Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance

The field of accounting and finance is rapidly evolving due to the affordability and availability of accounting software and other emerging technologies such as block chain and cloud accounting. Accounting and finance professionals are expected to take on a variety of responsibilities including integrated reporting, research activities, consultancy services and decision support that previously lay outside the scope of their job descriptions.

Candidates who pursue professional accounting and finance training, such as that offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZiCA), acquire extensive knowledge and skills in traditional accounting functions including financial reporting, financial management, auditing, management accounting and taxation. However, these candidates require other skills e.g. in academic writing, research, report writing etc. which are not adequately covered during professional training. This programme is therefore tailored to fill this skills gap in respect of professional accountancy and finance students and graduates.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

To qualify for admission to the BSAF degree programme an applicant must have any of the following qualifications:

1. Five credits at ‘O’ Level including English and Mathematics.
2. Part or full qualifications in ZiCA, CA Zambia, Economics, CIMA and ACCA.
3. Any relevant three-year accountancy diploma from a reputable college or university.
4. At least three ‘A’ level passes including Mathematics or equivalent.
5. Any degree from a recognized institution.

DURATION OF STUDY

The course of study for the award of the BSAF degree shall be completed in a period of:

1. not less than four and not more than six academic years in the case of full-time students;
2. not less than five and not more than seven academic years in the case of evening students;
3. not less than four and not more than seven academic years in the case of distance education students;
4. not less than five and not more than seven academic years in the case of part time students;
5. provided that for candidates awarded exemptions on account of prior learning, the duration may be shorter, but not less than one year

EXEMPTIONS (ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING)

A student who has, prior to admission to the BSAF, attained whether at ZCAS University or elsewhere, courses of instruction and passed examinations equivalent in standard to courses and examinations which form part of the programme of study may, subject to approval, be exempted from attendance of classes and examinations in those courses. Automatic exemptions will apply to candidates in possession of specific professional qualifications, while for all other candidates, exemptions will be granted on a case by case basis.

Holders of ZiCA and ZiCA Licentiate will be exempted from the following courses:

1. BSAF121 Cost Accounting
2. BSAF141 Introduction to Management
3. BSAF112 Introduction to Economics
4. BSAF122 Principles of Accounting
5. BSAF132 A Level Mathematics
6. BSAF211 Financial Accounting
7. BSAF221 Business Information Systems
8. BSAF231 Business and Corporate Law
9. BSAF212 Taxation
10. BSAF242 Statistics

Holders of ACCA and ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business will be exempted from the following courses:

1. BSAF121 Cost Accounting
2. BSAF131 Introduction to Law
3. BSAF141 Introduction to Management
4. BSAF122 Principles of Accounting
5. BSAF211 Financial Accounting
6. BSAF231 Business and Corporate Law
7. BSAF212 Taxation
8. BSAF242 Statistics