The Post Graduate Certificate in the Theory of Accountancy (CTA) Programme presented by the National University of Science and Technology(NUST) is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Zimbabwe (ICAZ) as part of its education requirements to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.

The Chartered Accountant qualification is one of the highest professional accountancy qualifications in Zimbabwe. A Chartered Accountant is an expert in the broad field of Accountancy that includes the following primary subject areas (disciplines): Financial Accounting, External Auditing, Financial Management and Taxation (split slightly differently in the new ICAZ Competency Framework). Chartered Accountants are characterised by their multi-disciplinary approach, analytical ability and systematic and logical approach to problem solving.

The successful completion of the NUST Hons and CTA Programme provides a candidate with admission to the Initial Test of Competence of the ICAZ (previously known as Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination). At postgraduate level we follow a strong student-centred approach, with great emphasis on insight, understanding, application and interdisciplinary interaction, but the successful completion of the Hons and CTA Programme depends on commitment. The Departments presenting the Accounting Sciences strive to mould our students academically in order to become professionally educated Chartered Accountants, (CA(Z)s), and Registered Auditors.

The Hons and CTA Programme is offered on a full-time basis only.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be admitted to the full- time ZCTA programme the student:-

a. Must have obtained a 2.1 or better in BComm in Accounting, or an equivalent degree and the degree must be obtained within 5 years as approved by the Faculty Board. This degree must, as a minimum, include the following 4 modules(or equivalent courses): Accounting, Auditing, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation, all at final year level;

AND

b.Must have obtained an average of at least 2.1 in each of Accounting, Auditing, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation in his/her final year. If any of the above-mentioned modules was passed by adjustment or condonement (including through the utilisation of a ‘third opportunity’ exam), then admission will be rejected;

OR

c. The modules referred to in paragraph (b) must have been passed in the immediately preceding year, or the year before that. If any of these modules were passed longer than two years ago, the percentage requirement mentioned in paragraph (b) is increased to 2.1 for each affected subject. If any of these modules were passed longer than three years ago, the student may be required to write an admission test; alternatively will be rejected.

Compulsory modules (full-time only)

RECP671- Advanced Financial Accounting

Module Aim:
This module aims to ensure that students are able to prepare group financial statements in compliance with the regulatory framework and IFRS. In addition students should also be able to prepare financial information for selected special entities. Further it aims to ensure that students are able to evaluate accounting practice with particular reference to capital maintenance, measurement and economic substance over legal form. The changing nature of accounting information as well as current developments is also considered.

RECP672- Advanced Auditing

Module Aim:
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the critical aspects of managing assurance engagements (including audit engagements): acceptance, planning, managing, concluding and reporting.

RECP673- Advanced Taxation

Module Aim:
This module aims to impart knowledge of the law of taxation and its application to resident and non-resident individuals and entities. In addition to that planning & administration of the tax services and corporate tax compliance matters are also covered. Also this syllabus aims to ensure that the students possess a sound knowledge of the principles of Income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Stamp Duty and are able to apply this knowledge and skills to practical situations.

RECP674- Advanced Management Accounting and Financial Management

Module Aim:
To apply relevant knowledge and skills and exercise professional judgment as expected of a senior financial executive or advisor, in taking or recommending
decisions relating to the financial management of an organisation. This module focuses on the strategic challenges confronting firms that compete in the global
economy. It provides students a forum in which they are able to apply and integrate business theories, practices and skills in a global environment. The course examines the forces that are driving firms to globalise, consequences of globalisation, and examines the managerial implications of globalisation. An understanding of management, marketing, financial and economic principles and concepts are assumed.

Assessment

Candidates must pass the four modules mentioned above to meet the requirements for the Post Graduate Certificate in Theory of Accounting. A candidate will be expected to sit for formal written examination at the end of the year. For a candidate to be admitted to the examination, they must have satisfactorily completed all assignments for continuous assessments. In addition, they are expected to have attended a minimum of 80% of the lectures in each module. The taught component shall be examined by both modulework and a formal written examination. Modulework shall account for 30% of the overall assessment while the
formal written examination shall account for 70% of the overall assessment. The pass mark shall be 50% based on the aggregate of the module work

Test, exam and supplementary examination information (this may change for 2018)

Learners will be required to sit for five tests and one final assessment opportunity(examination) per module, all assessments will be written during the day