This syllabus is designed to introduce more complex cost determination techniques and approaches that can be used in price setting in different competitive environments.

1. Prepare and evaluate alternative costing techniques used in a modern management accounting environment
2. Understand how budgetary control can be imporved by the use of standard costing and variance analysis techniques
3. Evaluate, explain and apply considerations in price setting
4. Analyse the performance of organisational management information systems and critique using FPI’s and NFPI’s. Information systemsdesign will be reviewed as to where and howsustainability issues can be incorporated.

This module introduces students to the area of finance and financial management. It looks in detail at what financial management is and its relationship to financial accounting and management accounting. Students are introduced to interpretation of accounts, using standard ratios, with a view to making financial and investment decisions. Working capital and the management of core elements of working capital is discussed and also the area of personal finance.

1. Explain the role and purpose of financial management including the relationship between financial management,financial objectives and corporate objectives.

2. Analyse and interpret financial statements for the purposes of investment decisions.
3. Identify and collate the information necessary for a variety of working capital management scenarios.

4. Discuss contemporary personal finance issuesand illustrate appropriatesolutions to a number ofpersonal finance issues facing individuals.

5. Discuss contemporary issues in financial management such as Sustainability andESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) issuesand illustrate the finance professional’srole, incorporating ethical responsibilities.

This module is designed to introduce students to computerised accounting packages. Students will complete accounting case studies to final accounts standards to enable them achieve a level of competence in the technology that is commonly used in professional practice. This module provides students with practical, hands-on experience using industry-relevant cloud-based accounting software. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, students will learn to input financial data, generate key financial reports (e.g., income statements, balance sheets), and utilise stock control features for inventory management. By the end of the module, students will have the skills to analyse and interpret financial reports, gaining the applied knowledge essential for modern accounting practices.

1. Input and manipulate financial data using a relevant, up-to-date and industry appropriate cloud based computerisedaccounting package (eg, Xero, Surf Relate, Quickbooks orequivalent) to produce financial reports including the company income statement and balance sheet.

2. Utilise the stock control sections of the applications/programme to fill orders and control re-order levels.

3. Extract and print specific reports,for example, VAT analysis summary, debtors and creditors reports.

4. Analysis and interpret the financial reports of the business entity

The syllabus for Management Accounting 3, builds on the competencies acquired in Management Accounting 1. This module explores different budgeting techniques and the problems inherent in each of them. Application of budgeting techniques will be achieved through the preparation of integrated budgets The behavioural aspects of budgeting are important to understand, and the module includes consideration of the way individuals react to budgets. . The area of probability in decision-making will be introduced. Risk and uncertainty are a factor of real-life decisions and students need to understand risk and be able to apply some basic methods to help resolve the risks inherent in decision-making. The module introduces more specialised costing which exit in the modern business environment.

1. Assess and apply decision-making techniques under risk and uncertainty

2. Evaluate and apply advanced variance analysis techniques and evaluate standard costing in the modern environment

3. Develop integrated budgets and evaluate both traditional and contemporary budgeting techniques

4. Appraise and compare selected techniques within the modern manufacturing environment

This module looks at the role of the finance manager in making investment decisions – considered to be the biggest financial decision the finance manager will make. It looks at the subsequent financing decision. Students will be expected to display a through knowledge of the various sources of finance available to an organisation to assist in any particular investment decision undertaken.

1. Appraise capital investments through the use of appropriate methods as well as justify a recommendation.
2. Apply the effects of taxation/inflation/uncertainty on the above.
3. Discuss the role and purpose of financial management in the business and corporate environment
4. Evaluate appropriate sources of finance for particular situations.

Business analytics involves understanding the data-driven activities of a business to draw inferences to make calculated decisions with higher certainty. Business analytics encompasses a gamut of analysis around business data to draw information that could be used by the managers at various levels in an organisation. It enables fact-based decision making while extending accountability in decision making. For the purposes of this module, business analytics is defined as the process of extracting, transforming, and loading data in order to summarise it to extract information. This module introduces the learner to tools and methods for conducting business analytics. Teaching & Learning will involve a number of categories of learning activities including the acquisition of knowledge through reading websites and blogs and watching video lectures. It will also encompass discussion based learning through reflective activities, online discussion forums and synchronous learning where appropriate. Learners will also gain knowledge and skills through practice based learning where they will analyse information from a range of digital sources and develop and apply business analytics skills and techniques.

1. Manage, explore and cleanse business data for analytics
2. Execute model-driven and data-driven analytics
3. Generate reports and visualisations
4. Apply data mining methods
5. Develop analytics solutions for finance and marketing functional problems

This module will introduce students to:

– International Financial Reporting Standards. The standards will be examined both from a theoretical and practical point of view.

– Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements.

– Preparation of Cashflow statements.

1. Describe the role and structure of the International AccountingStandards Board.

2. Discuss and apply a conceptual framework for financial reporting.

3. Prepare financial statements in a form suitable for publication with appropriate notes which conform with International AccountingStandards.

4. Evaluate and apply a selection of current International Standards

5. Apply the principles of preparing consolidated financial statements for a group of companies in accordance with accounting standards.

6. Prepare and interpret cash flow statements for single companies.

7. Discusscontemporary issues in financial reporting such as sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting and illustrate the accountant’s role, includingethical responsibilities.

The module introduces students to the concept of taxation and considers the principles of a taxation system and its role in the economy. Students will study income tax as it applies to both unincorporated bodies and employees, Capital Gains Tax for both individuals and companies, VAT and an introduction to Local Property Tax.

1. Discuss the operation and scope of the Irish Taxation System and the role of sustainability provisions on corporate and individual behaviour.

2. Compute the income tax liabilities of individuals and examine any alternatives availableto minimise their income tax liabilities.

3. Apply the rules of the PAYE system in dealing with employees.
4. Calculate the capital gains tax liabilities of individuals and companies.

5. Apply value added tax (VAT) principles and demonstrate the ability to calculate the VAT liability of chargeable persons.

6. Determine when a property is liable to Local Property Tax and calculate the LPT liability

The aims of this module are to provide an insight into the main features of the Irish legal system and to provide the student with more detailed information about particular aspects of Irish and EU law which are relevant to businesses and corporate law. This module will help students to develop an appreciation of the legal implications of business and corporate structures and relationships and will assist in the understanding of the corporate legal structure in business. This module is also designed to meet the standards of professional accounting examinations and the indicative syllabus content reflects this.

1. Identify the main sources of Irish law and the Constitution, distinguishing between the concepts of criminal and civil law, andthe structure of Irish judicial system.

2. Interpret and apply the role and impact of contract law, tort law, employment law and data protection lawin abusiness context.

3. Understand and discuss different types of corporate bodies such as the sole trader, partnership, and the incorporated company, being able toexplain how they operatein Irish law, referencing the separate legal personality and when the corporate veil will be lifted.

4. Outline the significant issues arising within a company including the issue of shares and loan capital, the roles and duties of company officers and the major forms of insolvency.

5. Developanability to solve problems with reference to case law and legislation, using critical analysis and reflection, interpretation and judgement.

6. Demonstrate an ability to research, analyse and apply relevant materials to legal questions and to useparticipatory learning techniquesto engage in systematic thinking, active learning,and presentation.

This module introduces students to corporation tax. It examines the territorial scope of the tax, the preparation of a detailed corporation tax computation and the associated administration and filing requirements of the tax. In addition, the module examines group structures and reliefs, and the use of losses.

1. Understand the territorial scope of corporation tax,the profits chargeable under Irish corporation tax legislation, and developments in environmental taxes.

2. Compute the corporation tax liability for a company including exposure to income withholding tax, andrecommendtax planning measures where appropriate.

3. Demonstrate the ability to compute anduse corporation tax losses both within the company and through group relief.

4. Compute Dividend Withholding tax.
5. Calculate the ‘close company’ penalties arising in a company and identify an appropriate plan on how best to manage/avoid additional tax liabilities as a result of management/shareholder decisions.

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theoretical principles of Strategic Management. The module will introduce students to the role strategy and strategising can play in achieving competitive advantage. Students will be introduced to the various tools and models to assess the external and internal environment and the strategic choices a company has at the strategic business level. The module will evaluate the additional strategic options or supplementary strategies open to a company in implementing its chosen strategic option. Finally, the attention of the student is directed towards the key components of strategy implementation.

1. Assess the importance of a company having a strategy

2. Appraise the processes by which strategy is developed.

3. Analyse a company’s external and internal business environment.

4. Identifythe primary, and supplementary, strategic options open to a company at the strategic business unit level.

5. Understand the key elements of strategy implementation.

FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' is a single coherent financial reporting standard replacing old UK GAAP. Derived from the IFRS for SMEs, the Financial Reporting Council has made significant modifications to address company law requirements and incorporate additional accounting options This module aims to practically apply the concepts and pervasive principles of FRS 102 to accounting transaction problems and financial statement. It will identify the key accounting differences between IFRS and FRS 102.

1. Identify and evaluate the differences between International financial Reporting standards and FRS 102

2. Apply the concepts and pervasive principles of FRS 102 to accounting transaction problems and financial statement

3. Evaluate proposed changes to FRS 102

Systems Thinking involves the identification and consideration of the business and accounting influences and process components that forms the framework for accounting systems in a business and contribute to the IT Strategy and support decision-making. This module introduces the learner to business and IT models, tools and methods and software for conducting business and accounting systems modelling.

1. Compose the sections of an IT Strategy for Accounting Systems

2. Consider the contribution of Systems Thinking and Data Governance to Accounting systems development

3. Apply the fundamentals of process modelling methods

4. Apply key systems design techniques towards the development of accounting system

This module will look at the decisions to be made by business owners when deciding on the most appropriate business the best structures. It will look at the issues facing owners in relation to disposal/part disposal of their businesses or business interests. The module will facilitate the study of the tax implications of acquiring business assets or other assets through inheritance or gifts. Alternative tax strategies will be evaluated. Territorial issues will also be considered in the development and evaluation of business and estate planning.

1. Compute Advanced Capital Gains tax liabilities, with an emphasis on reliefs.
2. Compute Capital Acquisitions tax liabilities.
3. Explain and compute Stamp Duty.

4. Formulate tax planning advice, capital gains tax, for business owners.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use Capital Acquisitions tax reliefs.
6. Recommend appropriate tax planning schemes for the owners of assets with regard to minimising the potential tax liabilities of the capital taxes.

This module follows on from the Principles of Strategic Management module. In the Principles of Strategic Management students were introduced to the theory of Strategic Management. The focus of this module shifts towards the application of the theory through case studies of various companies and industries, as well as business news stories and issues in the business environment.

1. Assess a company’s position.

2. Evaluate a company’s competitive environment.

3. Identify and apply the range of tools for strategic analysis.

4. Propose appropriate strategic options and make recommendations.

5. Appraise a company’s efforts in strategy implementation.

The aim of this module is to discuss, apply and evaluate the concepts, principles and practices that underpin the preparation of financial statements, both individual and consolidated, in various contexts including the ethical assessment of managements' stewardship and the information needs of a diverse group of stakeholders.

1. Evaluate and discuss the professional duties of an accountant
2. Interpret, evaluate and apply the principles of specific International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards
3. Prepare published accounts
4. Prepare consolidated accounts for groups of companies including associates, joint ventures and subsidaries whose accounts are in a foreign currency
5. Discuss the impact of current issues in corporate reporting, including environmental accounting, integrated and sustainability reporting

This module will provide accounting students with an understanding of the nature and purpose of audit/assurance engagements, the role of the auditor, and an appreciation of the legal/regulatory framework, business environment (including corporate governance and internal audit considerations), auditing standards and ethical requirements relevant to the auditor.

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the process of carrying out an audit/assurance engagement to enable them to correctly identify audit risks and apply appropriate audit procedures in order to gather sufficient and appropriate audit evidence on which to base and recommend appropriate audit opinions and reports.

1. Discuss the nature, purpose and scope of an audit/assurance engagement incorporatingthe statutory regulations and professional ethical considerations associated with the role of external auditor.

2. Describe the legal and business environment (including corporate governance) in which audit and assurance is conducted.

3. Demonstrate how the auditor obtains and accepts audit engagements, obtains an understanding of the entity and its environment, assesses the risk of material misstatement (whether arising from fraud or other irregularities) and plans an audit of financial statements

4. Discuss appropriatetests of internal controls in order to critically evaluate accounting and internal control systems (including IT systems)and identify and communicate control risks, potential consequences and recommendations.

5. Describe the scope, role and function of internal audit.

6. Identify and describe the work and evidence obtained by the auditor and others required to meet the objectives of audit engagements and the application of the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs)

7. Illustrate appropriate substantive audit procedures with regardtospecific transactions and balances in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).

8. Describe and illustrate audit review and completion procedures, (including consideration of subsequent events, going concern and written representations from management).

9. Evaluate and interpret audit scenarios in order to recognise and recommend appropriate audit opinions, associated audit reports and reports to management/those charged with corporate governance.
10. Discuss contemporary issues in Audit & Assurance such as Sustainability and ESG reporting (Environmental, Social & Governance) and consider the role of the external auditor.

The corporate finance element of this module focuses on key corporate finance issues such as sources of finance, cost of capital, capital structure theories, impact on market values, company valuations as well as risk management. The student will gain problem solving skills and the ability to apply creative thinking skills across a range of corporate financial management scenarios.

This management accounting element will evaluate and apply the principles of short-term decision-making, divisional performance and transfer pricing. The module will also evaluate principles of strategic management accounting in the modern environment and review the emergence of new technologies and data analytics.

1. Apply problem solving skills and creative thinking across a range of corporate financial management scenarios.

2. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of financial management concepts to allow them to contribute effectively in a business team context.

3. Assess cost of capital/sources of finance implications for corporate entities and justify your recommendation.

4. Perform business valuations in various alternative scenarios and provide advice in the context of a finance manager.

5. Apply foreign currency risk management techniques together with interest rate risk management techniques.

6. Establish relevant cash flows for decision making and apply and critically evaluate short-term decision-making techniques in various business situations.

7. Evaluate and apply different methods of establishing transfer prices and discuss the related behavioural issues.

8. Apply, evaluate and compare the methods of assessing divisional performance.

9. Evaluate Strategic Management Accounting in the modern environment.

10. Describe and discuss emerging and disruptive technologies, information systems and data analytics.

On completion of this module students should gain competencies in corporate governance and improved ethical decision-making to work as a professional in accounting/finance and including risk management.

1. Analyse the purposes and objectives of Corporate governance;

2. Explain and apply the key principles and concepts of corporate governance

3. Describe the nature of stakeholder relationships and behaviour of an organisation considering governance, risk and ethics.

4. Discuss waysin which governance principles and codes can be applied throughout the organisation

5. Identify and control risks in the development of problem solving approaches to ensure effective and appropriate outcomes to business issues.

This module covers the area of Professional Development for an accounting professional. All accountants must participate and provide evidence of continuing professional development to remain a member of their respective body. This module seeks to create awareness and an understanding of the need for professional development in accounting students so that they can participate more effectively in the work environment upon commencement.

Professionalism is a dedication to work which requires a high level of skill and also a commitment to a set of principles centred on the public interest. This module will foster learners with an ethos of commitment to professionalism as it relates to employment in the accounting industry. Effective communication skills both written and verbal are essential and this module addresses these key communication issues also.

1. Display a comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of the role professional development plays in the career of accountancy and the individual.
2. Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the recruitment and selection process for careers in accountancy, and an ability to apply this knowledge.
3. Display professional communication skills in a professional accounting context
4. Research and critically appraise current issues in accounting
5. Demonstrate professional behaviour and display the capacity to participate in projects that require team work.