Master of Management (Accounting and Finance)

The Master of Management (Accounting and Finance) provides foundation and advanced studies in the disciplines of accounting and finance. Advanced levels of knowledge and skill in the two disciplines of accounting and finance are developed through a combination of core and elective subjects. Through the appropriate selection of subjects students are able to meet the professional requirements of CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. The program also provides advanced competencies, professional skills and knowledge in the finance discipline that will prepare graduates for entry into the finance profession.

1. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be adept at obtaining, analysing, synthesising and evaluating evidence for management decision making in accounting and finance.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• 1.1 Describe and explain the body of knowledge, including recent developments, influencing markets and guiding the management of organisations;
• 1.2 Evaluate the impact of a variety of cultural and environmental factors on the organisation and in the market; and
• 1.3 Identify and apply methods for researching business related problems.

2. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be strategic and critical thinkers in relation to business and commerce related issues and in developing solutions to problems in organisations and in society.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• 2.1 Explain critically analyse and reflect on factors that influence decision making in firms and the economy;
• 2.2 Identify strategic issues and solutions in relation to economic problems and activity within firms;
• 2.3 Apply knowledge of theory to analyse real and hypothetical problems in different markets both domestically and internationally; and
• 2.4 Demonstrate creativity and initiative in the application of knowledge to problem solving and innovation.

3. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be effective decision makers in business and commerce.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• 3.1 Apply basic mathematical and/or statistical techniques to analyse business data;
• 3.2 Apply research techniques to business related problems;
• 3.3 Evaluate the applicability of various theories and techniques to business related problems;
• 3.4 Employ a range of tools of analysis pertinent to the evaluation of evidence in business sector;
• 3.5 Use evidenced-based research techniques to support decisions;
• 3.6 Apply ethical principles and corporate governance strategies to address real world issues and problems;
• 3.7 To demonstrate a capacity to successfully work independently with personal accountability;
• 3.8 Execute a project requiring research or real-world application.

4. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be competent in professional knowledge and skills necessary for entry into the accounting and finance professions, including the capacity to satisfy the educational requirements of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) and CPA Australia.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• 4.1 Critically analyse and think strategically about accounting and finance analysis issues and problems;
• 4.2 Identify, critically evaluate and develop solutions to accounting and finance issues emerging from changes in practice, changes in the factors affecting financial markets and changes in accounting or financial regulation;
• 4.3 Understand and apply principles, theories and models pertaining to the accounting and finance disciplines;
• 4.4 Appraise recent developments in the accounting and finance disciplines;
• 4.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of accounting and finance in its different contexts and organisational settings;
• 4.6 Evaluate and manage risks and returns in financial markets;
• 4.7 Interpret and evaluate financial data in making investment decisions including the accounting information that supports these decisions;
• 4.8 Apply appropriate theories and statistical tools of analysis to financial decision making; and
• 4.9 Explain the impact of a range of financial factors that influence financial decision making for a firm or asset.

The Master of Management (Accounting and Finance) program consists of 16 semester-length subjects comprising three core finance core subjects, three core accounting subjects, three finance electives, three accounting electives, three general electives and one capstone subject.

Discipline core subjects

Students must select all three of the following finance subjects:

Students must select all three of the following accounting subjects:

Capstone subject

Students must complete one of the following subjects in their final semester of study:

Elective subjects

Students must select at least three finance subjects from the following list:

Students must select at least three accounting electives from the following list:

Students can select up to three subjects chosen from the list of recommended Master of Management general electives.

Please note:

• Students undertaking the Accounting capstone ACCT90033 Integrated Accounting Studies must complete pre-requisite subjects ACCT90009 Strategic Cost Management and ACCT90012 Corporate Reporting or equivalent

• Students undertaking the Finance capstone FNCE90062 Capstone Studies in Finance must complete pre-requisite subject FNCE90011 Derivative Securities

Accreditation

Students wishing to apply for entry to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) professional studies program must complete the following subjects as part of the Master of Management (Accounting and Finance):

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, or equivalent, including studies in subjects related to Accounting and Finance; or
• an undergraduate degree with a minor sequence of study in a cognate discipline; and
• a statement of intent in seeking entry.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• the applicant’s statement of intent.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.

Notes:

1. Students who discontinue from the Master of Management (including any of its named streams) but have successfully completed the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Management or the Graduate Diploma in Management will be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Management or the Graduate Diploma in Management, respectively, as an exit award.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;

(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;

(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and

(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

• Critical evaluation of evidence in support of an argument or proposition;
• Problem identification and solving in finance through the application of appropriate financial theories, principles and data;
• Communication of accounting, finance and commerce related ideas, theories and solutions to peers and the wider community;
• Ability to synthesize ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to accounting and finance problems;
• Ethical practice through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation;
• Business research skills including the retrieval of information from a variety of sources;
• Statistical reasoning in finance though application of financial theories to real world cases;
• Demonstrate a capacity to successfully engage in collaborative activities such as group based work and activities; and
• Interpret and communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

• Critical evaluation of evidence in support of an argument or proposition;
• Problem identification and solving in finance through the application of appropriate accounting and financial theories, principles and data;
• Communication of accounting, finance and commerce related ideas, theories and solutions to peers and the wider community;
• Ability to synthesize ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to accounting and finance problems;
• Ethical practice through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation;
• Business research skills including the retrieval of information from a variety of sources;
• Statistical reasoning in finance though application of financial theories to real world cases;
• Demonstrate a capacity to successfully engage in collaborative activities such as group based work and activities;
• Interpret and communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
• Teamwork through collaborative exercises in tutorials and assessment.