Introduction

The main aim of the Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Financeis to give students the additional skills and knowledge required for their career development. Holders of the Graduate Diploma will be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the major theories and concepts in accounting and finance.

The Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance aims to provide students:

• To develop students’ competence and practical skills in accounting and finance
• To lay the foundation for future pathway and continuing professional development
• To provide students with the relevant knowledge and understanding of accounting and finance as it relates to the wider business context
• The knowledge and skills that will enable them to follow a career in all areas of accounting and a wide range of careers in business and finance

---

Curriculum Overview

Programme Structure

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate relevant accounting and finance knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed
• Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods and computing techniques and know how to use these techniques and methods effectively across a range of problems
• Interpret financial data and carry out statistical and financial analysis
• Demonstrate understanding of ethical and regulatory requirements and issues
• Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including use of a range of media which are widely used in business such as the preparation and presentation of business reports
• Demonstrate cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis

---

Area of Studies

Professional Practice
This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of aspects of accounting and auditing represented in professional practice in public accounting firms. Specifically the module aims to provide students with an understanding of ethical reasoning as applied to issues in professional practice and business.  Develop awareness of aspects of the development of the accounting profession.

Management Accounting
The primary aim is to extend students’ understanding of the theories, techniques and practices of management and cost accounting. This module will familiarise students with both the theoretical role and purposes of management accounting and with all the major aspects of management accounting practice and will enable them to better understand the various techniques, and issues surrounding them, by which accountants provide useful information to assist managers with the activities of planning, controlling, decision-making and performance measurement and management within organisations.

Financial Accounting
This module further develops students understanding of the principles and practices of financial accounting, so that they can appreciate the contribution it makes to the effective operation of a business. The module provides students with the knowledge and skills to help them apply current accounting standards, and critically appraise the underlying concepts and financial reporting methods. Provides an introduction to Corporate Governance.

Corporate Finance
The study of Corporate Finance is to equip students with a working knowledge of the financial environment. Students will learn the tools and concepts needed for making financial decisions. The course addresses the three main areas of Corporate Finance, namely, what long-term investments a corporation should take on; how should it finance its investments; and how should a corporation manage its everyday financial activities.

Taxation
The module will cover the Singapore Income Tax System as it applies to individual employees, investment income and business income. The module is structured to provide an excellent foundation in the core areas of tax likely to be encountered during the initial phase of tax experience and to prepare students for more advanced study in Taxation.

Auditing
Students will learn about the Regulatory Framework for the professional assurances services profession; the Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct for accountants, the auditing process which includes audit planning, review of internal control systems, compliance testing and substantive testing and finally reporting.

Project Management
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the important aspects of project management, project evaluation, project implementation and project review. Project scheduling, project costs and risk strategies are also considered.

Entrepreneurship
"Entrepreneurship" may result in new organizations or revitalize mature organizations in response to a perceived business opportunity. A new business started by an entrepreneur is referred to as a start-up company. In recent years, the term has been extended to include social and political forms of entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurship within a firm or large organization has been referred to as intrapreneurship and may include corporate ventures where large entities spin off subsidiary organizations.

---

Entry Requirements

Minimum Age:
21 years or above

Minimum Academic Entry Requirement:

• Recognised first degree with a solid foundation in the basic principles of accounting (i.e. Principles of Accounting, or relevant work experience) or
• Qualifications approved by the professional body (e.g. Chartered Management Institute (CMI) - Level 6 Management Leadership, Chartered Institute of Professional Management courses, etc)

Minimum English Language Entry Requirement:
Achieved a grade C6 or better in English language O level; or equivalent qualification e.g. IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 550; or LSBF PCE Advanced.

All international students for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of their linguistic ability by gaining a minimum level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, prior to receiving an offer for the course.

Work Experience:
A minimum of 1 years work experience in an accounting position would be accepted as sufficient proof of proficiency in accounting.

---

Duration & Intake

Programme Duration

MODE OF DELIVERY

Lectures, Tutorial, Seminars, Workshops, Case studies and Exercises, Class discussion

COURSE DURATION
Full Time: 8 Months
Students attend lessons 3 hours per day plus directed/independent study for a period of 8 months from Monday to Friday.

Part Time: 12 Months
Students attend 3-hr lessons 2 nights a week for a period of 12 months.

COURSE INTAKES

Full Time: Every 2 Months/Modular
Part Time: Every 3 Months/Modular

Intake Full Time falls in January, March, May, July, September and November
Part Time falls in January, April, July, October

---

Fees & Funding