The field of accountancy is rapidly evolving due to the affordability and availability of Information and Communication Technology such as accounting software and other emerging technologies that include artificial intelligence, block chain and cloud accounting. Number crunching is no longer the core function of the modern accountant. Accountants are expected to take on a variety of responsibilities including integrated reporting, research activities, consultancy services, project management and decision support that previously lay outside the scope of their job descriptions. Accountants must therefore acquire, inter alia, academic writing skills, research skills, project management skills, entrepreneurial skills and report writing skills in order for them to be able to provide research-based solutions to organisational problems.
Candidates who pursue professional accountancy training, such as that offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZiCA), acquire extensive knowledge and skills in traditional accounting functions such as financial reporting, financial management, auditing, management accounting and taxation. However, these candidates require other skills e.g. in academic writing, research, report writing, project management skills, entrepreneurial skills etc. which are not adequately covered during professional training. This programme is therefore tailored to fill this skills gap in respect of professional accountancy students and graduates.
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. The programme also aims to facilitate the development of academic, research, project management and entrepreneurial competences of candidates who have completed the penultimate or intermediate levels of professional accountancy qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA and ZiCA to enhance their capacity to provide research-based solutions to organisational challenges.
To qualify for admission to the BSAC degree programme an applicant must have any of the following qualifications:
Five credits at ‘O’ Level including English and Mathematics.
Part or full qualifications in either ACCA, CIMA, CA Zambia, ZiCA or any other recognised professional accountancy qualification.
Any relevant three year accountancy diploma from a reputable college or university.
At least three ‘A’ level passes including Mathematics or equivalent.
DURATION OF STUDY
The course of study for the award of the BSAC degree shall be completed in a period of:
not less than four and not more than six academic years in the case of full time students;
not less than five and not more than seven academic years in the case of evening, part
time and distance education students;
not less than one and not more than seven years for students awarded exemptions on
grounds of prior learning.
