Module: Investment Management Services

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Investment Management Services
Module Code	ACC1013 (ITS: AC318)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The course primarily examines the role of the Accounting Agent for a mutual fund. The course also examines the primary roles and functions of a mutual fund Custodian and Transfer Agent. Students will gain an understanding of the types of transactions handled by a mutual fund accountant and how they effect the daily determination of a fund'’s Net Asset Value ( NAV). Selected topics include equity transactions, bond transactions, portfolio appreciation and depreciation, daily income and expense accruals, performance indicators, capital stock and distributions. Foreign currency and non-base currency transactions will also be examined. Students will be in a position to compare and contrast various financial instruments including forwards, options and swaps. Students will gain an understanding of the tax environment in the funds industry. This course is delivered through weekly lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the accounting, auditing, administrative and regulatory aspects of a mutual fund
2. Calculate the daily Net Asset Value(NAV)of funds and assess factors that influence daily change in a fund's capital structure
3. International funds: Evaluate foreign exchange transactions and account for non-base currencies in a fund
4. Examine the tax environment in the funds industry.
5. Evaluate investment strategies detailed in a mutual fund prospectus
6. Compare and contrast various financial instruments and their derivatives

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours per week
Independent Study	36	Lecture preparation
Independent Study	40	Study for end of semester exam
Independent Study	25	Completion of excercises, problems & quizzes
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10046	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Julie Bertz(Nee Griffin)	Module Teacher	Barbara Flood, Caroline McGroary

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Accounting and Auditing Aspects of the Mutual Fund Industry

Determination of a Fund's Net Asset Value

Accounting for Non-Base Currencies in a Fund

The Role of Foreign Exchange Transactions

The Regulatory Framework of Accounting

Understanding Financial Instruments

Performance Indicators

Investment Strategies in a Mutual Fund

Indicative Reading List

Books:

KPMG: 0, Student Manuals Prepared by KPMG (2022),
Albert, J. & Wiles, R.: 0, How Mutual Funds Work, New York Institute of Finance,
Mahony, S: 0, AZ of International Finance, Pitman,
Russell, R 2006, (Wiley): 0, An Introduction to Fund Management,
O’Brien, F & McLoughlin, B 2006, (Gill and Macmillan: 0, Fundamentals of Investment: An Irish Perspective,,
Central Bank of Ireland: 0, UCITS Notices 1989, Central Bank of Ireland,
0: Handbook of Hedge Funds Francois-Serge Lhabitant (Wiley Finance),

Articles:
None

Other Resources

KPMG Study manual (provided to students): Fund Accounting Study manual,
Website: www.financialregulator.ie; www.irishfunds.ie; www.ise.ie; www.aima.ie; www.kpmg.ie,