Accounting & Finance
Accounting and Finance are essential fields in almost every organization, supporting important areas such as financial management, budgeting, reporting, and business decision-making. These fields offer a practical foundation for students who want to understand how businesses manage their finances and plan for sustainable growth.
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Students can choose from a range of study pathways, from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. With opportunities across industries, Accounting and Finance can lead to diverse career options for individuals who enjoy working with numbers, analyzing information, and paying close attention to detail.
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Studying Accounting and Finance in Australia can help students develop the professional knowledge, analytical skills, and practical capabilities needed for today’s business environment. For those looking to build a stable and growth-oriented career, an Australian qualification can provide a strong foundation for progressing in the accounting and finance sector.
Bachelor's Degrees
Prepare for a professional career in accounting by developing practical knowledge in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, business law, finance, and financial management. Build the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to understand financial information, support business decisions, and work across a range of industries.
Bachelor of Accounting
Where can you study this course?
Explore the Australian universities offering a Bachelor of Accounting. Select a university below to learn more about the course, entry requirements, and application process.
Explore Our Courses
Find a course that matches your interests and career goals. Select a course below to explore available institutions and study options in Australia. Compare different institutions and discover programs that suit your academic background and future plans. If you need help choosing the right course or institution, our team is here to guide you through your options.
Combine accounting knowledge with a broader understanding of business and management. Develop skills in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, business analysis, and financial decision-making while gaining the commercial knowledge needed to work across different organisations and industries.
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Where can you study this course?
Explore the Australian universities offering a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Select a university below to learn more about the course, entry requirements, and application process.
Professional Year Program – Accounting (SMIPA)
The Professional Year Program in Accounting, commonly known as SMIPA, is designed for international accounting graduates who want to strengthen their professional skills and gain practical experience in the Australian workplace. The program was developed in collaboration with Australia’s major professional accounting bodies, including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants.
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SMIPA was established to help international graduates develop the practical knowledge, workplace skills, and professional capabilities needed to improve their employment prospects in Australia. By combining structured learning with industry experience, the program provides participants with an opportunity to build confidence and gain valuable exposure to the Australian accounting profession.
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The program runs for approximately 44 weeks, consisting of 32 weeks of coursework followed by a 12-week professional internship. In addition to developing practical accounting and workplace skills, completing an eligible Professional Year Program may provide additional points under Australia’s skilled migration points test, subject to the visa requirements and rules applicable at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for an Australian Student Visa, applicants should ensure that they meet the relevant visa and education requirements and have the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
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A valid passport
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A Letter of Offer or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the selected education provider
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Evidence of English language proficiency, where required, such as IELTS or PTE Academic results that meet the applicable requirements
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Evidence of sufficient funds to support tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other costs during the period of study
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Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Any additional documents or evidence requested by the Australian Department of Home Affairs
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Any other documents required based on the applicant’s individual circumstances and chosen course
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Eligibility requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances, education provider, course, and current Australian visa requirements.
ANZSCO Code: 221111–221113 – Accountants
What Do Accountants Do?
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Accountants provide professional financial services that help individuals and organisations manage their finances, meet regulatory obligations, and make informed business decisions. Their work can cover areas such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing, budgeting, cost management, financial planning, and accounting information systems.
Depending on their area of specialisation, accountants may assist with compliance and statutory reporting, financial performance analysis, asset valuation, forecasting, risk management, and strategic planning. They can also provide advice on business structures, taxation matters, financial systems, and governance requirements.
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Accountants may analyse financial information, prepare reports and tax returns, assess financial risks, investigate financial matters, and provide insights that support effective financial and strategic decision-making. They may also contribute to improving cost performance, implementing accounting systems, and maintaining effective internal financial controls.
Typical Duties Include
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Assisting with the development of accounting and budgetary policies
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Preparing financial statements for boards of directors, management, shareholders, and relevant government or statutory bodies
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Conducting financial investigations, audits, and reviews, and preparing reports on matters such as business purchases and sales, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency, and taxation
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Analysing organisational income, expenditure, and operating costs
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Providing assurance that financial information is accurate and complies with applicable statutory requirements
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Advising individuals and organisations on taxation, business structures, financial plans, and business operations
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Preparing and reviewing taxation returns and related reports
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Working with financial institutions and brokers to establish appropriate funds management arrangements
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Establishing and maintaining accounting systems and advising on the selection and use of computer-based accounting software
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Developing and maintaining internal financial control systems
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Assessing cash flow and financial risks associated with capital investment projects
Visa Pathways and Options
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Accountants may have access to different Australian visa pathways depending on their qualifications, work experience, employer sponsorship, occupation, location, points, and other eligibility requirements. Available pathways can change over time, so applicants should assess their circumstances against the current Department of Home Affairs requirements.
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Potential pathways may include:
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Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – permanent employer-sponsored pathway
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Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – points-tested skilled migration pathway
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Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – state or territory nominated skilled migration pathway
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Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – temporary employer-sponsored pathway, subject to the applicable stream and occupation requirements
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Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – temporary pathway for eligible international graduates
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Training visa (subclass 407) – temporary visa for eligible workplace-based occupational training
Occupations
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221111 – Accountant (General)
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221112 – Management Accountant
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221113 – Taxation Accountant
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Areas of Specialisation
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Accountants may work across a range of specialised areas, including:
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Financial Analyst
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Insolvency Consultant
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Insolvency Practitioner
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Carbon Accountant
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Commercial Accountant
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Product Accountant