Candidates for admission into the programme shall possess a first degree in Accounting of a recognized university, passed at the First Class or Second Class upper honours division. Candidates with Second Class lower division from a recognized university may also, in certain circumstances, be considered. Candidates with HND Upper Credit in Accounting from a recognized polytechnic must possess additional qualifications such as MBA, MBF or M.Sc. in related disciplines. Holders of professional qualifications
without a first degree in Accounting may also be considered for admission subject to some screening designed to establish suitability and aptitude for higher academic work. A professional qualification in Accounting in this context means an Associate member or Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) or any other foreign equivalent body, such as ACA (UK); ACCA (UK); CIMA (UK); AICPA (USA); with three years post-qualification experience.
Full time students are expected to complete the programme in not less than 24 months and not more than 48 months. Part-time students on the other hand have between 36 and 72 months to complete the programme. A student who is unable to complete the programme within these time limits shall be advised to withdraw from the programme.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
ACC.811: ISSUES IN ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the more complex problems in Financial Accounting. Emphasis is placed on developing broad conceptual and analytical skills as well as an awareness of the appropriate accounting standards. Topics include problems related to business valuations; re-organizations and business combinations, group accounts, price level accounting; oil and gas accounting; accounts of financial institutions; accounts of foreign operations, forensic accounting, ethics, etc. Ample references will be made to prevailing national and international accounting standards and to important professional and other authoritative pronouncements.
ACC.812: CORPORATE FINANCIAL POLICY
This course presumes a prior knowledge of the principles of financial management.
The present course focuses on the more dynamic aspects which concern formulation and implementation of financial policies designed to maximise shareholder value. Topics include dividend/retention policies, capital structure decisions and value of the firm, portfolio theory, capital market pricing model and security valuation, capital market hypothesis and forms of tests of efficiency; special problems in capital budgeting under conditions of scarcity, risk and uncertainty. Business failure, capital reconstruction, mergers and acquisitions, etc. Special problems of emerging markets; small and medium enterprise funding, etc.
ACC.813: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
An advanced treatment of selected topics in economics which are of particular relevance to accounting, greater emphasis being placed on macro and micro-economics analysis. Topics include aggregate output, employment, price level and balance of payments; the classical macro-models, National income accounting; the consumption function, monetary and fiscal policies and multiplier analysis; theory of international trade, etc. Other topics are the theory of consumer behaviour, the theory of demand, and the concept of competition and market structures; the theory of distribution, welfare economics as well as introduction to general equilibrium analysis.
ACC.814: QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND STATISTICS
This course combines elements of general quantitative methods with statistical methods such as to provide relevant quantitative skills for analysing and solving accounting problems and for presenting results of research or investigative studies. The first component of course includes set theory, functions; inequalities, graphs and matrices; simultaneous equations, identification and specification problem, the formulation of mathematical models, linear programming and elements of goal programming; differential and integral calculus with business application, etc. Also; simplex algorithm and duality; transportation and assignment algorithm; game theory, queuing theory, inventory theory; Markov chains; properties of estimator, etc. The statistical component includes basic probability theory, descriptive data analysis, trend analysis, measures of density, statistical inference and simple regression analysis, tests of hypothesis, ANOVA, tests of significance, auto-correlation, multi linear and curvilinear analysis, etc.
ACC.815: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This course is designed to equip students with techniques and tools for identifying research problems, planning, executing and evaluating research projects. The course examines the nature of scientific research, research process, theory building, experimental design and analysis, concept definition, formulation of hypotheses, design of questionnaire or other research instrument, concepts and problems in data collection and sampling, testing of validity and reliability; measurement and scaling methods; criteria for causal inference, study and control groups, report writing including editing, footnoting, bibliography; pilot research and proposals formulation.
ACC.816: MIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS/E-APPLICATIONS
This course aims to develop/enhance the student’s proficiency in the application of computer systems to different applications with particular reference to accounting applications, database, networks and Information and Communication Technology/ Internet. The emphasis is on understanding of networks, proficiency in the use of standard software in general business, administrative, communication, accounting, auditing, database and statistical applications and accounting packages.
ELECTIVES
ACC. 817: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING THEORY & PRACTICE
The topics under this course include introductory matrix algebra, linear programming and quadratic programming. Cost system, standards and control; input –output analysis, mathematical analysis of variances. Break-even analysis; cost- valuing –profit analysis, sensitivity analysis, Algol programming. Planning and budgeting; integrated forecasting and operating systems, planning and control of large scale projects. Employee motivation and accounting. divisional performance and transfer pricing.
ACC. 818: OIL AND GAS ACCOUNTING
This course aim at introducing the students to the up and down streams of Oil activities in Nigeria. Royalties, petroleum task and financial control activities in the oil and gas industry.
ACC. 819: RESEARCH SEMINARS I
Research Seminar is a prerequisite for ACC 825, it is made up of the following
ACC.821: ADVANCED ACCOUNTING THEORY
A critical study of the general body of concepts and theory which underlie the measurement, presentation and interpretation of financial accounting statements with particular emphasis on their (structural) coherence, their interpretation (semantic) validity and their behavioural implications. Topics include approaches to the formulation of theory in accounting, history of accounting, some problems in the measurement of business income, value and capital; the relevance and validity of accounting standards, etc. Contemporary proposals for expanding the scope of corporate report will also be discussed. Comparative accounting systems, the international dimension of accounting especially with regard to the measurement and reporting systems in existence in different economic/political jurisdictions as deemed relevant to prevailing efforts to harmonise accounting and financial reporting standards world-wde. Contemporary issues concerning ethics and corporate governance, forensic and social interest investigations, green reporting and financial issues will also be considered.
ACC.822: INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE FINANCE
This course presumes a prior knowledge of the principles of financial management.
For effective participation in the emerging globalised world, individuals and business firms must be conversant with issues and problems assosiated with International business and finance. This course explores approaches and strategies aimed at resolving or coping with problems and challenges thrown up in the conduct of international business and financial transactions. Topics covered include; modalities for conducting international business, national balance of payments and the adjustment process, international financial system and key institutions, foreign exchange rate determination, foreign exchange markets and exchange rate behaviour, international currency crises, foreign exchange forecasting, assessing and managing foreign exchange rate risk, hedging techniques, international financing and investment decisions; raising finance in international capital markets and export- import financing. Special attention will be given to issues and problems encountered in emerging markets.
ACC.823: ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES IN AUDITING
An examination of some of the major contemporary issues in auditing theory and practice. Reference will be made extensively to Auditing Standards applicable in Nigeria and globally, as published by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and other standard setters and regulatory bodies. Topics include, objectives of auditing: ethical issues relating to fees, advertising, confidentiality, independence, objectivity, etc. Application of statistical techniques in auditing; auditors’ responsibility under statutes, regulations, standards, Securities and Exchange Commission, Stock Exchange Regulations; audit of computer-based systems; change of auditors; the increasing use of audit committees and its merits, demerits and effectiveness; management auditing; audit of social accounts and not-for-profit organizations, financial institutions; public sector auditing, etc. Forensic Accounting and Audits; and the relevant rule of evidence in civil and criminal proceedings. Auditing theories and development of conceptual framework; consumer satisfaction, user expectations, public expectation gap and user orientation. Audit regulatory framework; audit practice management, investigation and assurance services; corporate governance; professional competence and educational standards of auditors, etc. IFAC standards and global challenges; different audit strategies; value-for-money audit, entrusted resources audit, public attestations, going concern assessment, audit risk analysis; audit planning issues and reporting. Computer systems auditing and special audits; Internet systems audit and security implications.
ACC.824: CAPITAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS
A survey of the structure and operation of the market for medium and long-term securities. The course examines the nature, type, sources and uses of securities as well as the nature, objectives, structure, functions and practices of institutions such as the stock exchange, issuing houses, trusts, investment banks, insurance companies, pension operators and international finance institutions. Analytical work and empirical analyses of financial asset prices; derivatives and primary assets markets; risk and volatility in developing and developed markets, etc. are covered in the course.
ACC.825: RESEARCH SEMINARS
This course integrates independent researches and presentations associated with either field work or the regular job of the student. The programme is research active and intensive, designed to blend hands on accounting practices with core research work. The course involves the research integrated elements of the first and second semesters of course work, culminating in the final assessed scores reported in the second semester under ACC825. The course outline guiding students research/seminar activities through the first and second semester programmes is available from the Department.
ACC.826: ADVANCED PUBLIC FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
A study of the special problems which arise in the planning and control of financial resources in public sector organizations – government proper, state-owned enterprises, boards and corporations (utilities). Issues examined include the role of public enterprise, procedures for making investments and pricing decisions, and the constraints on these decisions; government budgeting and accounting systems; relationships between public enterprise and government; and factors which tend to impede performance in Public Sector; Cost-benefit analysis; the rationale, problems and prospects of privatization and commercialization of government business, etc. International comparisons will be drawn where relevant. Issues relating to measurement and reporting of accounting information at federal, state, local government councils, NGO’s, charities, etc will be examined. National Income Accounting; the applicability of private sector standards and private sector corporate governance models to the Public Sector.
ACC 827: ISSUES IN TAX PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
The principles, practice and theory of the Nigerian system of income tax, surtax, corporation tax and capital gains. Computation and assessment in relation to individuals, partnerships and limited companies. Procedures and practice relative to claims and appeals. Nigerian taxation in relation to foreign taxation.
ACC.828: STRATEGIC ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGERIAL CONTROL
The focus is on the development and use of accounting information for planning, coordinating and controlling work in varying situations. Topics studied include cost behaviour and cost estimation; responsibility accounting and the contribution approach; cost allocation problems and relevant cost analysis for problem solving; pricing in product –cost combinations; cost-volume-profit relationships; new approaches to inventory control; behavioural problems of budgeting; etc. Other topics include transfer pricing and performance evaluation in divisionalised organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the application of mathematical and statistical techniques in analyzing and presenting accounting information for managerial decisions.
ACC.829: INVESTMENT ANALYSIS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT.
The increasing complexity and sophistication of financial /capital markets world over demands of the investor or business firm who wishes to maximise wealth or returns thorough awareness of market intricacies, financial instruments and strategies for managing personal and organisational finances and portfolios. This course covers the broad spectrum of techniques used by professionals for analysing and valuing investments. Topics include; characteristics of financial and capital markets, risk investment instruments, derivatives (option and futures), hedging and speculation, security analysis and valuation, risk and returns, portfolio theory and the Capital Assets Pricing Model, Portfolio management strategies, forecasting, fundamental analysis, behavioural finance, international investing, financial crises and the impact of globalization.
ACC.830: RESEARCH THESIS
A candidate may commence work on the research thesis after the first semester, under the supervision of assigned supervisor(s). Where more than one supervisors are appointed, one of them may be designated as the Chief supervisor. The supervisor shall submit a report on the work of the candidate through the Head of Department to the Dean of Postgraduate School on yearly basis. Any candidate who fails to make satisfactory progress may be required to terminate the course.
The thesis normally entails an investigation of an Accounting problem in contemporary organizational setting. It involves problem definition, research design, measurement, data analysis and report of findings along with prescriptions and, where possible, directions for further investigations. Candidates are expected to approach the thesis with a high degree of originality and creativity in the conception, design and analysis of the study. They are expected to draw on the relevant research literature and methodology in Accounting and related disciplines in presenting their thesis. A panel comprising both internal and external examiners is normally appointed by the Postgraduate School and Senate to evaluate the thesis.
RESEARCH INTEGRATION PROGRAMME
The course work may, at the discretion of the individual course tutors, incorporate essays or research/investigative work undertaken by the student in the field or in his own job situation. This could provide opportunity for the student to acquire research training which is blended with his regular work, and in the process also benefit from specialized advice on relevant research methodology. In this way, contributions to knowledge could be considerably enhanced.