Accounting is concerned with the provision of information for the management of economic resources and activities by means of measurement, communication and interpretation of financial data; with the development of information systems; and with the financial accountability and management of business and public enterprises. By economic resources, we mean both tangible and intangible resources. Accounting information is increasingly used to manage intangible resources such as an organisations knowledge base, its supplier/customer relationships, its brands etc.

Accounting concepts lie at the head of economic exchange, whether conducted in physical or electronic markets. It enables students to comprehend many of the fundamental principles, processes and outcomes of business, thereby equipping students for a wide range of careers in businesses (from chartered accounting, management consulting, provision of financial services to general management). Students of Accounting end up not just as accountants but as entrepreneurs, entertainment promoters, treasurers, chief financial officers, etc.

Students must complete:

CPA Australia
Associate membership of CPA Australia requires the minimum qualification of an accredited undergraduate degree with a major in accounting and completion of accredited courses in accounting, finance and business areas to satisfy the minimum core knowledge. A list of accredited courses can be accessed through the CPA Careers website or the Professional Recognition of Programs in the Online Handbook.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)
Graduates who have completed an accredited undergraduate degree with a major in accounting are eligible under the Institute's admission requirements to enter the 'CA Program' leading to membership, provided they have completed accredited courses in the core knowledge of Financial Accounting and Reporting, Taxation, Audit and Assurance, and Management Accounting and Analysis. A list of accredited courses can be accessed through the ICAA website and are listed on the Professional Recognition of Programs in the Online Handbook.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.
Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

If students are unsure of the program requirements they should contact the relevant Faculty Office

Australian School of Business Student Centre
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Ground Floor, West Wing, Australian School of Business Building
Forms, policies and procedures
Frequently asked questions

Faculty of Science
e-mail: sso@unsw.edu.au
tel: + 61 2 9385 6125 / 9385 7788
location: Robert Webster Building, Room 128