The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Accounting is to give people who already have a degree, or extensive business experience, an opportunity to extend their knowledge in a specialised field, without having to complete a degree.
Our teaching staff have extensive business experience, combined with excellent academic backgrounds and strong links with the professions, while our programmes have a strong practical and applied focus. We know that our programmes will challenge you, but that you will feel supported by us and excited about your future once you decide to study with us. Our business staff are passionate about teaching and enjoy working with students of all ages and from different cultures.
Compulsory papers:
ACC201 Financial Accounting
The purpose of this course is for students to understand the regulatory aspects, to develop the concepts and techniques and problem solving skills to be able to produce financial reports for companies, and to critically understand financial information.
ACC202 Management Accounting
The purpose of this course is for students to develop concepts and techniques of organisational planning, decision-making, costing and control.
ACC301 Advanced Financial Reporting
This paper provides students with sufficient theoretical understanding of New Zealand’s financial reporting environment, and sufficient technical skills, to prepare complex financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting practices.
ACC302 Advanced Management Accounting
This paper provides students with advanced concepts and skills to be able to provide and evaluate accounting information that contributes to organisational success.
ACC304 Accounting Dissertation
This paper provides students with an opportunity to conduct advanced research into an aspect of accounting theory or practice by integrating the body of knowledge learnt in previous accounting papers.
CON359 Contemporary Issues
This paper provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of various marketing / management / accounting theories and practices applicable to profit and/or non-profit organisations, which reflect the key contemporary issues faced by organisations.
Students will be able to identify, consolidate and evaluate strategic issues studied in earlier parts of the degree and within the current business environment.
Electives
One business degree paper (it is strongly recommended that ACC102 is taken if student does not have an existing L5 accounting paper)
Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Accounting, will have developed skills and knowledge in that specialist business area. The programme provides the theoretical, practical and professional skills appropriate for employment or further study in the sector.
Graduates will be qualified to work in a range of accounting disciplines including financial accounting, financial management, corporate accounting, taxation, auditing, and business consulting in many industries.
Applicants must have obtained at least an undergraduate degree in any discipline or be a mature student aged at least 20 years and supply evidence of at least three years relevant work experience. Each mature applicant must provide their curriculum vitae detailing any relevant work experience and academic achievements. The programme manager will use this information to assess whether the applicant is likely to successfully complete the graduate diploma programme.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to have completed the Certificate in Intensive English Language (Level 3) or its equivalent; or have an IELTS score of 6.0 across all four bands (or equivalent international English assessment score), or have gained grades of B or better in a minimum of three New Zealand Diploma in Business papers.
All Graduate Diploma applicants who meet the entry requirements are accepted onto the programme.
Every candidate for the qualification of Graduate Diploma in Accounting is required to follow to the satisfaction of the Board of Studies, a programme of study for a minimum period of one year. Each year of study comprises two 17-week semesters.
Programmes of study for the graduate diplomas are made up of clusters of papers taken at the appropriate levels as outlined in the programme schedule.
The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 120 credits for successful completion of the qualification.
Individual papers may have specific pre-requisites or other knowledge/skill requirements, which may be required to be satisfied by students.
Candidates may withdraw without penalty, provided they do so before the approved withdrawal date for the programme. Refunds and other financial arrangements attached to the SIT Zero Fees Scheme are detailed on the application form, and in the SIT Student Handbook and Policies and Procedures Manual of the QMS.
In order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Accounting, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the programme schedule.
A student completing the graduate diplomas will normally be expected to complete the one year programme (full-time equivalent) within four years.
Notwithstanding the requirements set out above, the Head of Faculty with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.
(Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.)