George Mason to Launch Accounting and Finance Academy for US Navy

The new program aims to train 10,000 Navy financial management staff worldwide.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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George Mason University's Learning Initiatives Network (LINK) is set to build a new financial management academy for the US Navy, in collaboration with the Costello College of Business. The academy will provide focused, role-specific training to strengthen financial management skills across the Navy, helping the service achieve full audit readiness by 2028.

Why it matters

This initiative demonstrates George Mason University's commitment to supporting the professional development of military personnel through innovative workforce training programs. The academy will help the US Navy improve its financial management capabilities and meet critical organizational goals.

The details

The academy will be established under a five-year contract with a ceiling of $48.7 million, rising to $53.5 million if all options are exercised. The curriculum will focus on workforce readiness, with an emphasis on using financial concepts in real Navy processes and operational settings. Participants will receive training designed to help them oversee budgets, meet audit and reporting requirements, and work effectively within the Navy's financial systems and structures. The academy is also intended to serve as an entry point into degree programs at George Mason, where students may earn a Graduate Certificate in Government Accounting.

  • The academy is expected to train around 10,000 Navy financial management staff worldwide over the life of the contract.
  • The US Navy aims to achieve full audit readiness by 2028.

The players

George Mason University's Learning Initiatives Network (LINK)

A division of George Mason University that is launching the new financial management academy for the US Navy.

Costello College of Business

The business school at George Mason University that is providing academic input and support for the new academy.

Cheryl Druehl

The interim dean of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Deloitte

A consulting firm that is helping to shape the curriculum, refine teaching methods, and develop applied learning elements of the program.

Kearney & Company

A consulting firm that is also helping to shape the curriculum, refine teaching methods, and develop applied learning elements of the program.

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What they’re saying

“Our support of this effort is another example of how Costello is working to expand academic programmes and lifelong learning opportunities for members of our military through workforce development programmes and innovative collaborations with the US Navy and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education.”

— Cheryl Druehl, Interim Dean, Costello College of Business (Yahoo Finance)

What’s next

The academy is being established under a five-year contract, and the US Navy aims to achieve full audit readiness by 2028.

The takeaway

This new academy demonstrates George Mason University's commitment to supporting the professional development of military personnel and helping the US Navy improve its financial management capabilities. The program will provide focused, role-specific training to strengthen financial management skills across the Navy, ultimately contributing to the service's goal of achieving full audit readiness.