Bachelor of Accounting

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This programme guide outlines the contents of the Bachelor of Accounting (BACC) degree programme and is accordingly structured as follows. The programme rationale, aim, objectives and target group are outlined in Sub-sections 1.1 to 1.4 respectively, while the admission, grading and award criteria are given in Section 2.0. Sections 3.0 – 5.0 describe the course assessment, exemptions policy and course codes respectively; while the course structure and automatic exemptions are outlined in Sections 6.0 and 7.0 respectively.

1.1 RATIONALE

The field of accounting is rapidly evolving due to the affordability and availability of accounting software. Number crunching is no longer the core function of the modern accountant as computers have taken the fiscal calculating out of their hands. Accountants are now expected to take on a variety of responsibilities including financial planning, analysis, forecasting, internal controls and decision support that previously lay outside the scope of their job description. Accountants must therefore have a sound grounding in all areas of business including operations, marketing, human resources management, ICT, strategy and finance. This programme is tailored to meet this broad base of knowledge and skills required of the modern accountant.

1.2 AIM

The aim of this programme is to equip students with knowledge and skills in order for them to carry out accounting roles in the areas of financial reporting, financial management, auditing, management accounting, taxation and consultancy effectively.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the programme, candidates should be able to:

1) demonstrate a thorough grounding in the fundamental theories, concepts, principles and practices of accountancy;

2) demonstrate the critical abilities of analysis, interpretation, evaluation and judgement as applied to financial reporting, financial management, auditing, management accounting and taxation;

3) evaluate the financial and business performance of organisations, including group companies;

4) contribute to strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation in organisations;

5) carry out statutory audits and audit related assignments; and

6) collect and analyse data to help in solving specific challenges faced by organisations.

1.4 TARGET GROUP

The BACC degree programme is designed to meet the growing demand for professionally qualified accountants who have also acquired academic competences. It is intended for the following groups of people:

1. School leavers who wish to pursue a career in accountancy.

2. Holders of part professional accountancy qualifications such as ACCA-FIA, CIMA-CBA and ZICA-technician who wish to acquire both a professional and an academic qualification.

3. Any eligible person who wishes to pursue a career in accountancy.

2.0 ADMISSION, GRADING AND AWARD CRITERIA

2.1 ADMISSION CRITERIA

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

a) Five credits at ‘O’ Level including English and Mathematics.

b) Part or full qualifications in ZiCA, CA Zambia, CIMA and ACCA.

c) Any relevant three year accountancy diploma from a reputable college or university.

d) At least three ‘A’ level passes including Mathematics or equivalent.

e) Any degree from a recognised institution.