Unit Outline
BFA746
Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers
Semester 1, 2024
Paul Taranto
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Paul Taranto
Email: Paul.Taranto@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
In this unit you will develop and apply the skills necessary to succeed in obtaining employment and a career in accounting and finance. As a graduate, it is essential to be able to demonstrate capability in applying technical skills in a contemporary workplace context together with other professional ‘soft’ skills. In your role as an accountant or finance professional, you will be required to apply critical thinking, decision making techniques and effective communication methods in a range of situations. The workshops will consist of expert guest presentations, discussion topics, and role plays. You will create a portfolio of activities that demonstrate your professional qualities and skills in applying your knowledge to generate relevant recommendations and solutions.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Evaluate emerging issues in contemporary accounting and finance environments
2.
Evaluate the effect of individual differences on business careers
3.
Articulate concise accounting and finance information individually and in teams.
4.
Propose clear business solutions for management decision-making
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
N/A
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (On Campus)
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Workshop
2-hr workshop, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
1 time per fortnight
Other
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Independent Learning
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Online Class
1-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
1
Weekly
Independent Learning
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics regularly hosts Masterclasses and Industry Engagement and Employability Events, which students are encouraged to attend. Registration and details will be available via the College of Business and Economics channel on the Uni App and/or via your Unit Coordinator
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Personal Action Plan
Week 5
20 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:
Recommendations Report
Week 9
30 %
LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Post-Workshop Reflection
Week 13
10 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 4:
Advice Proposal Presentation
Week 13
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Personal Action Plan
Task Description:
Students will be provided details on Assessment Task 1 at Week 2 workshop.

Task Length:
1000 words (report) and 5 minutes (video)
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Evaluate contemporary accounting and finance employment environment and careers
LO1
2
Analyse personal professional skills and career planning
LO2
 
Assessment Task 2: Recommendations Report
Task Description:
Students will be provided details on Assessment Task 2 at Week 4 workshop.

Task Length:
2,000 words plus supplementary attachments (minutes and proforma presentation)
Due Date:
Week 9
Weight:
30 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Evaluate business information using data analytics and visual tools
LO1
2
Present clear business information to prescribed audiences
LO3
3
Make appropriate and clear business recommendations as a team
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Post-Workshop Reflection
Task Description:
Students will be provided details on Assessment Task 3 at Week 2 workshop.

A Reflection Journal will be completed after each workshop and submitted during the final week.

Task Length:
1,000 words (250 words per reflection)
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Evaluate emerging opportunities specific to the student's career plans
LO1
2
Critically examine the student's fit with an organisation using evidence
LO2
 
Assessment Task 4: Advice Proposal Presentation
Task Description:
Students will be provided details on Assessment Task 4 at Week 8 workshop.

Task Length:
10-minute client presentation
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Identify and explain contemporary and emerging issues for accounting and finance
LO1
2
Apply professional judgement to recommend business solutions
LO2
3
Professionally present recommendations
LO3
4
Demonstrate professional written and verbal communications including feedback
LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
There is no textbook provided for this unit.
 
Recommended reading materials
All other class materials and activities will be available on the unit MyLO site.
 
Other required resources
https://support.office.com/en-us/excel