|
|
19 Aug 2011
KPMG'S SPONSORSHIP of degree places could allow questionable morals to corrupt university courses, a student body has warned.
The Student Christian Movement accused corporations with "dubious ethics" of "undue influence" on the higher education system, attacking KPMG for advising big businesses on tax avoidance.
Further reading
Hattie Hodgson, a member of the SCM's general council, said: "The government has opened the door to a potential privatisation of higher education by squeezing the number of public places, hiking up fees and allowing corporations - some of them with questionable ethics - to gain undue influence over education".
BAE was also on the receiving end of criticism when it emerged representatives sit on the board of curriculum committees at Loughborough University, where the arms manufacturer sponsors engineering and management courses.
PwC sponsors 100 university places, while KPMG is putting 75 students through a four-year BSc degree in accounting plus two years working at the Big Four firm on a starting salary of around £20,000.
Oliver Tant, UK head of audit at KPMG, said: "We need an accountancy profession that is as diverse and as open as it can be. This scheme will address current concerns around how students can meet the costs of university, and make degrees and professional qualifications available to a broader socio-economic group."
David Willetts, minister for universities and science, welcomed the corporate scheme, saying: "It's the kind of initiative we hope will flourish as we reform higher education."
You may also like
Search thousands of financial jobs:
Search thousands of financial jobs:
Careers
Search for jobs
Click to search our database of all the latest accountancy roles
Create a profile
Click to set up your profile and let the best recruiters find you
Jobs by email
Sign up to receive regular updates with the latest roles suitable for you
Briefings
By looking at the reasons supplier statements became unfashionable, and the reasons why it is different today, this paper delves into the many benefits that can be obtained by automating the process.
Having a real and true view of your organisation’s current financial position, and having the right systems and processes in place, will ensure that you can make strong choices and are ready to capitalise on opportunities
AccountancyAgeInsight is a frequently updated resource centre for finance professionals, offering a free and easy-to-use digital library of briefings, white papers and other information resources. 
Visitor comments Add your comment
The church
Does this student group realise that the Churches around the world also use tax avoidance/planning to preserve their fabulous wealth? Pot, Kettle...
Posted by: Anon, 19 Aug 2011 | 10:36
The Church
Does the poster 'Anon' realise that many churches use their very limited 'wealth' to provide food and assistance for the poor, help the sick and needy, aiding the persecuted etc, etc, etc.
Judging by the posting probably not a clue as to what those churches are doing.
Posted by: Snowman, 19 Aug 2011 | 16:15
Christian movement?
It really sounds like a left-wing group calling themselves christian...
Posted by: Nick, 21 Aug 2011 | 02:07
Christian ethics?
Tax evasion is immoral and illegal. Like discrimination against women and gays and covering up child sex abuse and failing to report it to the authorities.
Tax avoidance is using tax reliefs provided by the law, such as putting money into an ISA or pension fund. What's wrong with that?
Posted by: Ethical accountant, 25 Aug 2011 | 08:49
Re: Christian movement?
Nick: What exactly do you mean 'a left-wing group calling themselves Christian?' What about Christianity is incompatible with being left-wing? Jesus commanded the rich to divest themselves of their earthly wealth, to give it to the poor. Biblical Christianity takes, if anything, an avowedly leftist, some would say socialist position on monetary issues, see also 'The love of money is the root of all evil'. How someone could argue Christianity is an ideology of the right, other than by its association with blinkered social conservatives, is beyond me.
Posted by: Penfold, 25 Aug 2011 | 09:00