The Department of Accounting (DoA) at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, was established in October 2010 as part of a comprehensive restructuring programme and curriculum revision within the faculty. This initiative marked a significant milestone in the academic evolution of the University, with the department being rebranded to emphasise its specialised focus on accounting education. The DoA offers a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours in Accounting, methodically developed with a forward-thinking curriculum. This programme is tailored to meet the evolving demands of the accounting profession, ensuring that graduates acquire the essential skills needed to excel in a competitive job market.

Since its inception, the DoA has consistently pursued academic excellence while fostering strong industry ties. The DoA has formalised several strategic partnerships through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent professional bodies, both nationally and internationally. Notable among these are the agreements with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) in 2013, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA UK) in 2022, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIT) of Sri Lanka in 2023. These collaborations have been instrumental in aligning the department’s academic offerings with global standards, thereby enhancing the learning experience and professional prospects of its students.

The department’s partnerships yield significant benefits for its graduates, including full and partial exemptions from various levels of professional examinations conducted by these bodies. For instance, graduates of the DoA receive comprehensive exemptions from Business Level I of CA Sri Lanka and similar advantages from CIMA UK, CMA Sri Lanka, and ACCA UK, among others. Moreover, CPA Australia grants substantial exemptions to graduates, who are eligible for associate membership upon degree completion.

The DoA has introduced various initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and promoting commerce education. Since 2023, the DoA has organised an annual quiz competition for school students, aimed at fostering interest in the field of commerce. The DoA inaugurated the Personal and Professional Development Programme, an annual event designed to equip accounting students with the practical skills necessary for success in the accounting profession.

The DoA’s commitment to providing real-world experience is evident in its engagement with leading organisations such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Hemas Holdings PLC, and KPMG, among others, which offer internships and career opportunities to students.

The DoA efforts to maintain high academic standards have been recognised through the accreditations of its programme by ACCA UK and CPA Australia in 2024.

The success and growth of the DoA can also be attributed to the leadership of its past and present heads, each of whom has made invaluable contributions to its development. Distinguished academics such as Senior Prof. T. Velnampy (October 2010 – August 2011), Mr. K. K. Arulvel (August 2011 – September 2012), Mr. S. Balaputhiran (October 2012 – December 2015; again, from August 2020 – August 2023), and Senior Prof. B. Nimalathasan (January 2016 – August 2020) have each played pivotal roles during their tenures, steering the department towards its current status as a leader in accounting education. Prof. P. Pratheepkanth was appointed as Head of the Department of Accounting from September 2023.

“Knowledge for Wisdom”

To be a leading Department in Accounting for providing Teaching, Learning and Research for matching to the contemporary needs of the society.

To promote current Accounting education and research with the collaboration of social, industrial & professional agencies.

• To develop independent learning through interactive lectures and team based learning methods in Accounting
• To improve the students centered and problem based learning
• To promote the research exposures in Accounting
• To facilitate students industrial internship training
• To foster collaboration with Professional bodies in Accounting
• To contribute to the societal uplift in Accounting Education