Business

Diploma in Accounting and Finance

The Diploma in Accounting and Finance is a programme that equips students with skills in financial management, business finance and accounting practices. Offered at Zetech University, the programme addresses the finance requirements of organisations by training learners in fundamental aspects of accounting and finance coupled with management principles.

The curriculum covers financial accounting, management accounting, cost accounting, financial management, business finance, taxation, auditing principles, bookkeeping, business mathematics, economics, business communication, entrepreneurship, computerised accounting, spreadsheet applications, business law and project management. Students develop both technical accounting skills and financial management competencies.

Kenya's growing business sector requires professionals who can manage financial records, prepare financial reports and support financial decision-making in organisations. The programme responds to the need for accounting and finance practitioners who can work in accounting firms, banks, corporate finance departments, SMEs and government agencies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, computer laboratory sessions using accounting software, case studies and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, taxation and computerised accounting through practical exercises and attachment at accounting firms and finance departments.

Graduates pursue careers as accounting assistants, finance officers, bookkeepers, accounts clerks, audit assistants, tax assistants and payroll officers in accounting firms, banks, corporate organisations, NGOs, government agencies and small businesses. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance or related degree programmes with credit transfers.

Prospective students should have strong numerical skills, attention to detail and an interest in financial management. The programme is suitable for students seeking a practical foundation in accounting and finance for entry-level positions or further study.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 61,300
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting and Cost Accounting
Financial Management and Business Finance
Taxation and Auditing Principles
Bookkeeping and Computerised Accounting
Business Mathematics and Economics
Business Communication and Law
Entrepreneurship and Project Management

Modules

8 in the programme

Financial Accounting Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, trial balance, balance sheet and income statement.
Business Mathematics and Economics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers business mathematics, percentages, ratios, interest calculations, economic principles, supply and demand, market structures and economic indicators.
Computerised Accounting and Spreadsheets
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers computerised accounting software including QuickBooks and Tally, spreadsheet applications for accounting, data management and financial report generation.
Cost Accounting and Management Accounting
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cost classification, costing methods, job costing, process costing, budgeting, variance analysis and management accounting for decision-making.
Financial Management and Business Finance
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers financial planning, working capital management, investment appraisal, sources of finance, capital structure and financial risk management.
Taxation and Auditing Principles
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Kenyan tax system, income tax, VAT, PAYE, tax returns, auditing principles, internal controls and audit procedures.
Business Law and Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers business law principles, contract law, company law, entrepreneurship, business plan development and small business management.
Industrial Attachment and Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at an accounting firm or finance department, assessed through an attachment report and a practical accounting project.

Specialisations

Taxation Practice
Focuses on tax computation, tax returns and tax compliance for careers as tax assistants and tax practitioners.
Computerised Accounting
Specialises in accounting software, payroll systems and digital financial management for careers in modern accounting environments.
Cost and Management Accounting
Focuses on costing methods, budgeting and performance analysis for careers in manufacturing and service organisations.
Financial Services
Specialises in banking, credit management and financial planning for careers in banks and financial institutions.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on financial accounting or taxation, followed by a computer laboratory session using accounting software such as QuickBooks or Tally. Afternoon sessions may include a case study on financial statement preparation, a group exercise on cost analysis, or a tutorial on business mathematics. Students also work on bookkeeping exercises and prepare simulated financial reports.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme provides a practical foundation in accounting and finance, enabling entry into the accounting profession within two years.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor's degree with credit transfers, reducing the time and cost of further study.
The programme includes computerised accounting training, equipping graduates with relevant software skills valued by employers.

Against it

A diploma qualification may limit career advancement compared to degree holders, requiring further study for senior positions.
Entry-level accounting positions may have relatively low starting salaries, with career growth requiring experience and professional certifications.

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

Public67k to 67k

67k at Kitale National Polytechnic67k at Eldoret National Polytechnic

Private61k to 61k

61k at Zetech University61k at Zetech 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

TVET 67K/yr (tvet.co.ke). Zetech 61K/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Other private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. Zetech University may offer internal financial aid for qualifying students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: KCSE D+ with a craft certificate in a related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering accounting principles, business mathematics and economics.
Computerised Accounting Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of computer laboratory sessions including bookkeeping using QuickBooks, Tally and spreadsheet applications.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at an accounting firm, bank or finance department.
Final Project
Project100% of the mark
A practical accounting project applying accounting and finance principles to a real or simulated business scenario.

Accreditation

Examined by the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM). The programme is offered at Zetech University.

Accredited by

Institute of Commercial Management
ProfessionalRequired
Examined by the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM). The programme is offered at Zetech University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Accounting Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Assists in maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, processing invoices and supporting the accounting function in organisations.
Finance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Manages financial transactions, prepares financial reports, monitors budgets and supports financial decision-making in organisations.
Bookkeeper
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Maintains books of accounts, records financial transactions, reconciles bank statements and prepares financial reports for small businesses and organisations.
Tax Assistant
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Assists in preparing tax returns, computing tax liabilities, ensuring tax compliance and supporting tax advisory services in accounting firms.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as accounting assistants, finance officers and bookkeepers in accounting firms, banks, corporate organisations and SMEs across Kenya.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

QuickBooks
ToolPrimary
Tally
Tool
Microsoft Excel
Tool

Certifications

Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) — Professional Certification

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A diploma in accounting and finance is the same as CPA.
The diploma provides a foundation in accounting and finance, while CPA is a professional certification requiring additional examinations through KASNEB. The diploma can serve as a stepping stone towards CPA.
Diploma graduates cannot get good jobs in accounting.
Diploma graduates can secure entry-level positions as accounting assistants, bookkeepers and finance officers, with opportunities for career growth through experience and further professional qualifications.
The programme is only about bookkeeping.
The programme covers financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, financial management and business finance, providing a comprehensive foundation in both accounting and finance.
You cannot progress to a degree after a diploma.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance or related degree programmes with credit transfers, reducing the duration of degree study.