Master of Governmental Accounting program leads to dream position

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting and ten years of experience, Joe Zaher was advancing his career complexities and responsibilities. To go further, he started exploring advanced degree options. 

Zaher saw an ad in an accounting magazine for the Rutgers Business School fully online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting. “This looked great,” he said. “The program is highly ranked, has the flexibility to fit my work/life schedule, and the in-state tuition is extended to out-of-state residents.”

The four-course Certificate in Government Financial Management program allowed Zaher to try out RBS and learn how well the coursework would fill his gaps before committing to the Master's program. “The first course, an introduction to Governmental Accounting and Auditing, boosted my confidence,” he said. Zaher was able to immediately apply the course learning to his job. 

Another course he quickly put to use, Design and Development of Information Systems, taught students how to identify the needs and produce the information necessary for informed managerial decisions. 

“I saw returns on investment that convinced me to apply the certificate courses to the master’s course requirements and earn the Master’s in Governmental Accounting,” Zaher said. 

The faculty connected theory to practice from their professional experience, and they were available and willing to discuss course material, he said.

The conversations he had with classmates were more than he expected. Students from across the country, at different levels, with diverse experiences and perspectives, provided thoughtful insights into the course materials that enhanced everyone’s learning. He quickly learned to allot more time for reading the threads. 

After committing the time, effort, and expense for a master’s degree, graduates rightly expect to advance or change careers and increase their income. Zaher did, but his outcome was probably quite unique. 

“My wife and I have spent considerable time vacationing in the City of Fruita, Colorado,” Zaher said. “We dreamt of one day retiring there. Throughout the Master’s in Governmental Accounting program, I had been casually looking at career opportunities; however, during our last holiday visit to Fruita, I saw a listing for the director of finance for the city of Fruita. It had been open for a while, and I somehow missed it. I had only packed casual clothes, so I spent an evening updating my resume and then bought interview clothes. The next day, resume in hand, I secured an initial interview. A week later, I was contacted for a second interview, and I received a job offer shortly after.

“In one career move, I moved to the place where my wife and I intend to spend the rest of our lives. My pay increase covered the entire cost of my master's degree. I am still telling people that if they want to be a leader in governmental accounting, the Rutgers program is a great way to go.”