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Accounting

  • Mar 21, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, and analyzing financial transactions to provide information that is used to make business decisions. It involves the measurement and communication of financial information, such as income statements and balance sheets, to stakeholders. Accounting is essential for businesses to manage their finances effectively and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. A career in accounting can offer a wide range of opportunities in various industries.

1. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Accounting

Australian universities are highly regarded for their quality of education in Accounting, as reflected in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. UNSW Sydney and The University of Melbourne are the top-ranked Australian institutions in this field, followed by The University of Sydney and Monash University. These rankings highlight the strong reputation, research excellence, and high-quality programs in Accounting across Australian universities, making them attractive choices for students pursuing careers in the field.

Rank

Australian University

22

UNSW Sydney

27

The University of Melbourne

29

The University of Sydney

41

Monash University

43

Australian National University

68

The University of Queensland

101-150

University of Technology Sydney

2. Admissions Guide for Accounting in Australia

This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school and university graduates who wish to study Accounting in Australia.

3. Entry Requirements for Accounting studies in Australia

The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Accounting in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).

Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.

Qualification

Duration

IELTS

Academic Requirement

Bachelor's degree

3 years

6.0 (no band less than 5.5)

High school diploma

Master's degree

2 years

6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

Bachelor's degree

4. Structure of Accounting Courses in Australia

The following table provides an overview of the structure of an Accounting course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in accounting and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.

Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.

Component

Description

Core subjects

Introduces students to foundational accounting concepts, principles and practices, including financial reporting, auditing, management accounting, and taxation.

Elective subjects

Allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Elective subjects cover areas such as corporate accounting, sustainability accounting, forensic accounting, and accounting information systems.

Professional skills development

Equips students with practical skills necessary for a career in accounting, such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.

Industry placement

Provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real-world accounting environment.

Capstone project

Allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world accounting problem, usually in the form of a research project or case study.

5. CPA Australia Accredited Schools for Accounting Programs

CPA Australia maintains a list of accredited accounting programs offered by various institutions across different states and territories in Australia. The accreditation process ensures that the programs meet the required standards for accounting education and training in Australia. Prospective accounting students or accountants seeking to practice in Australia should consult this list to ensure they enroll in an accredited program.

State/Territory

Institution

NSW

The University of Sydney

UNSW Sydney

University of Technology Sydney

Western Sydney University

Macquarie University

Charles Sturt University

Torrens University Australia

Australian Catholic University

University of Newcastle

University of New England

Asia Pacific International College (APIC)

King's Own Institute

Kaplan Business School

University of Wollongong

Holmes Institute

AIH Higher Education

TAFE NSW

VIC

The University of Melbourne

Monash University

Swinburne University of Technology

Deakin University

RMIT University

Victoria University

La Trobe University

Holmesglen Institute

Chisholm Institute

Box Hill Institute

Melbourne Polytechnic

QLD

University of Queensland

Griffith University

Queensland University of Technology

James Cook University

University of the Sunshine Coast

University of Southern Queensland

Southern Cross University

Central Queensland University

Bond University

SA

University of Adelaide

Flinders University

University of South Australia

ACT

University of Canberra

NT

​Charles Darwin University

WA

​The University of Western Australia

Edith Cowan University

Curtin University

TAS

University of Tasmania

6. Hierarchy of Accounting Positions and Descriptions

The table outlines the positions in the accounting hierarchy in Australia, from Accounting Assistant to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team, overseeing financial strategy and risk management, and providing advanced financial advice and analysis

Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the accounting institution or organization.

Position

Description

Accounting Assistant

Provides basic support to accounting department.

Accounts Payable Clerk

Maintains records of all transactions that involve money.

Accounts Receivable Clerk

Manages and records incoming payments.

Bookkeeper

Keeps accurate records of all financial transactions.

Accountant

Prepares and examines financial records and statements.

Financial Analyst

Analyzes financial data and creates financial models.

Senior Accountant

Supervises accounting staff and handles complex accounts.

Controller

Manages the accounting department and oversees financial reporting.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Oversees the financial strategy and risk management of the organization.

7. Registration and Career Information for Accounting in Australia

The table below shows the process and future directions for becoming an accountant in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the accounting profession in Australia.

Occupation

Accountants (ANZSCO ID 2211)

Job Type

Professionals

Skill Level

Very high skill

Unemployment Rate

Average

Employed

206,600

Future Growth

9.2%

Weekly Earnings

A$1,756

Full - Time Share

80%

Female Share

52%

Average Age

38

8. Immigrating to Australia through Accounting

The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Accounting Program, including available visa options and Accounting occupation information.

Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)

​O

​O

​O

​O

​O

Occupation

ANZSCO

List

Visa

Accessing Authority

Accountant (General)

221111

MLTSSL

Subclass 186

Subclass 189

Subclass 190

Subclass 482

Subclass 187

Subclass 491

Subclass 494

CAANZ

CPAA

IPA

External Auditor

221213

MLTSSL

Subclass 186

Subclass 189

Subclass 190

Subclass 482

Subclass 187

Subclass 491

Subclass 494

CAANZ

CPAA

IPA

Management Accountant

221112

MLTSSL

Subclass 186

Subclass 189

Subclass 190

Subclass 482

Subclass 187

Subclass 491

Subclass 494

CAANZ

CPAA

IPA

Taxation Accountant

221113

MLTSSL

Subclass 186

Subclass 189

Subclass 190

Subclass 482

Subclass 187

Subclass 491

Subclass 494

CAANZ

CPAA

IPA

Finance Manager

132211

STSOL

Subclass 190

Subclass 482

(Short Term)

Subclass 187

Subclass 491

Subclass 494


CAANZ

CPAA

IPA


 
 
 

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