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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