Accounting involves the analysis of information to effectively manage business resources. It guides investment decisions and facilitates interaction between business and stakeholders.

CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants have accredited specific courses that can be taken in the undergraduate programs to meet their core curriculum requirements for progression to membership. A list of the courses required is available from Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the UNSW Online Handbook.

Accounting graduates are employed initially in trainee positions before their experience qualifies them for higher level positions as Chartered Accountants, CPAs, Public Accountants, Cost or Management Accountants, Financial Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Business Risk Managers, Forensic Accountants, Taxation Advisors, Financial Planners, Management Consultants, Chief Executive Officers or Entrepreneurs.


Studying Accounting at UNSW

Accounting is offered as an undergraduate major by the Australian School of Business for students enrolled in commerce or economics degrees. The Accounting major is designed for students who are interested in becoming accounting and finance professionals, and complements studies in Finance, Information Systems, Taxation, Marketing, Management or other business disciplines. Over 90% of Bachelor of Commerce students choose to complete two business majors. The most popular combination is Accounting plus Finance. Students can complete this and most other double majors and still be recognised by the professional Accounting bodies.

Students with a Distinction average in their Accounting courses are invited to join the Honours Program, requiring an additional year of study. An Honours year adds extra value to an undergraduate degree and is highly regarded by employers.