

M-COM-FINANCE-TAXATION in Finance Taxation at MES M.K. Mackar Pillay College for Advanced Studies


Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Finance & Taxation at MES M.K. Mackar Pillay College for Advanced Studies Ernakulam?
This Finance & Taxation program at MES M.K. Mackar Pillay College for Advanced Studies focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in financial management and taxation laws pertinent to the Indian economic landscape. It delves into strategic financial decision-making, direct and indirect taxation, and financial markets, preparing professionals for the complex Indian financial ecosystem. The program''''s design caters to the evolving demands of financial reporting and compliance in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for commerce graduates seeking entry into corporate finance, taxation advisory, and financial analysis roles. It also suits working professionals, particularly accountants and finance executives, looking to upskill in specialized areas of taxation and financial strategies. Individuals aspiring for roles in public accounting firms, financial institutions, and government revenue departments within India would find this specialization highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as Tax Consultants, Financial Analysts, Portfolio Managers, Auditors, and Corporate Finance Managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns well with pathways for professional certifications like CA, CMA, and CS, providing a strong academic foundation for accelerated career growth in Indian companies and multinational corporations operating in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Accounting and Economic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to master advanced corporate accounting principles, macroeconomic theories, and quantitative techniques covered in the initial semesters. Utilize online courses from platforms like NPTEL or Coursera for supplementary learning in areas like advanced Excel for finance or basic econometrics. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve case studies, building a strong conceptual base essential for future specialization.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera, Excel tutorials, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust understanding of fundamentals is critical for effective financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and tax computations in any professional role. It forms the bedrock for understanding advanced subjects and cracking entry-level interviews.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques course. Practice data analysis using software like SPSS or R, and focus on structuring logical arguments for academic papers. Participate in college-level seminars or competitions requiring data interpretation and presentation. This will build analytical rigor and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R software, Academic databases, College research seminars
Career Connection
Strong research and analytical skills are highly valued in finance, enabling graduates to interpret market data, conduct feasibility studies, and contribute to informed business strategies.
Cultivate Ethical Decision-Making- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond theoretical understanding of Business Ethics and Corporate Governance. Actively participate in discussions, analyze current corporate scandals in India, and reflect on ethical dilemmas. Seek opportunities to volunteer or intern in organizations that prioritize ethical practices. This fosters a strong moral compass crucial for integrity in the finance industry.
Tools & Resources
Business news analyses, Case studies on corporate ethics, Volunteer opportunities
Career Connection
Ethical conduct is paramount in finance. Graduates with a strong ethical foundation are trusted by employers and clients, leading to greater career longevity and leadership opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical Exposure in Financial Markets- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond classroom learning in Financial Markets and Institutions, track the Indian stock market (BSE/NSE), read financial newspapers (e.g., Economic Times, Business Standard daily), and follow SEBI regulations. Consider opening a demat account (with parental guidance) for simulated or small-scale trading to understand market dynamics firsthand. Attend webinars on Indian financial instruments.
Tools & Resources
NSE/BSE websites, Economic Times, Simulated trading platforms, SEBI circulars
Career Connection
Practical exposure to financial markets enhances understanding of investment strategies, risk management, and regulatory compliance, making candidates more attractive for roles in banking, brokerage, and investment management.
Master Taxation Laws and Software Applications- (Semester 3-4)
Dive deep into Direct and Indirect Tax Law and Practice. Attend workshops on Tally ERP 9 with GST or other tax compliance software commonly used in India. Seek short-term internships with tax consultants or audit firms to understand real-world tax filing and advisory processes. Practice solving complex tax problems and case studies.
Tools & Resources
Tally ERP 9, Taxmann books, Income Tax India website, GST Portal
Career Connection
Proficiency in Indian tax laws and tax software is a direct pathway to careers in taxation, audit, and compliance departments of companies and consultancy firms.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in college alumni meets, industry interaction programs, and professional events (e.g., ICAI/ICSI student chapters). Connect with finance and taxation professionals on LinkedIn. Seek mentorship from faculty or industry veterans to gain insights into career paths, industry trends, and job search strategies specific to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni network, Industry events/webinars
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable career guidance, significantly boosting job prospects in a competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Industry-Relevant Research Project- (Semester 4)
For your final project, choose a topic in Finance or Taxation that addresses a current industry challenge or trend in India (e.g., impact of budget policies, analysis of financial derivatives usage by Indian firms). Ensure meticulous data collection, rigorous analysis, and a well-structured dissertation. Present your findings confidently, integrating practical implications for Indian businesses.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg terminals if available), Statistical software
Career Connection
A well-executed research project demonstrates problem-solving abilities, domain expertise, and a commitment to academic excellence, making a strong impression during placements and further studies.
Intensify Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Start rigorous preparation for campus placements. Practice aptitude tests, group discussions, and mock interviews focusing on finance and taxation specific questions. Prepare a compelling resume highlighting internships, project work, and skills. Attend resume building workshops and utilize career services provided by the college. Understand common interview questions asked by Indian companies in this sector.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Online aptitude tests, Mock interview sessions, Company specific preparation
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable job offers from top recruiters in India''''s finance and taxation sectors.
Explore Advanced Financial Tools and Certifications- (Semester 4)
Deepen your understanding of financial derivatives and advanced corporate taxation. Explore certifications like NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) modules relevant to your specialization, or introductory courses on financial modeling. This proactive approach demonstrates initiative and a desire for continuous learning, crucial for staying competitive in India''''s dynamic financial sector.
Tools & Resources
NISM certifications, Financial modeling courses (online), Bloomberg/Refinitiv basics
Career Connection
Acquiring advanced certifications and software skills makes graduates highly proficient and desirable for specialized roles in investment banking, risk management, and high-level tax advisory.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Com/BBA/BBM degree with 45% marks or equivalent grade from M.G. University or any other University recognized by M.G. University
Duration: 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC010101 | Organizational Theory and Behaviour | Core | 4 | Organizational behavior concepts, Theories of motivation, Leadership styles, Group dynamics, Organizational change and development |
| MC010102 | Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques | Core | 4 | Research design, Data collection methods, Sampling techniques, Hypothesis testing, Correlation and Regression analysis |
| MC010103 | Business Ethics and Corporate Governance | Core | 4 | Ethical theories in business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance models, Role of Board of Directors, Ethics in global business |
| MC010104 | Quantitative Techniques for Business Decisions | Core | 4 | Linear programming, Transportation and Assignment problems, Game theory, Decision theory, Network analysis (PERT/CPM) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC010201 | Advanced Corporate Accounting | Core | 4 | Financial statements of companies, Amalgamation and Reconstruction, Holding company accounts, Inflation accounting, Value added statement |
| MC010202 | Strategic Financial Management | Core | 4 | Financial strategy and objectives, Capital budgeting decisions, Working capital management, Dividend policy theories, Capital structure decisions |
| MC010203 | Macroeconomics for Business Decisions | Core | 4 | National income accounting, Inflation and unemployment, Business cycles, Monetary and fiscal policies, Balance of payments |
| MC010204 (FE 1) | Financial Markets and Institutions | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Indian financial system, Money market operations, Capital market structure, Financial instruments, Financial sector reforms and regulations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC010301 | Cost and Management Accounting | Core | 4 | Costing methods and techniques, Budgetary control, Standard costing and variance analysis, Activity Based Costing (ABC), Responsibility accounting |
| MC010302 | International Business | Core | 4 | Theories of international trade, Foreign exchange market, International financial institutions, Global marketing strategies, International business environment |
| MC010303 (FE 2) | Direct Tax Law and Practice | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Income Tax Act, 1961, Heads of income, Computation of total income, Tax planning and assessment, TDS, Advance tax, and returns |
| MC010304 (FE 3) | Indirect Tax Law and Practice | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, GST registration and levy, Input Tax Credit (ITC), Customs Act and duties, GST returns and procedures |
| MC010305 (FE 4) | Project Management | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Project lifecycle, Project appraisal techniques, Risk analysis in projects, Project scheduling (PERT/CPM), Project monitoring and control |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC010401 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management | Core | 4 | Investment process and environment, Equity and Bond valuation, Modern portfolio theory, Portfolio performance evaluation, Market efficiency and anomalies |
| MC010402 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Strategic analysis and formulation, SWOT analysis, Business level strategies, Corporate level strategies, Strategy implementation and control |
| MC010403 (FE 5) | Financial Derivatives | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Forwards and Futures contracts, Options contracts and strategies, Swaps and their applications, Hedging and speculation, Derivatives markets in India |
| MC010404 (FE 6) | Advanced Corporate Taxation | Elective - Finance & Taxation | 4 | Corporate tax planning, Taxation of business reorganizations, International taxation principles, Transfer pricing regulations, Tax incentives and deductions for corporates |
| MC010405 | Project and Viva Voce | Project | 4 | Research proposal development, Data collection and analysis, Dissertation writing, Presentation skills, Viva voce examination |




