Hong Kong is a major financial centre in Asia, and its financial sector is considered one of the pillars of the economy. To sustain its leading position, Hong Kong relies on its skilled human resources, which is an important asset in sustaining its long term competitiveness. In recent years, Hong Kong has witnessed a convergence of professional interests among key financial services professionals, and the integration of financial and accounting services. For example, some accountants are now offering financial planning services to clients and, as a result, the market is experiencing a rising demand for qualifications in accounting, financial planning, and financial analysis.

Against this backdrop of increasing competition to gain more than one qualification in accounting and finance, the Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting and Financial Planning) will enable students to develop their interests and professional skills in both specialisms.

Programme Aims and Features

This double major programme is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in both Accounting and Financial Planning. This programme aims to provide students with an understanding of the broad business concepts, plus specialised knowledge in accounting and financial planning, to enable them to take up a career in accounting, financial planning, or related field. Students will be able to apply and integrate the various concepts and principles learnt to prepare financial statements, develop and analyse organisational strategies, as well as prepare personal financial plans. It also helps provide a foundation for students to acquire professional qualifications in both fields upon further study. In Year 1, students are expected to enroll in mainly general skills courses and basic business courses. Year 2 features more specialised Accounting and Financial Planning Courses. Furthermore, students will receive training in English and Chinese to enhance their communication skills, as well as in general education to widen their outlook and to prepare them for lifelong learning.

Professional Recognition

This programme is recognised by the following professional organisations:

• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - for up to 6 of its 14 papers in the qualifying examination;
• The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) - for full exemptions from the AFP Certification Education Program and students are eligible to directly enroll in the AFP Certification Examination;
• The Hong Kong Institute of Accredited Accounting Technician (HKIAAT) - for up to 7 of its 8 papers in the Accounting Technician Examinations;
• The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - for up to a maximum of 5 papers in the professional examinations;
• The Association of International Accountants (AIA) - for up to a maximum 8 papers in the professional examinations.

Pathways are available for graduates to become CPAs and CFPs.

Opportunities for Further Studies

Career Prospects

This programme will enable graduates to explore career opportunities at junior supervisory level in accounting and / or financial planning fields.

2-year Higher Diploma Programme (Direct Entry to Year 1)

HKDSE

• Level 2 or above in 5 subjects^# (including Chinese Language and English Language);

Applicants whose HKDSE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Higher Diploma Programme should apply for admission to the Certificate in General Studies Programme.

OR

HKALE

• Pass in one AL subject or two AS subjects in the HKALE; and three passes in HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language, or equivalent;

Applicants whose HKALE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Higher Diploma Programme should apply for admission to the Foundation Programme.

OR

• Hold a recognised Pre-Associate Degree, Foundation Programme or Certificate in General Studies Programme qualification; OR
• Hold a recognised post-secondary certificate or diploma.

^#Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.
The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
“Attained with distinction” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2.

Certificate in General Studies Programme / Foundation Programme

Certificate in General Studies Programme:
HKDSE

• Level 2 or above in English Language and any three other subjects^# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above;

OR

• Level 2 or above in English Language and any two other subjects^# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above; and at least 8 points^@ in the best three subjects.

Foundation Programme:
HKCEE

• Three passes in the HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the HKCEE, or equivalent;

OR

• Completed Project Yi Jin with satisfactory results.

^# Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.
The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
"Attained with distinction" is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and
"Attained" is deemed equivalent to Level 2.

^@ Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but are aged 21 or above and have relevant working experience will be considered by the College.

Foundation Programme*

• General English I & II 
• Foundations of Chinese Language
• Foundations Mathematics / General Mathematics
• Introduction to Information Technology 
• The Process of Design 
• Popular Culture: Identities and Institutions
• Ethics and Society 
• The Science of Everyday Life 
• Multiple Intelligences and Competencies 
• Law and Business 

Higher Diploma Year 1

• General English III 
• English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part I 
• Information Technology Processes
• Statistics for Business
• Principles of Marketing
• Fundamentals of Financial Planning
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Hong Kong Business Law
• Principles and Practice of Management
• Introductory Financial Accounting
• Economics

Higher Diploma Year 2

• English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part II
• English for Business
• Practical Chinese 
• Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies 
• Fundamentals of Finance
• Introduction to Insurance and Risk Management
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Taxation and Fundamentals of Tax Planning
• Auditing
• Essentials of Investments