About Us

Accountancy

Accounting is the language of business. An understanding of accounting information is important for everyone whether they intend to practise accounting, work in a business environment or simply wish to be a better informed shareholder or consumer. At Otago we have a menu of accounting study choices offering interesting and challenging study opportunities.

Students planning to major in accounting will receive not only an excellent education in accounting but also have the opportunity to develop excellent information technology, interpersonal and communication skills. A major in Accounting equips students to work as accountants in businesses, Government agencies and many other organisations.

If you wish to improve your understanding of accounting for a career in business but don’t wish to complete a full accounting major, we offer a minor in accounting (ie two 100 level papers leading to a further three papers at 200 and 300 level). For those who simply wish to be able to read and understand accounting information better, ACCT 113 offers an interesting introduction to the discipline.

Business Law

Success in business requires a keen awareness of the central role played by law and an appreciation of the fact that all commercial relationships and transactions have legal consequences. Those who plan to become chartered accountants are required to complete three papers of Business Law, but one or more papers in this area are highly recommended to those completing a BCom, whatever their major subject.

The various papers aim to develop some crucial but practical skills. Broadly, these include identifying potential and actual legal problems in practical situations, knowing your own limits in dealing with these and being able to use professional legal advisors effectively. The themes of particular papers include the central role played by contract law, the variety of business vehicles and their legal foundations, consumer/trader tensions in the market, and the practical importance of the courts and government in developing the law which regulates the business environment.

Skills Students Learn at Otago

The importance of communication and inter-personal skills, together with a positive attitude towards continuous learning, are now widely recognised in accounting education. At Otago, teaching methods emphasize the use of internal assessment, case studies, open learning, group sessions and seminars. In addition to helping students to effectively communicate their knowledge of accounting issues, the courses promote students’ oral, written, critical thinking, creative and teamwork skills.

Far from concentrating solely on transmission of a specific core of knowledge, the courses seek to cultivate skills, which will enable the student to solve novel problems generated by the uncertain environment they will meet in the workplace.

Employment Prospects

Employment prospects for our accounting graduates are very good. About one-third of graduates go to work for firms of chartered accountants. Their first work with these firms involves either taxation, auditing or general accounting work and business advisory services. In addition to further training, many chartered accounting firms can offer graduates a variety of work experiences and the opportunity to see a variety of businesses in a short period of time. The remainder of graduates undertake additional education or go into manufacturing, banking, retailing, government departments or overseas. Currently employment opportunities in Australia and the United Kingdom are very good for qualified accountants.