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Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)

Accountants understand the financial impacts of operations and play a vital role in the success of a business. Gain a sound understanding of both accounting and finance principles, and learn to apply your technical accounting knowledge in a variety of business settings. 

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for three years or part-time options available

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Programme overview

Accountants are pivotal to the successful functioning of businesses. They provide the numbers to analyse business problems and opportunities, and maintain the accounting systems and processes to ensure tax and financial reporting requirements are met. Accountants can also check the financial statements of organisations (auditing) and provide advice on a wide range of issues from tax planning to buying and selling businesses.

Because accountancy can be broad and full of variety, the Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) has been designed to develop your skills in accounting to work in a variety of roles in a number of diverse organisations. You'll develop the accounting, financial, analytical and interpersonal skills required to become effective in working with financial accounts. Study at Unitec and learn the software platforms, double entry accounting and decision-making skills used to analyse and interpret financial statements.

Highlights

  • Develop a high-level of technical competence in accounting, concentrating on problem-solving and adaptability to change in the marketplace
  • Focus on current business practices
  • Internship Based Learning – a work placement in your final year and a chance to apply your skills in a business organisation of your choice
  • Successful completion of this programme gives you the academic requirements for professional membership of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or CPA Australia
  • Day and evening classes may be offered 
  • opportunity to graduate with a double major

Bachelor of Business double majors

Studying for a double major at Unitec is strongly recommended. Double majors further grow your knowledge and capabilities, and it makes you more employable and competitive in the job market.
Double major options with the Bachelor of Business include::

  • Accountancy and Marketing
  • Accountancy and Management
  • Marketing and Management

Career pathway

  • If you choose the right courses, the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) meets the academic requirements for CA ANZ's CA and CPA professional pathways. See the CPA Australia Accredited Courses list for further details.
  • Progress to the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy for advanced technical requirements.
  • Take advantage of CPA Australia and CA ANZaccreditation agreements.
  • Join an industry approved training organisation.

To find out more about accounting careers visit:

Admission requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:

  • 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
  • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

3. 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau

4. If English is your second language, you will need one or more of the following:

  • Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance
  • Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
  • Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; OR
  • Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations:

Programme Regulations

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

Compulsory courses Elective courses
Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Courses Credits Aim
Accounting for Business (ACTY5200) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the role of accounting information in business decision-making and to analyse and interpret financial statements.
Accounting Applications (ACTY5206) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply double entry accounting to prepare financial statements using both manual and computerised processes.
Information Systems and Applications (ACTY5230) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to gain an understanding of how information systems are used in a modern organisation and to be able to apply software skills to business related problems.
Economic Principles (ACTY5270) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply the fundamental elements of economic theory to contemporary business issues.
Principles of Managerial Finance (ACTY5290) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the fundamental concepts and analytical techniques used in financial management.
Law of Business Obligations (ACTY5320) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an in depth understanding of legal rules and fundamental legal obligations in the New Zealand business environment.
Business Statistics (ACTY5401) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the importance of research and data collection in business and apply quantitative methods and statistical analysis to data.
Introduction to Professional Practice (Part 2) (ACTY5700) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to build on student’s knowledge of successful Business practices gained from Introduction to Professional Practice Part A. A theme running throughout the course is a focus on ethical business practices which acts as a foundation for later courses within the Bachelor degree programme. Throughout the course students will be expected to engage in individual and collaborative learning and assessment events. Students will continue to develop and refine their professional profile through the development of a portfolio of evidence. The course will enable students to continue to develop their digital, information and academic literacies for tertiary study.
Management Today (BSNS5390) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to examine the role and functions of organisations in New Zealand and globally.
Introduction to Professional Practice (Part 1) (BSNS5600) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable the development of business and academic skills in order to enhance personal development of communication, numeracy and literacy.
Courses Credits Aim
Financial Accounting (ACTY6201) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the skills to prepare general purpose financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice (GAAP) and to discuss the concepts and valuation bases underlying their preparation.
Accounting Information Systems (ACTY6206) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to use and evaluate accounting information systems to provide information to support business processes.
Taxation (ACTY6210) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the fundamental tax principles and apply them to entities in the New Zealand environment.
Management Accounting (ACTY6212) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts and techniques for planning and control of costs in organisations.
Law of Business Entities (ACTY6320) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore the legal issues surrounding the creation, administration and termination of business structures.
Courses Credits Aim
Advanced Financial Accounting (ACTY7201) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically examine accounting theories, current financial accounting issues and apply advanced financial accounting techniques.
Advanced Management Accounting (ACTY7212) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically evaluate those management accounting techniques that contribute to business strategy and enhance organisational performance.
Internship Based Learning - Accounting (ACTY7219) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills to an approved project/placement in industry. To critically reflect upon the processes undertaken in completing the project/placement.
Internship Based Learning (Accounting) (ACTY7419) 30 credits (0.25 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills at an approved project and work objectives in industry. To critically reflect upon the process undertaken in completing the project and work objectives so as to inform their future personal and professional development
Courses Credits Aim
Marketing Fundamentals (BSNS5340) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to demonstrate and an understanding of the role and purpose of marketing in organisations.
Introduction to Human Resources Management (BSNS5341) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to review and apply HR roles and practices to impact on organisational effectiveness.
Introduction to Operations Management (BSNS5350) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply concepts, tools and techniques of operations management to improve organisational performance.
Courses Credits Aim
Financial Markets and the World Economy (ACTY6292) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to analyse the role of national and international financial markets and the impact they have on the New Zealand economy.
StrategicThinking for Managers (BSNS6340) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop students’ ability to critically evaluate business systems from a range of perspectives.
Talent Development and Management (BSNS6341) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop employee knowledge, skills and ability (KSA) talent requirements that align with the future needs of the employee and organisation.
Organisational Behaviour (BSNS6342) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop students’ ability to critically assess the impact that individuals and groups/teams have on behaviours within organisations.
Employee Relations and Legislation (BSNS6343) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore the nature of the employment and regulatory environment, and the formal informal relationships between employee and employer.
Operations Management (BSNS6350) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To conduct, and communicate the results of Business Process Improvement (BPI) investigations.
Managing Quality (BSNS6351) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop student enquiry and investigation skill relating to quality assurance and quality improvement
Supply Chain Management (BSNS6352) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To manage efficient, effective and sustainable supply chain processes and procedures incorporating inventory control strategies and systems.
Research Practice (BSNS6371) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply research methodologies and techniques with the purpose of completing a formal research proposal.
Buyer Behaviour (BSNS6372) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically evaluate the issues and processes related to the major psychological and sociological elements which influence both individual and group buying behaviours.
Integrated Marketing Communications (BSNS6374) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop and present an appropriate integrated marketing communications plan incorporating reasoned objectives balanced with creative strategies and tactics.
Courses Credits Aim
Advanced Auditing (ACTY7209) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an understanding of the role and practice of external auditing of financial statements.
Financial Statement Analysis (ACTY7292) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with advanced analytical skills in using a company’s financial statements to understand its past, present and future performance and assess its current value.
Internship Based Learning - Finance (ACTY7319) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills to an approved project/placement in industry. To critically reflect upon the processes undertaken in completing the project/placement.
Organisational Strategies (BSNS7340) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to participate in the development of corporate and functional strategies using market intelligence.
Internship Based Learning - Human Resource Management (BSNS7349) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills to an approved project/placement in industry. To critically reflect upon the processes undertaken in completing the project/placement.
Applied Operations Management (BSNS7350) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to participate effectively in the investigation of an operations-related programme for improvement and change.
Internship Based Learning - Operations Management (BSNS7359) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills to an approved project/placement in industry. To critically reflect upon the processes undertaken in completing the project/placement.
International Business (BSNS7360) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to examine the drivers and processes shaping the global economic environment of the twenty first century.
Internship Based Learning - Marketing (BSNS7389) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning across their programme of study and to apply theoretical and practical business skills to an approved project/placement in industry. To critically reflect upon the processes undertaken in completing the project/placement.
Sustainability in Business (BSNS7730) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To engage students in the critique and analysis of issues affecting sustainability of business organisations

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Page last edited: 13 May 2020

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