Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

• University of South Australia is one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia.
• Build a strong foundation of accounting knowledge and develop skills in business, taxation, auditing, law, finance and sustainability.
• Focus on the economic, legal and political influences that affect global business.
• Explore the latest developments and current issues in the accounting profession.
• Understand how business intelligence and analytics can be used to solve organisational problems.
• UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide¹ and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
• Ranked in the Top 10 nationally for Business and Economics²

¹UniSA Business is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 189 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2020. ^2019 QS Stars Ratings. 

²2019 THE Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

Study a 100% online Commerce (Accounting) degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study - access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Ranked in the top one per cent worldwide¹, University of South Australia is one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia.

This degree will develop your strong business knowledge, and skills in financial and management accounting, taxation, company law, and auditing. You’ll learn about the current economic, legal and political influences affecting global business.

You’ll graduate as a strong communicator, with important reporting, analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills, which will be invaluable to launch or advance your career.

¹UniSA Business is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 189 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2020.

What you'll learn

You will start with core courses in business. These will give you a solid grounding in important areas including:

• Accounting and quantitative methods for business
• Business law, finance, business intelligence and data management
• Economics and marketing principles

You’ll then move into your accounting specialisation, learning skills such as:

• Financial and management accounting
• Taxation and company law
• Auditing
• Sustainability accounting
• Global and contemporary accounting issues
• Strategic financial analysis

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year

• Critical Approaches to Online Learning
• Business and Society
• Accounting for Business
• Business Law
• Quantitative Methods for Business
• Financial Accounting 1
• Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange
• Principles of Economics

Second year

• Financial Accounting 2
• Elective
• Management Accounting
• Business Finance
• Business Intelligence
• Financial Accounting 3
• Companies and Partnership Law
• Management and Organisation

Third year

• Sustainability Accounting and Reporting
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Contemporary Issues in Accounting
• Taxation Law 1
• Strategic Financial Analysis
• Elective X3

Study accounting 100% online

Dr Gerard Stone, Program Director: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Dr Ben Kehrwald, Academic Developer: University of South Australia Online give an insight into what the Accounting degree is about, and how the degree has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.

Why a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

As a University of South Australia graduate, you can be confident this is a globally competitive degree respected internationally for its quality and relevance to industry.

University of South Australia work closely with industry and peak professional bodies to ensure that your studies are relevant and respected in the workplace.

As a graduate, you’ll be eligible for membership with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the global Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Association of International Accountants (AIA), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The Business Career Mentor Program helps you build your industry networks and your career. In 2016 we matched over 190 students with business mentors who gained valuable insight from business professionals. The six-month program is offered online and runs from March every year.

University of South Australia's Centre for Sustainability Governance looks at the practicalities of sustainability from a business perspective, bringing together economists, accountants and finance specialists from a range of backgrounds.

Your career

From corporate accounting to government and not-for-profit – there are a variety of career paths available, across all industries. Depending on your interests, you can also choose to specialise in tax, healthcare and environmental accounting. Accounting can also serve as a launching pad for careers in business, consulting, law, education, government, and small-to-medium businesses.

To become a fully qualified accountant in Australia you need to be a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accounting) CPA qualified. University of South Australia Online graduates will be eligible to undertake the CA or CPA program. While you can commence working in an accounting role with an undergraduate degree, employers highly regard professionals with a CA and CPA qualification.

A University of South Australia Online Accounting degree can help you pursue the following careers:

• Practising accountant: work for the private sector, government or individuals; prepare tax returns; keep accounting systems up-to-date; maintain financial records, and advise on business structures.
• Tax accountant and advisor: compile business and individual tax returns, and provide tax planning advice and strategies.
• Forensic accounting: work in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; provide expert evidence, and prepare forensic reports for courts.
• Business advisor: work with new or established businesses; analyse business plans and financial statements; advise on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; and understand consumer needs to meet business objectives and improve profitability.
• Assurance/risk consultant: ensure financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluate and report on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; and work on business process reviews and risk assessments.
• Insolvency and reconstruction: work with stakeholders in cases of personal and business financial distress; administrations and liquidations; and restructure underperforming businesses and turnarounds.
• Management Accountant: assist senior management make critical business decisions; prepare forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; and advise managers about the financial implications of business decisions.

Professional accreditation

The program is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the Chartered Accountants Program.

The program is accredited by CPA Australia and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Program.

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and recognised for maximum exemptions for an accelerated pathway into CIMA's professional qualification.

This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programs of study.

This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of International Accountants' (AIA) professional examinations.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS total [6.0]
• IELTS reading [6.0]
• IELTS writing [6.0]
• IELTS speaking [6.0]
• IELTS listening [6.0]

IT Requirements

As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

• run a modern browser (Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
• run Java and in some cases Flash (devices running on Apple's iOS operating system, such as iPads, iPhones, do not run Flash)
• run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
• use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
• Some University of South Australia Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a University of South Australia Online student, you'll:

• Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible).
• Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them.
• Get free access to Lynda.com - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
• Be able to connect with others using Skype for Business, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

1. Submit an online enquiry

If you're ready to apply, the first step is to fill out and submit our online enquiry form. Here you'll be asked a series of questions to see if you're eligible. Following your online enquiry, one of our Degree Advisers will contact you at your preferred time to discuss the application process.

2. Speak to a Degree Adviser and start your application

If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to begin your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

3. Complete your application and send through your documents

In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide the required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

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