Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

The Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at the National Academy of Professional Studies is a three-year degree that gets you ready for the practical side of accounting work in Australia. You'll study financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, business law and economics, along with core business subjects like marketing and management. The course is built around the kind of tasks you'll actually do on the job: preparing financial statements, analysing budgets, understanding the tax rules that apply to Australian businesses, and using accounting software.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each with a credit point value. You need to complete a set number of credit points to graduate, usually spread across three years of full-time study. Most institutions run two main semesters a year, with an optional summer session. Some use trimesters instead. The Bachelor of Business (Accounting) follows this pattern, with a mix of core accounting units and electives from the broader business field. You might also have the option to do a capstone unit in your final year, which pulls together everything you've learned by working through a real or simulated business case.

Work-integrated learning and professional recognition

Accounting is a field where work experience matters, so many degrees include a work-integrated learning component. That could be an internship, a placement with an accounting firm or a business, or a project where you work with an actual organisation. The National Academy of Professional Studies may offer these opportunities, but you should check the official course page for details. Professional accreditation is another thing to look into. In Australia, accounting degrees are often accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). If the degree is accredited, you may be able to fast-track your way to becoming a certified practising accountant after graduation. Confirm the accreditation status with the institution.

Who this course suits

This degree suits people who like working with numbers, solving problems and understanding how businesses operate. You don't need to be a maths genius, but you do need to be comfortable with financial data and attention to detail. It's a good fit if you're starting out, changing careers, or want a qualification that can lead to professional accounting roles. International students should note the English language requirements. The published standard for undergraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced score. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, so you'll need to meet both. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Always check the latest rules on the official government websites.

What you'll gain

By the end of the degree, you'll be able to prepare and interpret financial statements, apply Australian tax law, use accounting software, and communicate financial information to non-accountants. You'll also build skills in critical thinking, ethics and business communication. These are the skills employers look for in accounting graduates, whether they're hiring for a small firm, a large corporation or a government department. The course is taught in English, and you'll be studying alongside other students from Australia and overseas. For the most current information on tuition fees, intake dates and unit details, go to the official CRICOS register and the National Academy of Professional Studies website.

• Assistant Accountant: Work in an accounting firm or the finance team of a company, preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts and assisting with tax returns.
• Tax Accountant: Help individuals and businesses comply with Australian tax law, prepare tax returns and provide advice on tax planning. Often employed by accounting firms or specialist tax practices.
• Auditor: Examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance. Work for audit firms, government agencies or internal audit departments.
• Management Accountant: Provide financial information to managers for decision-making, budgeting and performance analysis. Common in medium to large organisations.
• Financial Analyst: Analyse financial data and market trends to help businesses make investment decisions. Roles exist in banks, investment firms and corporate finance departments.
• Bookkeeper: Maintain financial records for small businesses, often on a contract or part-time basis. Many bookkeepers work independently after gaining experience.
• Accounts Payable/Receivable Officer: Manage incoming and outgoing payments, ensure invoices are processed correctly and maintain good relationships with suppliers and customers.
• Payroll Officer: Process employee wages, deductions and superannuation, ensuring compliance with Australian workplace laws.
• Business Services Accountant: Work in public practice firms providing a range of accounting and business advisory services to small and medium enterprises.
• Graduate roles in government: State and federal government departments hire accounting graduates for financial management, policy and compliance roles.