Study Accounting
Accountancy is the language of business.
An understanding of accounting information is important for everyone—whether they intend to practice accounting, work in a business environment, or simply wish to be a better informed consumer or shareholder.
Accounting at Otago covers five main areas:
- financial accounting
- management accounting
- financial management
- taxation
- auditing
Basic NZICA 3 year planner
Over the past year there have been many changes to both NZICA academic requirements and to paper codes within the Department. Here is a degree planner that summarises the current requirements for a BCom with NZICA accreditation.
| 100 Level | BSNS 107 S1 & S2 | ACCT 102 S1 & S2 | BSNS 102 S1 & S2 | BSNS 108 S1 & S2 | BSNS 100 | BSNS 100 | 18 Point Paper | 126 Points |
| 200 Level | ACCT 211 S1 | ACCT 222 S2 | ACFI 201 S2 | BLAW 211 S1 | BLAW 212 S2 | BSNS 100 | BSNS 100 | 126 Points |
| 300 Level | ACCT 302 S1 | ACCT 307 S2 | ACCT 310 S2 | ACCT 320 S1 | ACTP 311 S1 | ACTP 312 S2 | 108 Points |
Note:
This is for a 3-year BCom, major in Accounting. If you intend to pursue a double degree, double major or to include a minor, this planner will not suit your needs.
You do not need to take all your 100-level BSNS papers in your first year. You may want to give yourself the choice of 200-level study in a second subject.
Transition arrangements for students who have taken some, but not all, of the “old” BLAW papers can be found on the Department’s website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/accountancyfinance/index.html
Information about each paper and prerequisites can be found on the Department’s website and also through the main University of Otago home page (click on Courses & Subjects / Subjects & Papers on the left-hand side). The Department requires prerequisite papers to be passed before attempting subsequent papers.
NZICA's new regulations can be found on: http://www.nzica.com/students.aspx
NZICA’s Basic degree requirements for a BCom:
360 points, including 72 points minimum at 300-level
180 points must be at 200-level or higher
The two ACTP papers do not count towards your 300-level ACCT paper requirements.
There is a proposal in progress relating to minimum progression requirements. If and when approved by Senate, this will mean that you need to achieve at least a C+ in 100-level prerequisite papers (in 2012) before moving into 200-level ACCT, FINC or ACFI papers (in 2013). More information will be made available when this has been finalised.
Business Law papers, NZICA requirements for 2012
Students who have taken some, but not all, of the previous ACTB or BLAW papers will be directed to take one or both of the new BLAW papers as outlined here.
| If you have already passed | In Order to meet NZICA requirements. You will need to take
|
| BLAW 201 | BLAW 211 + 212 |
| BLAW 201 + 202 | BLAW 211 |
| BLAW 201 + 203 | BLAW 212 |
| BLAW 202 | BLAW 211 |
| BLAW 203 | BLAW 212 |
| BLAW 202 + 203 | No further papers |
More NZICA Information can be found on the following link: http://www.nzica.com/News/Archive/2011/December/CA-Program-update.aspx?p=1
How can I study Accounting?
Otago offers a range of accounting study choices at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, providing interesting and challenging study opportunities for students.
Undergraduate Study in Accounting
Postgraduate Study in Accounting
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom)
- Master of Business (MBus)
- Master of Commerce (MCom)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minor in Accounting
You can minor in Accounting for BAppSc, BA, BCApSc, BSc, BTheol, and non-Accounting BCom degrees.
Accounting papers
You can take Accounting papers without making it your major or minor.
Accounting Mentoring Programme
First meeting for 2012, April 2, Commerce Room 2.07 at 6pm
The Department runs a mentoring programme, which is available to all students majoring in Accounting.
The programme’s goals are to help familiarise students with the wide range of Accounting career opportunities and to help students understand what it means to become a member of a professional body.
What does the programme involve?
This programme has been successfully running for the past six years, and involves groups of five to ten students having formal face-to-face group meetings with a mutually chosen business mentor. There are typically four group meetings a year, and these are often supported by a number of one-on-one phone and email contacts.
Who are the mentors?
Past mentors have included CEOs, CFOs, company directors, and accounting and consultancy firm partners spanning a wide range of industries, including chartered accounting firms, banking, manufacturing, retail, and not-for-profits.
How will a mentor help me?
Students of the mentoring programme report benefits of tertiary studies advice, work and career guidance, personal network development, and summer internship opportunities.
Further information
For further information about the mentoring programme contact:
Professor Ralph Adler
Email ralph.adler@otago.ac.nz