The Graduate Diploma in Accounting at Otago Polytechnic is designed for individuals holding an appropriate degree or relevant experience wanting to pursue a career in accounting. The programme equips students to record, process, prepare, and analyse both financial and non-financial information, aiding decision-making in various organisational settings. Learning includes applied assignments, case studies, and a significant workplace-based project. The diploma provides pathways to accounting roles across a spectrum of organisations and enables upskilling for those seeking career advancement or a shift into accounting.

Course Content

• Intermediate Financial Accounting: Preparation of general purpose financial reports for companies and partnerships using NZInternational Reporting Standards.

• Intermediate Management Accounting: Production cost estimation, operational budgeting, pricing and reporting within management accounting.

• Taxation in New Zealand: Tax law and accounting, including GST and FBT for sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts.

• Advanced Financial Accounting: Advanced accounting and reporting concepts such as financial instruments and foreign exchange.

• Advanced Management Accounting: Cost accounting approaches, strategic pricing, value chain analysis, lean manufacturing, and performance analysis.

• Organisational Research Design: Proposal formation, research methodologies and complying with research ethics.

• Industry Project for Professional Accounting: Applied research project in a workplace or host organisation, linking theory and practice and developing business connections.