, impactful thesis is the cornerstone of your academic profile, crucial for securing top-tier faculty positions and establishing your research credibility.
Actively Seek Publication and Conference Opportunities- (Year 3-5)
Transform chapters of your thesis into standalone research papers. Submit these papers to reputable international and Indian academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Network with other researchers at these events to broaden your professional connections.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Conference submission deadlines, Professional associations (e.g., AFA, AAA, India Finance Association)
Career Connection
Publications in high-quality journals are paramount for academic career progression, tenure, and building a strong reputation in your field.
Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Year 4-5)
Start preparing your academic CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, and job market paper well in advance. Practice job talks and chalk talks extensively with faculty and peers. Attend IIMA''''s career guidance sessions specifically for academic placements.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Career Development Services, Mock interview panels, Academic job market forums
Career Connection
Strategic and early preparation for the academic job market is essential for securing desirable faculty positions in reputed institutions in India and abroad after graduation.
