School of Accountancy - Massey University of Business/School o… · School of Accountancy ... each...

School of Accountancy

Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) Handbook Albany (Block) Distance 2015

Disclaimer The paper information and prescriptions included in this booklet are based on information available in October 2014. It is possible that there may be some minor changes before the 2015 academic year commences. The University Calendar, which is available from November each year, provides the official list of course regulations, schedules and prescriptions. Students are also advised to check carefully the University’s regulations and policies on entry and enrolment.

MPAF Handbook 2015 i

Foreword

The Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) had a successful launch in 2013. The programme is intended to develop high quality graduates and prepare them for a successful career in accountancy and Finance.

This handbook describes the structure of the MPAF and professional accreditations. It also provides useful information on the papers that will be offered in 2015.

We wish all MPAF students a successful academic year.

Professor Fawzi Laswad MPAF Programme Director

MPAF Handbook 2015 ii

MPAF Handbook 2015 iii

Contents

Key Contacts ......................................................................................................................... 1

Programme Details ................................................................................................................ 2

Professional Information ........................................................................................................ 4

ACCA ............................................................................................................................... 4

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) .......................................... 5

CPA Australia ................................................................................................................... 6

Paper Details ......................................................................................................................... 7

110.701 Accounting Systems ......................................................................................... 7

110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting .................................................................. 8

110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making................................................. 9

110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting ................................................10

110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting ..................................................11

110.806 Auditing and Assurance ...................................................................................12

110.807 Tax ..................................................................................................................13

125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance ...........................................14

125.702 Financial Management .....................................................................................15

125.803 Corporate Finance ...........................................................................................16

125.804 Financial Asset Management ...........................................................................17

125.805 International Financial Management ................................................................18

125.806 Financial Risk Management .............................................................................19

152.771 Management in Organisations .........................................................................20

155.771 Law of Business...............................................................................................21

178.771 Economics .......................................................................................................22

MPAF Handbook 2015 iv

MPAF Handbook 2015 1

Key Contacts

Programme Director Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance

Professor Fawzi Laswad School of Accountancy Massey University Private Bag 11 222 Palmerston North 4442 Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, Room SST 2.44 Telephone: (06) 356 9099 extn. 83064 Email: [email protected]

School of Accountancy Programme Support Administrator

Nikki Batten School of Accountancy Massey University Private Box 756 Wellington Wellington Campus, Room 5C33 Telephone: (04) 801 5799 extn. 63147 Email: [email protected]

International Students International Students should contact the International Students office in the first instance before seeking advice from the School of Accountancy. Enquires should be directed to: Telephone: + 64 6 356 9099 Facsimile: + 64 6 350 5698 Email: [email protected] Website: http://international.massey.ac.nz


Programme Details

The MPAF is the only professional Master’s degree in New Zealand where the two popular disciplines, accountancy and finance, have been combined. It is open to graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and is available by block mode on the Albany campus or by distance. The MPAF is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia and ACCA.

The Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) comprises 16 papers. Full-time students will be able to complete the Programme in four semesters (two years). Part-time study is permitted.

There are two starting dates each year, February/March (Semester 1) and August/September (Southern Spring Semester). The MPAF can be completed on the Albany campus (block mode) or by distance (live virtual classes and on line resources). For more information contact: [email protected] or visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MPAF.Massey.

MPAF papers – Part A 110.701 Accounting Systems 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting 110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making 125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance 125.702 Financial Management 152.771 Management in Organisations 155.771 Law of Business 178.771 Economics MPAF papers – Part B 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting 110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting 110.806 Auditing and Assurance 110.807 Tax 125.803 Corporate Finance 125.804 Financial Asset Management 125.805 International Financial Management 125.806 Financial Risk Management Papers offered in 2015 Semester One Semester Two 110.702 110.701 110.703 125.702 125.701 152.771 178.771 155.771 110.807 110.804 110.806 110.805 125.803 125.804 125.805 125.806


Admission Requirements Successful applicants for the MPAF degree will have:

met the University admission requirements,

completed a Bachelor’s degree with good grades, and

been accepted by the MPAF Director as capable of completing the MPAF Programme.


Professional Information MPAF is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia and ACCA. For detailed information on additional requirements for full membership please visit their websites. ACCA Students graduating the programme from 1/1/2013 to 13/12/2017 will be eligible for ACCA exemptions as follows:

ACCA Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF)

F1 The Accountant in Business Full Course Completion

F2 Management Accounting

F3 Financial Accounting

F4 Corporate & Business Law

F5 Performance Management On the basis of 110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making PLUS 110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting PLUS 152.771 Management in Organisations

F6 Taxation

On the basis of 110.807 Tax

F7 Financial Reporting On the basis of 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting PLUS 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting

F8 Audit & Assurance

On the basis of 110.806 Auditing and Assurance

F9 Financial Management

On the basis of 125.702 Financial Management OR 125.803 Corporate Finance


Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand1 (CAANZ)

Students completing the Massey University Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) who are intending to become Chartered Accountants must complete the academic requirements outlined below. 1. Three years of degree level study The MPAF will count towards this requirement. 2. Completion of a bachelor’s degree Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a CAANZ accredited tertiary institution (ATI) will satisfy this requirement. Students entering the MPAF program who have completed an academic qualification overseas will be need to have their qualification assessed by NZQA as being comparable to the learning outcomes of a bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university. 3. Compulsory topics Students must complete specific courses to cover the Institute’s required topics. The following table outlines the papers that MPAF students must complete at Massey University satisfy the compulsory topics:

Compulsory topics Recognised papers

Financial Accounting 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and

Reporting

Management Accounting 110.805 Advanced Strategic Management

Accounting

Auditing and Assurance 110.806 Auditing and Assurance

Taxation 110.807 Tax

Finance 125.803 Corporate Finance

Accounting Information Systems 110.701 Accounting Systems

*Commercial and Corporate law 155.771 Law of Business

Organisational management 152.771 Management in Organisations

Quantitative methods 125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and

Finance

Economics 178.771 Economics

On completion of the academic study, practical experience and professional competence programme requirements, you may apply for full membership of the appropriate College of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Details of the practical experience requirements and professional competence programme are available from the Institute’s website.

1 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is a trading name for the Institute of Chartered

Accountants in Australia (ABN 50 084 642 571) and the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants – see

charteredaccountantsanz.com for further information.

tel:50%20084%20642%20571

http://charteredaccountantsanz.com/


CPA Australia

MPAF graduates are eligible for Admission to CPA Australia as an Associate member.

CPA Required Subjects Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF)

Accounting Information Systems 110.701 Accounting Systems

Accounting Systems and Processes 110.701 Accounting Systems AND 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting

Accounting Theory 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting AND 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting

Audit and Assurance 110.806 Auditing and Assurance

Commercial Law 155.771 Law of Business

Corporations Law 155.771 Law of Business

Economics 178.771 Economics

Finance 125.802 Financial Management OR 125.803 Corporate Finance

Financial Accounting 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting AND 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting

Management Accounting 152.771 Management in Organisations AND 110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making AND 110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting

Quantitative Methods 125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance

Taxation 110.807 Tax

Additional Requirements

For CPA status, completion of the CPA Program and Practical Experience Requirement is also necessary.


Paper Details

110.701 Accounting Systems

Paper Co-ordinator Dr Radiah Othman

Location Room SSTE 2.36, Social Science Tower Extension, Manawatu

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83926

E-mail [email protected]

Prescription Accounting systems and the role of accountants in a systems environment.

Credits 15 Offering Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning.

Prerequisites Admission to MPAF. Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Identify, discuss and evaluate systems architecture.

2. Explain the importance of and develop appropriate control procedures to ensure systems reliability.

3. Research and apply information systems technologies, including emerging technologies, to solve business problems.

4. Research and explain issues relating to the planning and management of information systems implementation and use.

Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% 100%

Block Courses

Venue Start date End date Attendance

Albany Monday 31 August, 2015 Tuesday 1 September, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Monday 28 September, 2015 Tuesday 29 September, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Tuesday 27 October, 2015 Wednesday 28 October, 2015 Compulsory


110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting Paper Co-ordinator Professor Jill Hooks

Location Room QA 3.16, Quad A, Albany

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43288


Prescription A comprehensive study of financial reporting, including current New Zealand GAAP and recognition of revenue, assets and liabilities.

Credits 15 Offering Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning.


1. Identify financial transactions and analyse their impact on financial position and performance.

2. Prepare and critique financial reports.

3. Research and critically evaluate the regulatory environment for financial reporting in New Zealand.

4. Identify, research and explain issues relating to the recognition and disclosure of revenue, assets and liabilities by for-profit entities


Block Courses


Albany Monday 23 February, 2015 Tuesday 24 February, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Monday 23 March, 2015 Tuesday 24 March, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Monday 4 May, 2015 Tuesday 5 May, 2015 Compulsory


110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making Paper Co-ordinator Professor Paul Dunmore

Location Room SST 1.15, Social Science Tower, Manawatu

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83928


Prescription Cost and management accounting in the business environment. Credits 15 Offering Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning.

Prerequisites Graduate Status and permission HOS. Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Describe cost behaviour under different assumptions and compare cost systems designed to provide relevant and timely information to managers for resource management and allocation decisions.

2. Apply conventional and contemporary cost management techniques used in manufacturing and service industries for managerial decisions.

3. Explain the role of cost data used in CVP analysis and pricing decisions.

4. Apply standard costing and budgeting techniques that enable managers to measure and control performance

5. Critically evaluate various performance management systems used in conventional and contemporary management accounting context.

Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% 100% Block Courses


Albany Thursday 26 February, 2015 Friday 27 February, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Thursday 26 March, 2015 Friday 27 March, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Thursday 7 May, 2015 Friday 8 May, 2015 Compulsory


110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting

Paper Co-ordinator Dr Haiyan Jaing

Location Room SC2.02, Study Centre, Albany

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43284


Prescription Theory and application of current financial reporting standards in

contemporary business. Credits 15 Offering Semester Two: Block (Albany) Distance Learning Prerequisites 110.702 Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Explain and demonstrate accounting practice for equity investments (including accounting for group structures), measurement and disclosure of information, and financial decision making, having regard to New Zealand’s Financial Reporting Standards applicable to businesses.

2. Identify, research and explain the conceptual underpinnings for current advanced financial accounting and reporting issues.

3. Identify, research and explain current issues relating to financial accounting and financial reporting.

4. Critically analyse and interpret published financial information.

Assessment Assessment 1 – Test 15% Assessment 2 – Research Essay 20% Final Examination 65% 100% Block Courses



Albany Monday 12 October, 2015 Tuesday 13 October, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Monday 9 November, 2015 Tuesday 10 November, 2015 Compulsory


110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting

Paper Co-ordinator Dr Nirmala Nath

Location Room SST 1.03, Social Science Tower, Manawatu

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83946


Prescription Strategic applications of cost and management accounting tools and techniques.

Credits 15 Offering Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning Prerequisites 110.703 Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the role of management accounting in organisations and the issues involved in the application of management accounting techniques to a range of organisational settings.

2. Critique and explain a range of management accounting techniques from costing, budgeting and performance management including the merits and problems of the different techniques.

3. Identify, research and explain the conceptual underpinnings of current advanced management accounting issues.

4. Identify, research and explain current issues relating to management accounting and internal reporting.

Assessment Assessment 1 – Test 15% Assessment 2 – Research Project 20% Final Examination 65% 100% Block Courses


Albany Thursday 17 September, 2015 Friday 18 September, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Thursday 15 October, 2015 Friday 16 October, 2015 Compulsory

Albany Thursday 12 November, 2015 Friday 13 November, 2015 Compulsory


110.806 Auditing and Assurance Paper Co-ordinator Dr Radiah Othman


Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83926


Prescription The role of external auditing and assurance including the application of professional, ethical and technical requirements, and current auditing research issues.

Credits 15 Offering Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning Prerequisites 110.701 and 110.702 Introduction The aim is to examine auditing and assurance services and related

issues. Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Explain the nature, scope and objectives of auditing and assurance services within a governance framework.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the New Zealand auditors’ professional and legal responsibilities including the role of ethics in auditing.

3. Research and critique contemporary issues in auditing.

4. Evaluate and analyse the application of professional judgement in auditing.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the auditing process including application of professional standards in the auditing process and audit reporting/communication.

Assessment Assessment 1 – Test 15% Assessment 2 – Research Project 20% Final Examination 65% 100% Block Courses



Albany Monday 20 April, 2015 Tuesday 21 April, 2015 Compulsory



110.807 Tax Paper Co-ordinator Dr Lei Cai (Charlie)

Location Room SST 1.31A, Social Science Tower, Manawatu

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83927


Prescription A comprehensive examination of key aspects of New Zealand's tax

regime from a domestic and international perspective. Credits 15 Offering Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning Prerequisites Admission to MPAF. Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Explain and discuss the various types of taxation and tax bases applicable in New Zealand and the potential implications for a New Zealand entity operating in the environment.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the tax concepts that govern the determination of tax obligations relating to various personal and business structures.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of tax as an instrument of fiscal policy.

4. Demonstrate the capacity to research the policy, legal and economic implications of New Zealand’s tax system, and apply those implications to particular tax issues.

Assessment Assessment 1 – Test 15% Assessment 2 – Research Project 20% Final Examination 65% 100%

Block Courses



Albany Thursday 23 April, 2015 Friday 24 April, 2015 Compulsory



125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance Paper Co-ordinator Dr Jeffrey Stangl

Location QB 2.54, Albany campus

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43163


Prescription A study of statistical and econometric techniques allowing students to carry out appropriate empirical research in the areas of accounting and finance.


Prerequisites Admission to MPAF Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Identify and apply appropriate data collection tools and methods.

2. Apply appropriate statistical and econometric techniques for the analysis of accounting and finance data.

3. Analyse, interpret and apply the results of statistical and econometric analysis.

Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Assignment 20% c. Final Examination 65% 100%

Block Courses






125.702 Financial Management Paper Co-ordinator Professor David Ding

Location QB2.29A, Albany campus

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43159


Prescription An introduction into the theory and practice of financial management decision making. Students develop and apply financial management techniques to solve business problems.



1. Appraise key finance goals and the environment in which financial decisions are made.

2. Evaluate business financial management problems using time value of money, valuation and risk and return techniques.

3. Analyse and evaluate investment opportunities and apply capital budgeting techniques in investment decisions


Block Courses






125.803 Corporate Finance Paper Co-ordinator Dr William Wilson

Location QB2.50, Albany campus

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43176


Prescription A study of the financial management theory and practice surrounding key decisions within a corporate setting. Students examine how financial decisions impact on firm value.


Prerequisites 125.702 Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Use financial management techniques to appraise and evaluate short-term financial management problems.

2. Evaluate firm and project cost of capital and demonstrate its application to financial decision-making.

3. Discuss and evaluate capital structure, financing and dividend decisions and how they affect firm value.

Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Research Project 20% c. Final Examination 65% 100%

Block Courses



Albany Tuesday 28 April, 2015 Wednesday 29 April, 2015 Compulsory



125.804 Financial Asset Management Paper Co-ordinator Professor Martin Young

Location Room BSW2.08A, Business Studies West, Manawatu

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 84062


Prescription A study of the theory and practice of financial asset management from the valuation of financial assets to the construction of financial asset portfolios through optimization processes.



1. Evaluate and apply appropriate techniques for the valuation of financial assets.

2. Critically evaluate the firm specific and market factors that impact on the value of financial assets.

3. Construct financial asset portfolios and evaluate their performance.


Block Courses






125.805 International Financial Management Paper Co-ordinator Dr Yafeng Qin

Location Room QB2.29, Albany

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43178


Prescription A study of financial management from the international perspective with emphasis on the evolution of the current international financial structure, foreign exchange markets, and international funding and investment.



1. Critically analyse the development of the current international financial structure.

2. Analyse foreign exchange management, international financing and investment activity from the viewpoint of the firm.

3. Discuss and evaluate core corporate finance concepts and theories from an international perspective.


Block Courses



Albany Thursday 30 April, 2015 Friday 1 May, 2015 Compulsory



125.806 Financial Risk Management Paper Co-ordinator Associate Professor Sasha Molchanov

Location Room QB 2.29B, Quad B, Albany

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43152


Prescription A study of the theory, practice and recent developments in financial risk management from the perspective of the firm and the domestic and global financial systems



1. Analyse the financial risks faced by firms and implement techniques to manage these risks by the use of derivatives.

2. Explain the principles of futures, options and forward contract pricing.

3. Discuss and evaluate recent developments in derivative markets.


Block Courses






152.771 Management in Organisations Paper Co-ordinator Mr Andrew Barney

Location QA 1.36, Quad A, Albany

Telephone +64 (09) 414 0800 ext. 43261


Prescription The application of modern management in business organisations. Credits 15 Offering Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning.

Prerequisites Admission to MPAF Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate important management concepts.

2. Critically evaluate major theoretical approaches to contemporary management and organisations and apply them in a practical setting.

3. Assess the value of management research and its implications for practice in the organisation.

4. Apply management knowledge to diverse organisational settings.


Block Courses






155.771 Law of Business Paper Co-ordinator Associate Professor Lindsay Trotman


Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 83940


Prescription The legal system and the law of business organisations and its relevance to the accounting and finance profession.


Prerequisites Admission to the MPAF. Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to:

1. Explain the principles, processes and institutions of the law in New Zealand and identify appropriate strategies for neutralising or minimising the risk of legal liability.

2. Explain the origins and history of New Zealand company law.

3. Apply and critique the current legal controls relating to the birth, life and death of New Zealand companies.

4. Identify solutions to legal problems.

5. Undertake independent research into areas of law that are relevant to New Zealand business.


Block Courses






178.771 Economics Paper Co-ordinator Dr Stuart Birks

Location Room SST4.11, Social Science Tower, Turitea

Telephone +64 (06) 356 9099 ext. 84054


Prescription A study of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory in the context of a modern open economy.



1. Critically analyse the microeconomic models of consumer and producer behaviour.

2. Critically analyse economic systems in the context of the allocation of scarce resources.

3. Discuss and evaluate national and international macroeconomic activity.


Block Courses



Albany Wednesday 1 April, 2015 Thursday 2 April, 2015 Compulsory


School of Accountancy - Massey University of Business/School o… · School of Accountancy ... each...

Documents

Transcript of School of Accountancy - Massey University of Business/School o… · School of Accountancy ... each...