Accounting and Finance are the twin engines of every business organisation — one providing the language to record and report commercial activity, the other is the tool to allocate capital, manage risk, and drive growth. While deeply interconnected, they represent distinct and complementary disciplines, and together they offer one of the most versatile and sought-after combinations in the modern economy. The profession is being reshaped at a pace. Contemporary accountants are no longer defined solely by number-crunching, and finance has expanded well beyond the management of money. Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics have transformed how financial data is processed, interpreted, and acted upon. At the same time, the rise of secure financial technologies — including blockchain, electronic payment systems, and digital financial intermediation — is redefining how organisations transact, report, and manage risk. Alongside these opportunities, the digital environment has introduced new challenges: cybercrime, data integrity, and the governance of financial systems demand as much attention as the technologies driving them.

On completion of this major, the student will be able to:

• Classify and present financial information in statements and evaluate company performance through financial statement analysis techniques
• Apply analytical and quantitative methods to interpret financial data, draw sound inferences, and support well-reasoned decisions
• Apply best practices in financial management to plan, organise, and monitor outcomes while demonstrating financial leadership
• Implement investment portfolio construction and evaluation techniques to achieve defined investment outcomes
• Observe and interpret financial market dynamics to identify opportunities and assess risk
• Assemble cost accounting information and apply relevant techniques to support managerial decision-making
• Interpret and apply tax law provisions judiciously
• Communicate financial data and insights effectively to diverse stakeholders and provide meaningful, actionable recommendations
• Develop an understanding of AI-driven tools and digital technologies to enhance financial analysis, reporting, and compliance processes
• Demonstrate awareness of ESG frameworks and their implications for financial reporting and investment decision-making

The Major in Accounting and Finance is designed as a direct response to this evolving landscape. The curriculum takes a deliberate dual approach — anchored in the core fundamentals of both disciplines while simultaneously equipping students with exposure to emerging techniques and contemporary developments. Students build comprehensive knowledge across financial accounting, cost and management accounting, taxation, auditing, financial management, investment analysis, corporate finance, and the structure and operation of financial markets. Analytical and quantitative tools are woven throughout, enabling students to interpret complex financial data and make well-supported decisions across organisations. Overall, it aims to provide a blend of Accounting and Finance theory through practical application and relevant case studies in the corporate space.

The major also engages students with the broader forces shaping the profession. Courses like Corporate Governance and Sustainability develop an understanding of how environmental, social, and governance considerations are increasingly embedded in financial disclosure, investment decision-making, and corporate accountability. The application of AI in financial analysis, forecasting, and compliance is integrated across relevant courses, ensuring graduates are equipped for a profession where digital fluency is no longer optional.

Throughout the programme, theory is grounded in practical application through case studies, real-world data, and engagement with the corporate and regulatory environment — preparing students to contribute effectively from the earliest stages of their careers.

A combined major in Accounting and Finance is recognised globally for developing both the critical and analytical capabilities that employers across industries consistently seek. Graduates are well-placed for careers in banking, insurance, taxation, treasury, corporate finance, financial services, and investment management — as well as in consulting, public sector finance, and entrepreneurial ventures.

The programme is structured to support the pursuit of leading professional qualifications alongside the degree, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Accountancy (CA), among others.