Top Universities in France for Aspiring Accountants in 2025: Where to Build Your Career

Irion Dekov
Jun 20
4 min read

One of the most important career decisions for anyone who wants a successful career in accounting is the decision of the best university to attend. In France, there is a high demand for skilled accountants emerging at breakneck speed in 2025. Business firms require professionals with accounting skills that are technologically savvy and follow international standards and procedures.

So what are the best training courses to learn accounting in France? Let us find out the best universities, how well they train, and what they have to give to you for your professional future.

Why University Choice Matters for Accountants

Accounting is more than "crunching numbers." Accounting is actually about integrity, analytical skills, and decision-making, as well as helping businesses succeed financially. Your best school will not only teach you the basics but also provide practical experience, industry contacts, and the credentials you need to succeed in the profession.

In France, chartered accountants are available in many different business sectors, from small start-up businesses to big multinational businesses, and everything in between. With more and more accounting now being performed electronically or by automated methods, today's chartered accountants also need to be tech and data literate. It is thus important to study for a university that has an up-to-date and thorough accounting program.

What Makes a Great Accounting Program?

Before making your university choice, watch for the following:

● Recognition: Determine if the university you are thinking of offers courses recognized by institutions such as the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or national diplomas such as the Diplôme de Comptabilité et de Gestion (DCG) and Diplôme Supérieur de Comptabilité et de Gestion (DSCG).

● Relevant Courses: The best graduates of these courses will be familiar with traditional accounting topics as well as modern topics such as accounting software, data analysis, and international accounting.

● Internships and Career Counseling: Best universities are efficient in maintaining relations with local companies and help their students obtain internships and jobs by arranging job fairs, workshops, and career counseling.

Top Universities for Accounting in France (2025)

If you want to study accounting in France, check these 3 of the best schools in 2025:

1. HEC Paris

HEC Paris is one of the top business schools in Europe. Here, you can take their Master in Accounting and Financial Management. You'll study financial analysis, auditing. tax and financial strategy. The good news is that they have excellent ties with firms such as Deloitte and it is easier to find internships and jobs.

2. ESCP Business School

ESCP has campuses in Paris, Berlin, and Madrid to fuel your international experience. Their Master in Audit & Consulting prepares students for a variety of accounting, audit, and advisory roles. The courses feature real-life projects and internships with leading companies.

3. Université Paris-Dauphine – PSL

Paris-Dauphine is famous for its finance and economics courses and it provides a Master in Accounting, Control and Audit. The syllabus corresponds to French and international accounting standards. Students can also take DSCG preparing courses.

4. Université de Strasbourg

Strasbourg has a strong DCG and DSCG offer. It is also recognised for its research activities and connections with audit firms in the east of France and in Germany. The school's strong axe of business partnerships is a real asset for students to find internships.

5. EM Strasbourg Business School

This school offers a Master in management with an accounting major. This involves teaching digital accounting tools, ethical conduct, international financial transactions, etc. Students joining the accounting track have the opportunity to obtain double degrees, including international travel.

Specialized Tracks and Certifications

Some universities offer special tracks or certifications that add value:

● DCG and DSCG Preparation: Available at universities such as Paris-Dauphine and Strasbourg.

● ACCA Accreditation: Some Grandes Ecoles such as ESCP have specialized Master degrees in Accounting-Management which lead to international accounting function positions..

● Master’s Degrees in Audit, Control, and Finance: Get accessing top intended schools, in accordance with the latest market trends.

They allow students to deepen their knowledge and to train in professions of auditor, management controller, tax consultant or advisory consultant.

International Programs and Exchange Opportunities

In 2025, global experience matters more than ever. Many French universities offer exchange programs with top schools abroad. For example:

● HEC Paris partners with schools in the U.S., UK, and Asia.

● ESCP has a multi-campus system, so students can study in different European cities.

● EM Strasbourg and Université de Strasbourg offer Erasmus+ programs.

This exposure helps students build international networks and better understand global financial systems.

Student Life and Support Services

The best business schools do more than teach: they support.

HEC's and ESCP's career centers provide students with services such as CV reviews, mock interviews, one-on-one coaching, personal branding workshops, and network building. Students also meet new contacts and acquire knowledge in accounting clubs, in student associations, and with alumni.

Support matters, especially for international students or those new to the accounting field. Good schools provide mentorship and extra resources to help students succeed.

Career Prospects for Graduates

So what happens after graduation?

Most accounting graduates in France work in roles like:

● Auditor or Junior Auditor

● Financial Analyst

● Management Controller

● Accountant in a multinational firm

● Consultant in finance or risk

Accounting graduates can expect their first salaries in 2025 to be between €30,000 and €40,000 per year, depending on the job and company. Large firms such as EY, KPMG, or Mazars regularly recruit from the most prestigious business schools. Universities that encourage interning and obtaining professional certificates enable their students to find a job more quickly and advance in their career more easily.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Path for Your Future

France boasts many excellent institutions for students who want to pursue a career in accounting. Whether you want to work for a multinational company, become an audit specialist or start your own business, the right university will put you on the path to success.

Look for programs with solid academic foundations, internship opportunities, international partnerships, and strong career support. Your journey towards a career in accounting starts with a smart move.