Essex Accounting and Global Development School

 Applications to the Essex Accounting and Global Development School have now closed. 

If you are interested in joining a future cohort, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch with future course dates.

Example of 2025 Fees

Our interactive live sessions are conducted via Zoom, providing you with a dynamic and engaging learning experience from anywhere in the world. Interactive tools such as discussion forums, polls, and breakout rooms for group activities will all be used. Miss a session? No problem! Many of our sessions will be recorded and made available to all enrolled participants.

Week 1: Foundations of Accounting and Global Development

Module One

Public Sector Accountability
Delivered by Dr. Junaid Ashraf

Date: TBC   Teaching hours: 9am -12pm (BST) 

Key topics: 

• Budgeting and financial reporting in public institutions. 

• Evaluating accountability in public service delivery. 

• Case studies on governance reforms in non-Western countries. 

Learning Outcome: Participants will learn to assess and improve financial accountability in public institutions.

Module 2

Sustainability Accounting
Delivered by Dr. Bedanand Upadhaya

Date: TBC   Teaching hours: 9am -12pm (BST)

Key topics: 

• The role of accounting in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR), social and environmental accounting.

• Circular economy and responsible supply chains.

• Sustainability accounting and reporting

Learning outcome: Participants will gain insights on the importance of CSR, SDGs and sustainability accounting and reporting. 

Week 2: Sector-Specific Accounting Practices

Module 3

Extractive Industries Accounting
Delivered by Professor Henry Agyei-Boapeah

Date: TBC   Teaching Hours: 9am -12pm (BST)

Key topics: 

• Revenue and earnings management in resource-rich countries.

• The role of accounting in preventing resource mismanagement and corruption.

• Practical tools like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the governance architecture that can be employed for efficient use of resources.

Learning outcome: Participants will understand the accountability mechanisms and challenges in resource extraction and management.

Module 4

Microfinance and Development
Delivered by Professor Thankom Arun

Date: TBC   Teaching hours: 9am -12pm (BST)

Key topics: 

• The financial structure of microfinance institutions (MFIs). 

• Measuring impact and financial sustainability of MFIs. 

• Accountability challenges in lending to underprivileged communities. 

Learning Outcome: Participants will gain practical knowledge of accounting tools to enhance transparency and impact in microfinance.

Module 5

Governance and Accountability in Global Development
Delivered by Professor Shahzad Uddin

Date: TBC   Teaching hours: 9am -12pm (BST)

Key topics:

• The interplay between governance, accountability, and development goals.

• How accounting drives transparency in public and private institutions.

• Accountability challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states. 

Learning outcome: Participants will learn to design and critique accountability frameworks suited for global development contexts.

Week 3: Advanced Topics and Applications

Module 6

Accounting in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Delivered by Dr. Ricardo Malagueno De Santana

Date: TBC   Teaching hours: 9am -12pm (BST)

Key topics: 

• Exploring Artificial intelligence applications.

• Python for data analytics.

• Risks and ethical considerations in technological adoption. 

Learning outcome: Participants will explore how technology can enhance transparency and efficiency in accounting practices. 

By the end of the programme, participants will:

• Understand the unique accounting and development challenges in emerging economies and non-Western contexts.
• Be equipped with practical tools and frameworks to enhance accountability and governance.
• Gain sector-specific insights into extractive industries, microfinance, and public sector accounting.
• Understand the relevance of sustainability accounting, reporting UN SDGs, circular economy, social and environmental responsibility and stakeholder engagement
• Be prepared to contribute to global development initiatives with innovative accounting solutions.
• Gain awareness of current and emerging technologies that are transforming accounting roles and responsibilities. 

• Professor Shahzad Uddin, Professor of Accounting, Editor of Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, Distinguish Academic Award Winner of British Accounting and Finance Association.
• Dr. Bedanand Upadhaya, Senior lecturer, Essex Business School. Prior to joining academia, Bedanand worked in a multinational company for over a decade. 
• Professor Henry Agyei-Boapeah, Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex, and Chairman of the Director Certification Committee of the African Corporate Governance Network.
• Professor Thankom Arun, Professor of Accounting and Global Development.
• Dr. Junaid Ashraf, Reader in Accounting, Essex Business School.
• Dr. Ricardo Malagueno De Santana, Reader in Accounting, Essex Business School.   

Are you a postgraduate student, academic, researcher, or practitioner in corporate, NGO, government, or international organisations? Do you want to explore cutting-edge ideas and engage with global experts? The Essex Accounting and Global Development School is designed to equip you with critical insights and practical skills to navigate complex global challenges. 

This program is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of accountability, governance, and global development in non-Western economies. To get the most out of the sessions, we recommend reviewing the provided course instructions and reading lists beforehand.

Language and requirements 

• Language of Instruction: English
• Requirements: A stable internet connection and a suitable device for Zoom participation. 

Need guidance?

If you're unsure whether this program is right for you, we’re here to help! Contact the Essex Accounting and Global Development School team at snuddin@essex.ac.uk for advice.

Join us and be part of a global learning community shaping the future of accounting and development!