The Department of Accounting and Finance is one of the pioneer academic programs within the College of Business and Economics at Debre Berhan University. The program originated in 1999 E.C. (2007 G.C) as a focus area under Business Education with specialization in Accounting and was formally established as the Accounting Department under the Faculty of Business and Economics in 2000 E.C. (2008 G.C). In response to the expansion of higher education and the increasing demand for professionals with broader financial competencies, the department was restructured and renamed the Department of Accounting and Finance in 2004 E.C.(2010 G.C). The Accounting and Finance program has graduated more than 2,100 students from 2001 E.C to 2018 E.C in undergraduate regular program.  

 

The Accounting and Finance program aims to develop highly qualified professionals with strong knowledge and practical skills in Accounting, Fundamentals of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Financial Management, Managerial Accounting,  Advanced Accounting, Accounting Software Applications, Auditing,  Taxation, Investment Analysis, Project Management, Business decision-making and so on. The program combines classroom instruction with practical learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, community service activities and industry collaborations. These experiences help students acquire the competencies required to pursue successful careers in government organizations, private enterprises, financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. To ensure that graduates remain competitive and responsive to changing market demands, the curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated in line with advancements in technology, industry expectations, and professional standards.

In addition to its core teaching, learning, research, and community engagement activities, the program places significant emphasis on quality assurance and continuous improvement. As part of these efforts, the program actively participates in both national and international accreditation processes for its regular undergraduate program. These accreditation initiatives help evaluate the quality of academic delivery, curriculum relevance, faculty competence, learning resources, and graduate outcomes against established standards. Through ongoing accreditation and quality enhancement activities, the program strives to maintain academic excellence, strengthen its reputation, and ensure that its graduates meet both national and international professional expectations.1)    Vision and Mission of Accounting and Finance Program

Vision

Debre Berhan University aspires to be one of nationally leading universities in practice-oriented teaching and research by 2030             

Mission

M-1: To prepare knowledgeable, skilled and attitudinally matured graduates for the job market and entrepreneurship by providing practice oriented education.

M-2: To enhance and promote applied research focusing on innovation and technology transfer to create sustainable and knowledge based industries and societies.

M-3: To establish strategic partners to strengthen practice oriented education, research and community engagement.

  Motto

Practical Education for a Better Success!

  Program Educational Objectives

After three to five years of graduation, the program will be able to:

PEO-1: Produce competent professionals in accounting, finance, auditing, and taxation who possess auditing, taxation, and regulatory knowledge, alongside skills in financial modeling and aligning with industry needs for decision-making.

PEO-2: Produce professionals capable of leading and providing consultancy on management and investment decisions, managing financial institutions, and delivering high-quality professional services in both financial and non-financial organizations.

PEO-3: Produce professionals who demonstrate a positive attitude and a deep sense of responsibility toward accountancy, adhering to professional ethics, tax laws, financial regulations, and collaborative practices.

PEO-4: Produce Graduates who will demonstrate innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through applied research and effective communication, while engaging in continuous professional development and adapting to emerging technologies and global trends in accounting and finance.

PEO-5: Produce entrepreneurs who can identify opportunities, establish ventures, and create professional jobs, contributing to economic growth and development.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)  Up on graduation, the Accounting and Finance graduates will be able to:

PLO-1: Describe and apply principles, concepts, and practices in accounting and finance as per IFRS, IPSAS and IAS.

PLO-2: Explain the objectives and stages involved in performing an audit of financial statements and the role of information technology in data analysis (as per ISA).

PLO-3: Explain how financial institutions manage credit, market, and liquidity risks, and select appropriate capital budgeting techniques for investment decisions.

PLO-4: Perform comprehensive accounting activities, including keeping general accounts, preparing payroll in compliance with requirements, and interpreting financial statements for various organizations.

PLO-5: Execute audits of financial records and systems to express independent professional opinions per ISA, while identifying control risks to safeguard business resources

PLO-6: Apply the Ethiopian tax code for return preparation and analyze cost information to support management in planning, pricing, and financing decisions.

PLO-7: Design Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and demonstrate proficiency in computerized tools like QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, and Spreadsheets.

PLO-8: Apply the relationship between risk and return and the time value of money to manage diversified investment portfolios and assess the cost of capital.

PLO-9: Apply fundamental principles of ethics and professional responsibility when collecting, generating, and sharing sensitive financial data.

PLO-10: Demonstrate a mindset prepared for advanced graduate studies, professional certifications (ACCA/CPA), and continuous advanced training.

PLO-11: Demonstrate effective communication to build internal and external relationships while respecting diverse cultural perspectives in the workplace.

PLO-12: Apply principles of entrepreneurship to start ventures and respond effectively to changes in technology, environment, or processes through critical thinking.

Mapping of the Mission statements and Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

Mapping of Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) to Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

Professional Profile

After successful compilation of the four years undergraduate program of accounting and finance, students will be able to be;

v  Accounting clerks: Keeping general accounts, records and reports; payroll processing and billings; Perform cost and managerial accounting and control, data generation and supervisions; Disbursement voucher process and control; and bank reconciliation and banking activities.

v  Cost analysts: keep accounts of product costing and provide other relevant cost information.

v  Auditor both internal and external: Work as an assistance auditor (both internal and external); Pre-audit inspection and investigation; Operational audit, partial financial audit, cash audit, compliance audit, branch audit, interim reports audit, advance clearance.

v  Tax specialists- prepare tax return, work as internal revenue agents and tax administrator.

v  Information system designer and manipulator-Generating information which is of financial and non-financial in nature necessary for management; and analyzing, designing and installing accounting systems (manual or computerized).

v  Financial management – running revenue and expenditure management capital investment decisions; risk and insurance management and budgeting.

v  Financial analyst: financial planner, investment advisor, project coordinator; rendering financial consultancy services.

v  Ethical Compliance & Regulatory Officers: Applying fundamental principles of ethics and professional responsibility to ensure adherence to tax laws, financial regulations, and collaborative practices while collecting and sharing sensitive financial data.

v  Public Sector Financial Specialists: Rendering professional services specifically tailored for government and non-profit entities by applying principles and practices as per International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and IFRS.

v  Strategic Investment & Risk Consultants: Managing diversified investment portfolios by assessing the relationship between risk and return; selecting appropriate capital budgeting techniques; and managing credit, market, and liquidity risks for financial institutions.

v  Business Founders & Entrepreneurs: Identifying economic opportunities to establish new ventures and create professional jobs; applying critical thinking to respond effectively to changes in technology, environment, or business processes.

v  Systems Architects & Digital Leads: Designing and installing complex Accounting Information Systems (AIS); demonstrating high proficiency in emerging computerized tools such as QuickBooks, Sage, and Xero to adapt to global accounting trends.

v  Certified Professionals & Researchers: Demonstrating a mindset prepared for continuous professional development, applied research, and the attainment of global certifications such as ACCA or CPA to remain competitive in a changing global economy.

v  Workplace Relationship Managers: Building effective internal and external organizational relationships through communication while respecting diverse cultural perspectives and collaborative workplace practices.

Teaching/Learning Methods

                   I.     Interactive lectures and concept discussions

                II.     Problem sets and quantitative exercises

             III.     Computer lab sessions

             IV.     Case studies and applied problem-solving

                V.     Group projects and teamwork

             VI.     Seminar presentations

          VII.     Research projects

       VIII.     Internships and practical attachments (cooperative training)

             IX.     Simulations and practical exercises

Assessment and Evaluation Methods

·         Quizzes

·         Test

·        Computer-based practical tests (lab assessments)

·        Individual research/term papers

·        Group projects and team-based tasks

·        Case-study analyses

·        Internship and cooperative training assessments

·        Oral presentations and defenses

·        Problem sets and home assignments

·        Final exam

Grading and promotion

Letter grades shall be given based on the points earned out of 100. The letter grading system has a fixed scale as described in the table below.

Raw Mark Interval- [100 %]	Fixed Number	Grade Letter	Status Description
[90,100]	4.0	A+	Outstanding
[85, 90)	4.0	A	Excellent
[80, 85)	3.75	A-
[75, 80)	3.5	B+	Very Good
[70, 75)	3.0	B	Good
[65, 70)	2..5	C+	Satisfactory
[60, 65)	2.0	C	Fair
[50, 60)	1	D	Unsatisfactory
(<50)	0	F	Fail

 

Grounds for Appeal

Students may appeal their assessment results based on the following conditions but not limited only to these:

v Errors in scoring or grading: mathematical, clerical or recording errors

v Unfair assessment conditions: bias, inconsistency, or procedural errors during the examination

v Failure to follow established policies: deviation from assessment guidelines

v Justifying circumstances: medical or personal issues affecting performance (must be documented)

Appeal Process

Step 1: Informal resolution

The student should first discuss concerns with the assigned instructor or examiner within 5 working days of receiving the assessment result. If the issue is resolved at this stage, no formal appeal is needed.

Step 2: Formal appeal submission

If unresolved, the student must submit a formal written appeal to the appeal committee within 5 working days of receiving the result. The appeal must include the student's name and ID, course and assessment details, specific reason(s) for the appeal and supporting evidence.

Step 3: Review by the Appeal Committee

The Appeal committee will review the appeal within 3 working days of submission. The committee may re-evaluate the assessment, interview the student and relevant faculty, or request additional evidence if needed.

Step 4: Decision and notification

The Appeal committee will issue a written decision within 3 working days after review. Possible outcomes are: appeal granted (the assessment score is adjusted), appeal denied (the original score remains unchanged), or further review required.

Step 5: Final Appeal

If dissatisfied with the Appeal Committee's decision, the student may escalate the appeal to the department head within 5 working days of receiving the decision. The department head's decision is final.

 Graduation Requirement

Graduation requirement will be according to Debre Berhan university rule and regulation.  Thus, a student enrolled in the BSc Accounting and Finance program is eligible for graduation if and only if he/she:

v  Has taken all the required courses for the program and obtained a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

v  Has not scored ‘F’ grade in any course, and should score at least grade ‘C’ grade in any course.

v  Student should be able to pass the national exit exam.