Evaluation of Masters of Science in Accounting and Finance Curriculums A Study on Selected Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia

Abstract

Although Masters of Science in Accounting and Finance Education has a life of two decades in
Ethiopia, there are few studies on how it is performing. The main objective of this study is to
investigate the strengths and weaknesses of Masters of Science in Accounting and Finance
curriculums by taking sample public and private higher institutions. Eight higher education
institutions were purposely selected and their currently working curriculums were investigated
in depth. International Accounting Education Standard and model Curriculums of UNCTAD
were used as a benchmark for comparison. Further, key informant interview were conducted to
collect additional supportive data. The study found that, although most of the technical
accounting and finance courses are included as compared to International Accounting
Education Standard and model curriculum, some important subjects such as public financial
management, Corporate Governance and professional ethics are relatively ignored in the
majority of HEIs. The majority of the accounting and finance courses are not revised in line with
recent development in the profession such as IFRS, IPSAS and ISA. Local laws and Regulations
related to accounting and finance were not properly incorporated in to the curriculums. The
texts and reference materials used for the majority of the courses are too old and irrelevant for
the needs of the profession at the moment. The researchers recommended that universities and
academicians need to revisit their curriculums and course syllabus in line with contemporary
national and international development related to Accounting and Finance Profession.