BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance

This is for you if...

• You are eager to develop sought-after skills through work placements, study abroad schemes, and real-world learning
• You love numbers, enjoy problem-solving and want to learn the practical applications and theories of accounting
• You are looking for a practical industry-informed degree accredited by leading financial industry professional bodies

The modules delivered on the accounting and finance syllabus are designed around the current needs of employers and accounting professional bodies. On successful completion of the course, you can gain exemptions from some professional exams, helping you to leap ahead in your journey to becoming a chartered, certified finance professional (subject to passing accredited modules). With the opportunity for all students to complete a paid work placement or study abroad between their second and third years, you will enter the world of work with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and of key business concepts.

Our programme offers two distinct pathways: the Professional Accounting Pathway, maximising exemptions from accounting body exams for a career in accounting with recognised industry qualifications, or the General Pathway, offering broader knowledge and skills in finance and professional services. The General Pathway allows flexibility for exploration, higher study, or employment in diverse roles within finance and professional services. This programme ensures a tailored education to meet your goals, regardless of your interests and aspirations.

• In your first year, you will build the foundation of financial knowledge that will be developed throughout the remainder of the course. You will develop other skills that are useful in the fast-paced world of finance and beyond. You will also complete the Microsoft Excel Associate certificate, giving you the digital skills demanded by employers
• The second year is all about exploring more specialised theories and learning skills that will be transferable across multiple business functions. The Professional Development module in the second year helps you to develop the skills you need – teamwork, presentation skills, networking, interview techniques – to move easily into successful employment
• By your final year, you are becoming a professional, developing the skills needed for responsible and ethical leadership and understanding how to think strategically. With optional modules that allow you to specialise and input from a range of professionals, this programme meets the needs of both employers seeking high-calibre candidates and graduates aspiring to rewarding careers

Year one

• Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• Contemporary Practices in Accounting and Finance
• Digital and Quantitative Skills
• Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• Business Economics
• Governance, Ethics and the Legal and Regulatory Environment

Year two (General Pathway)

• FinTech, Financial Services and Markets
• Professional Development in Accounting and Finance
• Equity Analysis and Trading
• Sustainability in Accounting and Finance
• Entrepreneurial Accounting and Finance
• Managing Risk and Financial Performance

Year two (Professional Accounting Pathway)

• FinTech, Financial Services and Markets
• Professional Development in Accounting and Finance
• Intermediate Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Intermediate Management Accounting
• Financial Management
• Introduction to Personal Tax and Audit

Optional year

• Professional Placement

Year three (General Pathway)

• Career Development and Reflective Practice
• Environmental Accounting
• Disruptive Technology in Accounting and Finance
• Accounting Fraud and Financial Crime
• Business Integration Project
• Strategic Management in Accounting and Finance

Year three (Professional Accounting Pathway)

• Career Development and Reflective Practice
• Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Business Taxation
• Advanced Management Accounting
• Advanced Audit and Assurance

Accounting and Finance at Salford Business School helps you develop the essential skills and knowledge for a high-level career in accountancy, finance, banking and insurance as well as general management positions. Roles that recent graduates have gone on to include:

• Trainee Chartered Accountant within the public and private sectors:
  • Auditor
  • Tax Specialist
  • Forensic Accountant
• Finance Manager
• Investment Manager
• Trading Analyst
• Risk Management

There are exciting and rewarding careers available to Accounting and Finance graduates. We’ll help you develop both the practical skills – such as using Microsoft Excel and Xero and other accounting-specific digital tools – along with the soft skills – including teamwork, collaboration, communication and planning - that employers are looking for.

If you choose to study modules aligned to professional body exams, you can gain exemptions from professional study, meaning you are well on your way to an accounting career after you graduate.