Major
About this major
Accounting is often described as the `language of business'. It seeks to provide managers and external users with the vital information necessary to understand and evaluate the financial position and performance of an organisation.
By studying accounting at the Business School, you will develop capability and credibility across a broad spectrum of careers, opening the door to many other markets and professions where the ability to understand and interpret financial information is key.
Our long tradition of excellence in accounting teaching and research is maintained through strong engagement with the profession, leading firms and industry.
In the 2021 QS World University Rankings our accounting and finance subject areas were ranked in the top 25 in the world.
You will learn how to combine practical and analytical skills to prepare and communicate financial accounts and reports in accordance with accounting principles and international accounting standards.
Besides the Accounting major, the Business School also offers the Professional Accounting Program which is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia – for details please see the Business School handbook. Graduates of this program finish with a professional accounting qualification and a fast track to associate membership of professional bodies.
About this major
To meet the requirements for a major in Accounting, you must complete 48 credit points in units of study, as follows:
(1) two 1000-level core units of study (12 credit points):
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Accounting and Financial Management
(2) two 2000-level core units of study (12 credit points):
- Reporting on Business Performance
- Accounting Analysis for Management Decisions
(3) two 3000-level core units of study (12 credit points):
- Reporting on Business Groups
- Accounting and Auditing in Practice
(4) two 3000-level selective units of study (12 credit points), selected from the following:
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Accounting Data Analytics
- Sustainability Management and Reporting
- Consulting for Management Control Systems
- International Corporate Governance
- Australian Taxation System
- Information Systems for Accountants
- Industry and Community Project
Note. Not all selective units will be available each year.
Students also have the option of completing a minor in this subject area.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Advanced Studies wishing to meet joint accreditation requirements for CPA Australia and/or CAANZ should select the Professional Accounting Program which includes the required accreditated units of study covering the foundational competency areas for these professional bodies.
Career Pathways
The Accounting profession today is high profile and stimulating. Almost every business, public sector unit or not-for-profit organisation requires the services of an accountant at some stage. Graduates can look forward to working with an accounting practice or other public, private or third sector organisation in a wide variety of areas such as:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing and assurance
- Internal audit and risk
- Management accountant/business analyst
- Financial analyst
Courses that offer this major
The course information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.
To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.
