BAcc Programme Student Handbook

(for students admitted before AY2011-12) 6 September 2012

Table of Contents
Overview ............................................................................................................ 1 BAcc Curriculum .................................................................................................. 2 Second Major ...................................................................................................... 4 Double Degree Programme.................................................................................... 5 Transfer of Programme ......................................................................................... 9 Internship Programme .......................................................................................... 9

Overview
The SMU School of Accountancy (School) undergraduate curriculum leads to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc). The programme aims to produce professional accountants who possess the attributes and skills that are needed to thrive in a knowledge-based economy. Such attributes include analytical and creative abilities, a broad perspective to think across disciplines and geographical or political boundaries, and a confident mastery of todays technology. The BAcc degree is listed as one of the degrees recognised for registration as a public accountant in Singapore under the Singapore Accountants Act. The BAcc programme is also accredited by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS), Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants In Australia (ICAA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and AACSB International (AACSB). These professional accountancy accreditations mean our graduates have satisfied the entry requirement for membership in the professional bodies. At the same time, it offers a broad-based and liberal education so as to provide the student with a broader perspective of the work environment and the world at large. In order to accomplish this objective, the curriculum is structured into 2 sections and an internship programme: Foundation Courses University Core Business Subjects Accounting Core Electives: General Education (GE) Global and Regional Studies (GRS) Technology and Entrepreneurship (T&E) Career Skills (CS) Internship Total number of units
a

Course Units 3 units a 6 units 8 units 10 units 4 units 2 units 2 units 1 unit 36 units
c

Period of Study Year 1 only Year 1 to 3 Year 1 to 2 b Year 2 to 4 Year Year Year Year Year 1 2 2 2 2 to to to to to 4 4 4 4 4

May be completed in 3, 3 or 4 years.

Students with prior background may be exempted from the Foundation Courses. From 2008-09 intake onwards, there will be 3 Foundation courses. b Except Strategy c Students with prior background may be exempted from a maximum of 3 General Education courses

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 1 of 11

BAcc Curriculum
The curriculum aims to equip all students with the fundamental skills and attributes needed to operate in a dynamic and challenging environment. Students are expected to develop and fine-tune analytical skills, adopt a creative approach to varying and rapidly changing situations, communicate effectively, and lead successfully. The Schools curriculum will ground students thoroughly in the theories, concepts and working tools essential for operating in the accounting field. Successful graduates will be proficient in oral and written communication, and will be able to understand and apply quantitative analysis to the solution of business problems. As accountants, they will also be able to utilise computer and other technologies in decision-making and other processes. The curriculum consists of 36 (35 for Intake 2007-08 and before) course units and a 12week internship programme. All areas of the curricular requirements are pursued simultaneously throughout the period of study. Foundation (3 courses) These courses must be taken in the first year: 1. 2. 3. Calculus Introductory Economics Academic Writing*

*Additional course from 2008-09 intake, course title subject to change.

University Core (6 courses) The following courses can be taken from the first to third year: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Analytical Skills & Creative Thinking Business, Government & Society Ethics & Social Responsibility Leadership & Team Building Management Communication Technology & World Change

Business Subjects (8 courses) The following courses (except Strategy) should preferably be taken by the end of your second year: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Business Law Company Law Finance Financial Instruments, Institutions & Markets STAT 101 Introductory Statistics or STAT 151 Introduction to Statistical Theory Management of People at Work Management Science (formerly known as Quantitative Methods) Strategy (recommended for the third year of study)

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 2 of 11

Accounting Core^ Requirement (10 courses)

^

This applies to students admitted from 2006-07 onwards.

The following courses provide students with the knowledge and skills to function as accountants: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Accounting Information Systems+
( not applicable as Accounting Core for students admitted before AY2006-2007)
+

Accounting Thought and Practice (formerly known as Accounting Theory) Advanced Financial Accounting Strategic Management Accounting (formerly known as Advanced Management Accounting) Audit and Assurance (formerly known as Audit & Assurance Services)
( new course wef AY2009-10)

ACCT222 Corporate Reporting and Financial Analysis (formerly known as ACCT201A Corporate Reporting & Analysis of Financial Statements) Financial Accounting Governance and Risk Management (formerly known as Governance, Risk and Assurance)
( new course wef AY2009-10)

Taxation (formerly known as Income Tax & GST) Management Accounting

General Education (4 courses) Students need to choose 4 courses, of which at least one must be from each of the 2 areas (Arts and Science): *Arts Creative Writing English Literature Foreign Language Geography History Linguistics Music: East & West Persuasion: The Business of Influence Understanding Societies Women in Film *Science Applied Biology Biological Models for Business Applications Environment Science From Gene Cell to Final Product An Introduction to Life Sciences Introduction to Physical Science Introduction to Psychology Physics for Managers Science Exploration and Society Social Psychology

*Technology & Entrepreneurship (2 courses) You can choose two courses from the following: Advanced Information Security and Entrepreneurial Finance Trust Entrepreneurship & Business Creation Computer as an Analysis Tool Experiences in Small Business Corporate Advisory Consulting Data Management IT & the Law
*The list is not exhaustive. Courses vary from term to term and are subject to changes. Please refer to Oasis> Study> Courses & Schedule> Browse Catalogue/Class Search for the latest list of courses for each term.

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 3 of 11

*Global & Regional Studies (2 courses) You must choose Advanced Taxation (formerly from the following: Accounting Study Mission Chinese Entrepreneurship and Asian Business Networks Communication in China: Competencies and Strategies Country Studies/Business Study Mission Economic Development in Asia HRM in Asia

known as Tax Planning) and one course Intellectual Property Rights International Economics International Finance Law & International Business Political Economy of SEA/East Asia Power and Governance in the Modern World: An Introduction to Political Analysis

*Career Skills (1 course) You must choose Finishing Touch and one of the following half-courses: Conflict Resolution Social Intelligence for Enhancing Interpersonal Skills Negotiation Work & Family.

*The list is not exhaustive. Courses vary from term to term and are subject to changes. Please refer to Oasis> Study> Courses & Schedule> Browse Catalogue/Class Search for the latest list of courses for each term.

Second Major
Offered by Lee Kong Chian School of Business Corporate Communication Finance with tracks in (1) Wealth Management (2) International Trading (3) Investment Banking (4) Financial Risk Analysis Strategic Management with track in Entrepreneurship Marketing Operations Management Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Quantitative Finance Offered by School of Economics Actuarial Science with tracks in (1) Actuarial Analyst (2) Risk Analyst Applied Statistics (formerly known as Business Statistics) Economics

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 4 of 11

Offered by School of Information Systems Advanced Business Technology with tracks in (1) Business Intelligence & Analytics, (2) Banking Processes & Technology (3) Enterprise Systems & Solutions (4) Service Systems & Solutions (5) Technopreneurship Information Systems Management Offered by School of Social Sciences Political Science Psychology Sociology International and Asian Studies (IAS) Public Policy and Public Management (PPPM) Offered by School of Law Law All students MUST declare their First as well as Second Major (if any) within their first four (4) regular terms of study (inclusive of term on leave of absence and/or international exchange) via OASIS > Study > Enrolments & Withdrawals. For details on the second major requirements, please refer to OASIS > Study > Advisement & Curriculum > Second Major Requirements. Select the offering school for the second major that you have chosen, and refer to the appropriate tab.

Double Degree Programme

The double degree programme gives students an invaluable edge in the New Economy and an unrivalled versatility and flexibility in career options. Under the double degree programme, a student can graduate in four years with two degrees in: Accountancy Accountancy Accountancy Accountancy & & & & Business Management Economics Information Systems Management Social Sciences.

For details on the application of double degree programmes, please refer to OASIS> Study> Regulations and Policies> SMU Undergraduate Regulations & Procedures> Double Degree Programme. Please refer to OASIS> Study> Academic Calendar> Critical Dates for the application period.

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 5 of 11

Minimum Number of Courses Required To graduate with a double degree in the above combinations, students must complete all requirements of both degree programmes: DOUBLE DEGREE BAcc & BBM REMARKS Students admitted in AY2008-09 to AY2010-11 All courses listed in the BAcc programme BBM 10 Business Core courses (8 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BBM 5 Business Concentration courses for respective majors BBM 3 Business Options courses (All can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) To complete International Economics (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total *Notes:
Students taking Finance as first major may double count two Finance elective courses and complete BAcc/BBM programme with 41 courses.

Minimum Number of Course Units Required 36 2 5 0 0 0 43*

Students admitted in AY2007-08 and before All courses listed in the BAcc programme BBM 10 Business Core courses (8 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BBM 5 Business Concentration courses for respective majors BBM 3 Business Options courses (All can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) To complete International Economics (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total *Notes:
Students taking Finance as first major may double count two Finance elective courses and complete BAcc/BBM programme with 40 courses.

35 2 5 0 0 0 42*

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 6 of 11

DOUBLE DEGREE BAcc & BSc (Econs)

REMARKS Students admitted in AY2010-11 All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSc(Econ) 10 Economics Major courses BSc(Econ) 8 Major-Related courses in Economics (All can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) To complete Economic Development in Asia or Economic History (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total Students admitted in AY2008-09 and AY200910 All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSc(Econ) 8 Economics Major courses BSc(Econ) 10 Major-Related courses in Economics (All can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) To complete Economic Development in Asia or Economic History (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total Students admitted in AY2007-08 and before All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSc(Econ) 8 Economics Major courses BSc(Econ) 10 Major-Related courses in Economics (All can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) To complete Economic Development in Asia or Economic History (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total

Minimum Number of Course Units Required 36 10 0 0 0 46

36 8 0 0 0 44 35 8 0 0 0 43

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 7 of 11

DOUBLE DEGREE BAcc & BSc (ISM)

REMARKS Students admitted in AY2008-09 to AY2010-11 All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSc (ISM) 5 Foundation courses (2 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSc (ISM) 5 Advanced Topics courses BSc (ISM) 1 IS Project course BSc (ISM) 3 IS Depth Elective courses (1 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSc (ISM) 6 Business Oriented Electives courses (5 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) Total Students admitted in AY2007-08 and before All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSc (ISM) 5 Foundation courses (2 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSc (ISM) 5 Advanced Topics courses BSc (ISM) 1 IS Project course BSc (ISM) 3 IS Depth Elective courses (1 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSc (ISM) 6 Business Oriented Electives courses (5 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) Total

Minimum Number of Course Units Required 36 3 5 1 2 1

48 35 3 5 1 2 1

47

BAcc & BSocSc

Students admitted in AY2008-09 to AY2010-11 All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSocSc 5 Social Science Core courses (1 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSocSc 5 Social Science Major Courses BSocSc 7 Social Science Major-Related Options courses (5 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSocSc 1 Capstone Seminar course To complete International Economics (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total

36 4 5 2

1 0 0 48

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 8 of 11

DOUBLE DEGREE

REMARKS Students admitted in AY2007-08 and before All courses listed in the BAcc programme BSocSc 5 Social Science Core courses (1 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSocSc 5 Social Science Major Courses BSocSc 7 Social Science Major-Related Options courses (5 of which can be fulfilled under the BAcc programme) BSocSc 1 Capstone Seminar course To complete International Economics (under GRS) To complete Computer as an Analysis Tool (under T&E) Total

Minimum Number of Course Units Required 35 4 5 2

1 0 0 47

Note: Navigation: OASIS > Study > Advisement & Curriculum > Advisement: View Degree Progress Report The degree progress report provides a representation of the degree rules that apply to a student (based on cohort). The students academic work is analysed against these rules and whether or not the different requirements are satisfied. The report also indicates how the requirement is satisfied. With the Degree Progress Report function, students will be able to: > Run the degree progress report based on your coursework to-date. > Register a What-If scenario (What if I change to this major? Or, what if I take these courses?) and run the report under that scenario. > Retrieve a previously generated report.

Transfer of Programme
SMU students are allowed, subject to approval of the Deans of both the current and new programmes, to transfer to another programme of study within SMU. Students may apply for a programme transfer only at the end of year 1 or year 2 (after release of examination results), before the start of the first term of the next academic year. Please refer to OASIS > Study > Academic Calendar > Critical Dates for the application period. For information on the criteria for applying for a programme transfer, please refer to OASIS > Study > Enrolments & Withdrawals > Info on Transfer of Programme. Note: Being eligible to apply does not mean that your application will be approved.

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 9 of 11

Internship and Community Service Attachment Programme

The Internship Programme consists of a 10-week attachment at a business organisation and a 80 hours Community Service attachment. As the details of the organisations and the time spent in each will be reflected in the transcript, students must ensure that they have fulfilled the full 12 weeks before filing for graduation. The Office of Career Services (OCS) provides support for matters pertaining to the 10week internship attachment programme. You can source for your own internships but it must be endorsed by the OCS. 10-week Internship Attachment To satisfy BAcc Internship requirement, students must ensure that positions to fulfill the 10-week business attachment requirement have to be held in the area of accounting, auditing or tax. Positions outside these areas are permissible on a *case-by-case basis. Before commencing their internships, students are required to attend a compulsory internship briefing. Students are required to pass a quiz at the end of the briefing. Failure to do so will result in the student having to attend another round of the internship briefing. Students can start their internship anytime if they have completed two terms during their course of study. This internship must be carried out on a full-time basis. Where internship(s) are self-sourced, students must self-propose via OnTRAC II for the Office of Career Services (OCS) approval prior to beginning the stint. At the end of the internship, the student must submit an overall report within one month from the last day of the internship stint. This report can be accessed via OASIS>Career Services> Participation and Grading Details. A performance appraisal will also be required of the Supervisor / Reporting Office, under whose supervision the student completed the stint. For all students who are bonded to organisations, please note that the same guidelines apply. They are still required to adhere to the policy of self-proposing on OnTRAC II to ensure that internship requirements are met before filing for graduation. For more information, please refer to OASIS > Career Services > Internship

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 10 of 11

Special Internship Period and Modified Term 2 Year 3 (MT2Y3) To better cater to the development of the students, the School has worked out a Modified Term 2 for BAcc students. This special arrangement gives senior students an opportunity to complete their internship in public accounting firms in December, without losing out on curriculum time. They will return to campus and follow a modified term from February to June. Students will join the firms during the peak period, from December to February, where there would be the highest volume of work. This would ensure that students get maximum exposure to the work they would potentially be engaged in. The School has negotiated with the Big 4 public accounting firms, as well as several local firms, for internship positions. Students would apply to these internship positions as they would for a permanent job. They would be subjected to the individual firms selection criterion. This would give students a glimpse into what to expect when they are ready to join the mainstream workforce. *Examples of job scopes approved previously in banks include, but not limited to: Credit analysis and control Financial modeling and equity research Trading of equity products Benchmarking, performance analysis and measurement Community Service (Centre for Social Responsibility) Students are required to be actively involved, to serve and give back to society with a minimum of 80 hours. This is to inculcate in students the value of being responsible and civic-minded citizens of society. Thus, they are encouraged to start their community service attachment early, preferably in the first year of their study. As preparation for Community Service Projects are essential, students must first attend the compulsory Community Service Briefing. This briefing is to set the tone for community service as an SMU degree requirement; without which the community service rendered will not be acknowledged as part of the degree. Students may work with a maximum of three Organizations to fulfil the first 80 hours. At the end of the attachment, the Host Organizations are required to appraise the students performance. After completing the first 80-hour requirement, students must submit a written report through SMU Oasis. For more information, please refer to OASIS > Career Services > Community Service.

Office of the Dean, School of Accountancy

Page 11 of 11