School of Accountancy Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) Handbook Albany (Block) Distance 2014
Disclaimer The paper information and prescriptions included in this booklet are based on information available in November 2013. It is possible that there may be some minor changes before the 2014 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.
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 2014. We wish all MPAF students a successful academic year. Professor Fawzi Laswad MPAF Programme Director MPAF Handbook 2014 i
Contents Key Contacts... 1 Programme Details... 2 Professional Information... 4 ACCA... 4 CPA Australia... 5 New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)... 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 2014 ii
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. 81593 Email: F.Laswad@massey.ac.nz 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. 62558 Email: MPAF@massey.ac.nz 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: Website: International@massey.ac.nz http://international.massey.ac.nz MPAF Handbook 2014 1
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 the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA), 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 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: mpaf@massey.ac.nz 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 2014 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 MPAF Handbook 2014 2
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. MPAF Handbook 2014 3
Professional Information MPAF is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA), 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 F1 The Accountant in Business Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance (MPAF) Full Course Completion F2 Management Accounting F3 Financial Accounting F4 Corporate & Business Law F5 Performance Management F6 Taxation F7 Financial Reporting F8 Audit & Assurance F9 Financial 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 On the basis of 110.807 Tax On the basis of 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting PLUS 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting On the basis of 110.806 Auditing and Assurance On the basis of 125.702 Financial Management OR 125.803 Corporate Finance MPAF Handbook 2014 4
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 Audit and Assurance Commercial Law Corporations Law Economics Finance Financial Accounting Management Accounting Quantitative Methods Taxation Additional Requirements 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting AND 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting 110.806 Auditing and Assurance 155.771 Law of Business 155.771 Law of Business 178.771 Economics 125.802 Financial Management OR 125.803 Corporate Finance 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting AND 110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting 152.771 Management in Organisations AND 110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making AND 110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting 125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance 110.807 Tax For CPA status, completion of the CPA Program and Practical Experience Requirement is also necessary. MPAF Handbook 2014 5
New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) 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 an NZICA 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 Financial Accounting Management Accounting Auditing and Assurance Taxation Finance Accounting Information Systems *Commercial and Corporate law Organisational management Quantitative methods Economics Recognised papers 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 110.701 Accounting Systems 155.771 Law of Business 152.771 Management in Organisations 125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance 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 New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Details of the practical experience requirements and professional competence programme are available from the Institute s website. MPAF Handbook 2014 6
Paper Details 110.701 Accounting Systems Paper Co-ordinator Dr Radiah Othman Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SST 2.36 Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 81844 R.Othman@massey.ac.nz Accounting systems and the role of accountants in a systems environment. Prerequisites Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF. Introduction The overall aim is to examine issues for the design, operation, and control of AIS applications. 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% 1 st & 2 nd September 2014 Albany 29 th & 30 th September 2014 Albany 28 th & 29 th October 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 7
110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting Paper Co-ordinator Professor Jill Hooks Location Albany Campus, Study Centre Telephone (09) 414 0800 extn: 43288 J.J.Hooks@massey.ac.nz A comprehensive study of financial reporting, including current New Zealand GAAP and recognition of revenue, assets and liabilities. Prerequisites Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF. 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 Assessment Assessment will be continuous. Block mode: a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% Distance mode: a. Test 10% b. Assignment 5% c. Essay 20% d. Final Examination 65% 24 th & 25 th February 2014 Albany 24 th & 25 th March 2014 Albany 5 th & 6 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 8
110.703 Management Accounting and Decision Making Paper Co-ordinator Professor Paul Dunmore Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SST 1.15 Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 83928 P.V.Dunmore@massey.ac.nz Cost and management accounting in the business environment. Prerequisites Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Graduate Status and permission HOS. 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. Block mode: a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% Distance mode: a. Test 10% b. Assignment 5% c. Essay 20% d. Final Examination 65% 27 th & 28 th February 2014 Albany 27 th & 28 th March 2014 Albany 8 th & 9 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 9
110.804 Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Paper Co-ordinator Professor Fawzi Laswad Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 81593 F.Laswad@massey.ac.nz Theory and application of current financial reporting standards in contemporary business. Semester Two: Block (Albany) Distance Learning Prerequisites 110.702 Introduction This paper builds on 110.702 Financial Accounting and Reporting. It covers a wide range of advanced topics that include consolidation and other current issues in financial reporting. 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% 15 th & 16 th September 2014 Albany 13 th & 14 th October 2014 Albany 10 th & 11 th November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 10
110.805 Advanced Strategic Management Accounting Paper Co-ordinator Dr Nirmala Nath Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SST 1.03 Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 83946 N.Nath@massey.ac.nz Strategic applications of cost and management accounting tools and techniques. Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning Prerequisites 110.703 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% 18 th & 19 th September 2014 Albany 16 th & 17 th October 2014 Albany 13 th & 14 th November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 11
110.806 Auditing and Assurance Paper Co-ordinator Dr Radiah Othman Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SST 2.36 Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 81844 R.Othman@massey.ac.nz The role of external auditing and assurance including the application of professional, ethical and technical requirements, and current auditing research issues. 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. 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% 10 th & 11 th March 2014 Albany 7 th & 8 th April 2014 Albany 19 th *& 20 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 12
110.807 Tax Paper Co-ordinator Dr Lei Cai (Charlie) Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SST 1.31A Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 81318 L.Cai@massey.ac.nz A comprehensive examination of key aspects of New Zealand's tax regime from a domestic and international perspective. Prerequisites Introduction Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning Admission to MPAF. The aim of this paper is to give an introduction to the basic principles, elements and concepts of taxation that govern tax practice. The paper also provides an awareness of the economic implications of taxation at both local and global levels. 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 Distance Learning Assessment 1 Test 5% Assessment 2 Assignment 10% Assessment 3 Research Project 20% Final Examination 65% Block Course Assessment 1 Test 15% Assessment 2 Research Project 20% Final Examination 65% 13 th & 14 th March 2014 Albany 10 th & 11 th April 2014 Albany 22 nd & 23 rd May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 13
125.701 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance Paper Co-ordinator Dr Jeffrey Stangl Location QB 2.54, Albany campus Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 43163 J.Stangl@massey.ac.nz A study of statistical and econometric techniques allowing students to carry out appropriate empirical research in the areas of accounting and finance. Prerequisites Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF 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% 3 rd & 4 th March 2014 Albany 31 st March & 1 st April 2014 Albany 12 th & 13 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 14
125.702 Financial Management Paper Co-ordinator Professor David Ding Location QB 2.56, Albany campus Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 43159 D.Ding@massey.ac.nz An introduction into the theory and practice of financial management decision making. Students develop and apply financial management techniques to solve business problems. Prerequisites Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF. 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 Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% 8 th & 9 th September 2014 Albany 6 th & 7 th October 2014 Albany 3 rd & 4 th November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 15
125.803 Corporate Finance Paper Co-ordinator Dr Jeffrey Stangl Location QB 2.54, Albany campus Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 43163 J.Stangl@massey.ac.nz 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. Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Prerequisites 125.702 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% 17 th & 18 th March 2014 Albany 28 th & 29 th April 2014 Albany 26 th & 27 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 16
125.804 Financial Asset Management Paper Co-ordinator Professor Martin Young Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, BSW2.08A Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 84062 M.Young@massey.ac.nz 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. Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Prerequisites 125.702 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Research Project 20% c. Final Examination 65% 22 nd & 23 rd September 2014 Albany 20 th & 21 st October 2014 Albany 17 th & 18 th November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 17
125.805 International Financial Management Paper Co-ordinator Dr Jeffrey Stangl Location QB 2.54, Albany campus Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 43163 J.Stangl@massey.ac.nz 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. Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Prerequisites 125.702 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Research Project 20% c. Final Examination 65% 20 th & 21 st March 2014 Albany 1 st & 2 nd May 2014 Albany 29 th & 30 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 18
125.806 Financial Risk Management Paper Co-ordinator To be advised. 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 Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Prerequisites 125.702 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Research Project 20% c. Final Examination 65% 25 th & 26 th September 2014 Albany 23 rd & 24 th October 2014 Albany 20 th & 21 st November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 19
152.771 Management in Organisations Paper Co-ordinator Mr Andrew Barney Location QA 1.36, Albany campus Telephone 0800 627 739 ext. 41177 A.R.Barney@massey.ac.nz The application of modern management in business organisations. Prerequisites Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% 11 th & 12 th September 2014 Albany 9 th & 10 th October 2014 Albany 6 th & 7 th November 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 20
155.771 Law of Business Paper Co-ordinator Associate Professor Lindsay Trotman Location Manawatu (Turitea) Campus, SSE 2.46 Telephone (06) 356 9099 extn: 83940 L.G.S.Trotman@massey.ac.nz The legal system and the law of business organisations and its relevance to the accounting and finance profession. Prerequisites Semester Two: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to the MPAF. 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% Attendance Absolutely compulsory 4 th & 5 th September 2014 Albany 2 nd & 3 rd October 2014 Albany 30 th & 31 st October 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 21
178.771 Economics Paper Co-ordinator To be advised. A study of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory in the context of a modern open economy. Prerequisites Semester One: Block (Albany) and Distance Learning. Admission to MPAF. 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. Assessment Assessment will be continuous. a. Test 15% b. Essay 20% c. Final Examination 65% 6 th & 7 th March 2014 Albany 3 rd & 4 th April 2014 Albany 15 th & 16 th May 2014 Albany MPAF Handbook 2014 22