Advanced Diploma of Accounting

The Advanced Diploma of Accounting is a one-year qualification for people who want practical accounting skills and a recognised credential in Australia. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, so it is shorter and more hands-on than a bachelor degree. The course is delivered by the Southern Academy of Health Sciences and is registered on CRICOS (course code 110515B) for international students. You will study core accounting subjects such as financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting, taxation, and accounting information systems. Expect to learn how to prepare financial statements, analyse costs, manage budgets, and use accounting software that Australian employers actually use.

How the course is structured

Australian qualifications are built around units of study and credit points. A full-time load is usually eight units per year, split across two semesters or trimesters. Each unit has a set number of credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The Advanced Diploma of Accounting typically includes a mix of core accounting units and a few electives. Some providers build in a work-integrated learning component, such as a placement or a simulated workplace project, but you should check the official course page to confirm what this specific course includes. Assessment is usually a mix of exams, assignments, and practical tasks.

What you will learn

You will come out able to do the day-to-day work of an accounting support role. That means recording transactions, reconciling accounts, preparing BAS statements, assisting with tax returns, and using accounting software like MYOB or Xero. You will also learn how to interpret financial reports and communicate results to clients or managers. The course is practical, so you spend time on real-world scenarios rather than just theory. If you are already working in an office and want to formalise your skills, or you are starting out and want a fast route into the industry, this qualification fits. It also suits people who want to study accounting but are not ready to commit to a three-year bachelor degree.

English and visa notes

International applicants need to show English proficiency. The common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with higher scores for teaching, nursing, medicine, law, and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both. While you study, your visa usually 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. Always confirm the latest details on the official CRICOS page and with the institution.

• Accounts clerk: Maintain financial records, process invoices, and reconcile bank statements for small to medium businesses.
• Payroll officer: Manage employee pay, superannuation, and payroll tax across industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
• Bookkeeper: Work for accounting firms or directly for businesses, often using cloud accounting software.
• Assistant accountant: Support qualified accountants with financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance tasks.
• Tax return preparer: Help individuals and small businesses prepare and lodge tax returns during tax season.
• Accounts receivable/payable officer: Handle incoming and outgoing payments, credit control, and debtor management.

These roles exist in almost every industry, but the biggest employers are accounting firms, professional services, government departments, healthcare providers, and retail chains. The qualification also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in accounting, if you decide to go on and become a qualified accountant.