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. Our accounting programs are accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia.
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 2016 QS World University Rankings our accounting and finance subject areas were ranked in the top 20 in the world, and the Discipline of Accounting at the University of Sydney is only one of two accounting educators in Australia to be accredited by AACSB - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - the world's largest and longest-standing accounting accrediting agency.
You will learn how to record accounting transactions, prepare management accounts and prepare and audit financial statements to meet international accounting standards.
You will also develop analytical skills, allowing you to understand and evaluate the significance of this information, along with the skills to communicate effectively with management and key stakeholders.
Graduates finish with a degree on a fast track to associate membership of professional bodies and a professional accounting qualification.
Career outcomes
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. Our accounting programs are accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia.
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 2016 QS World University Rankings our accounting and finance subject areas were ranked in the top 20 in the world, and the Discipline of Accounting at the University of Sydney is only one of two accounting educators in Australia to be accredited by AACSB - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - the world's largest and longest-standing accounting accrediting agency.
You will learn how to record accounting transactions, prepare management accounts and prepare and audit financial statements to meet international accounting standards.
You will also develop analytical skills, allowing you to understand and evaluate the significance of this information, along with the skills to communicate effectively with management and key stakeholders.
Graduates finish with a degree on a fast track to associate membership of professional bodies and a professional accounting qualification.
Career outcomes
To meet the requirements for a minor in Accounting, you must complete 36 credit points in units of study, as follows:
(i) two 1000-level core units of study (12 credit points):
(ii) two 2000-level core units of study (12 credit points):
(iii) two 3000-level selective units of study (12 credit points):
Note. Not all selective units will be available each year.
Professional accounting accreditation (CAANZ or CPA Australia)
Completion of an accredited degree is a recognised pathway to a career in professional accounting. The Bachelor of Commerce and related Bachelor of Commerce combined degrees, Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) and the Bachelor of Economics have been accredited by CPA Australia and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Students must complete a specified set of units of study (including an Accounting major) to meet the core knowledge areas required by the two professional accounting bodies. For further details refer The University of Sydney Business School (Undergraduate) Handbook or The University of Sydney Business School website.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accreditation
The ACCA will allow four foundation unit exam exemptions for students who have completed the Master of Professional Accounting. In addition, students who complete certain accredited units of study may be eligible for up to five further specific exam exemptions. As of 2017, the ACCA Accelerate Program provides the opportunity for high achieving students from the University of Sydney Business School Master of Professional Accounting program to commence the professional level papers as early as the end of the first year of postgraduate studies with the exam fees waived providing they take their first exam within 12 months of graduating. Further information on the ACCA exam exemptions can be found on the ACCA website underÔøΩACCA exemptions enquiry database.
To commence study in the year
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.