Business

Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting is a degree programme that provides students with practical accounting skills and knowledge applicable in business, government and non-profit sectors. The programme is offered at Meru University of Science and Technology, equipping graduates with competencies in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation and financial reporting.

The curriculum covers financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, corporate finance, business law, economics, statistics, accounting information systems, corporate governance, ethics, research methods and strategic management. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in accounting.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, case studies, accounting software practicals, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can prepare financial statements, conduct audits, manage tax compliance and apply accounting standards in real-world business environments.

The programme emphasises the application of accounting principles to solve business problems, recognising that organisations require professionals who can translate financial data into actionable insights. Students learn about International Financial Reporting Standards, Kenyan tax regulations, audit procedures and the use of accounting software in modern business operations.

Graduates are equipped to work in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, banks, audit firms and consulting firms. They contribute to financial management, regulatory compliance and decision-making through accurate financial reporting and analysis.

Career opportunities exist in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, banks, audit firms, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as accountants, audit assistants, tax officers, financial analysts and accounting officers, with progression towards professional certifications such as CPA Kenya.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,150
Private, up to: Ksh 223,900
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Applied Accounting
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
Financial Reporting

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Applied Accounting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to applied accounting, covering accounting concepts, accounting principles, and the role of accounting in business.
Financial Accounting
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of financial accounting, covering financial statements, accounting standards, and financial reporting principles.
Management Accounting
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of management accounting, covering cost accounting, budgeting, performance evaluation, and decision-making accounting.
Auditing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of auditing principles, covering audit procedures, audit evidence, audit reporting, and professional auditing standards.
Taxation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of taxation, covering tax principles, tax computation, tax planning, and tax compliance for businesses and individuals.
Financial Management
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of financial management skills, covering financial analysis, capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial decision-making.
Accounting Information Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of accounting information systems, covering accounting software, system design, and technology in accounting.
Business Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of business law, covering company law, contract law, and legal frameworks for business operations.
Financial Reporting
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of financial reporting, covering international financial reporting standards, financial statement analysis, and corporate reporting.
Accounting Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in accounting, covering professional ethics, code of conduct, and ethical decision-making in accounting practice.
Applied Accounting Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical accounting work where students apply learned skills in financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing practice.
Applied Accounting Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on accounting topic, demonstrating mastery of accounting theory and practice.

Specialisations

General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Auditing
Specialization in audit procedures, audit evidence, and professional auditing standards. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Taxation
Focus on tax principles, tax computation, and tax planning and compliance. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Financial Accounting
Focus on financial reporting, accounting standards, and financial statement preparation. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct accounting practice, participate in case studies, and engage in financial analysis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for accounting professionals in corporate, government, and financial sectors.
Opportunity to pursue professional certifications such as CPA and ACCA alongside the degree.
Accounting practice and case studies provide hands-on experience with financial reporting and auditing.

Against it

Accounting work can be detail-oriented with pressure for accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Accounting requires continuous learning of new accounting standards and financial regulations.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public184k to 220k

184k at Kenyatta University220k at University of Nairobi

Private186k to 224k

186k at Management University of Africa224k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU B.Com 183.6K/yr, UoN B.Com 220.2K/yr (KUCCPS). MUA 186K/yr, Daystar B.Com 223.9K/yr (KUCCPS).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.
ICPAK Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Students
ScholarshipKenyan
Bright and needy students admitted to accounting or finance programmes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply. CPA/CPS Part II or equivalent professional qualification may also be considered.

How you are assessed

4 components

Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of accounting skills, financial reporting work, and practical applications through accounting practice and case studies.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on accounting topic, demonstrating mastery of accounting theory and practice.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and accounting exercises throughout the semester evaluating accounting knowledge and practical skills.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of accounting theory, financial reporting, and auditing.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Meru University of Science and Technology. Graduates may pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB for professional recognition.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.
Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB)
Professional
Graduates may pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB for professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Financial Analyst
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Analyze financial data, prepare financial reports, and support financial decision-making for organizations.
Accountant
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Prepare financial statements, manage accounting systems, and support financial reporting for organizations.
Auditor
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Conduct audits, examine financial records, and provide assurance on financial statements and internal controls.
Tax Consultant
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide tax advice, prepare tax returns, and support tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals.
Financial Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manage financial operations, develop financial strategies, and oversee financial planning and control in organizations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in applied accounting, financial management, and auditing across Kenya's corporate and government sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

QuickBooks
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting software for small business bookkeeping, invoicing and financial reporting.
Sage
SoftwarePrimary
Accounting and business management software widely used in Kenyan businesses.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for financial modelling, data analysis and accounting computations.
SAP
Software
Enterprise resource planning software used in large organisations for financial management.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for financial data visualisation and reporting.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Applied Accounting is the same as a standard Accounting degree.
The programme emphasises practical application of accounting principles, with focus on real-world scenarios and accounting software.
Graduates are limited to bookkeeping roles.
Graduates pursue careers as accountants, auditors, tax officers, financial analysts and consultants, with progression to CPA certification.
The programme does not cover international standards.
The curriculum includes International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and global accounting practices.
Applied Accounting graduates cannot become CPAs.
Graduates are eligible to pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB, which is the recognised professional accounting qualification.
The programme is only for students who want to work in accounting firms.
Graduates work in corporate finance, government agencies, banks, NGOs and consulting firms across all sectors.
The programme does not cover taxation.
Taxation is a core component of the curriculum, covering Kenyan tax law, tax planning and compliance.