Bachelor of Accounting

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in reporting, analysing and managing financial resources in business and government entities. In addition to meeting the education requirements for membership of the Australian accounting professional bodies, the degree offers flexibility for you to study in related disciplines of your interest, including finance, business information systems, management, marketing, international business and corporate sustainability.

Campus Location: Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in accounting and business principles. Core subjects such as BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis, BUSN1002 Accounting Processes and Systems, and BUSN1101 Introduction to Commercial Law introduce financial reporting, accounting systems, and the legal framework governing business operations. Students also develop analytical and quantitative skills through economics, finance, and research methods courses.

Year 2

The second year focuses on applying accounting concepts in more complex business environments. Through subjects including BUSN2015 Company Accounting, BUSN2011 Management Accounting, and INFS2005 Accounting Information Systems, students learn how organisations manage financial information, evaluate performance, and use accounting technologies to support decision-making. Business law studies are further developed through BUSN2101 Law of Business Entities.

Year 3

In the final year, students advance their technical expertise and professional judgement through higher-level accounting studies and electives. They explore contemporary accounting challenges, data-driven analysis, and strategic financial decision-making while tailoring their studies to career interests through elective courses. This year emphasises critical thinking, communication, and the practical application of accounting knowledge in professional settings.

Focus Areas

Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Reporting, Accounting Information Systems, Commercial Law, Corporate Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Analytics, Professional Accounting Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Evaluate and solve routine and complex accounting problems; apply theoretical and technical accounting knowledge in business contexts; exercise professional judgement using multidisciplinary perspectives; and effectively communicate accounting advice and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Accounting meets the tertiary education requirements for direct entry into the professional streams of Australia's major accounting bodies, enabling graduates to pursue professional accounting qualifications and memberships.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

ANU is consistently recognised as one of Australia's leading universities and enjoys a strong international reputation. The university's close connections with government, industry, and major employers, combined with dedicated career and employability services, help graduates access opportunities across accounting firms, financial institutions, government departments, and large corporations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Accounting at the Australian National University (ANU) is designed to combine strong theoretical foundations with practical business and accounting skills. Throughout the degree, students develop expertise in financial reporting, accounting systems, business analysis, taxation, management accounting, finance, and commercial law. Learning is supported by ANU’s research-led teaching environment, where students engage with contemporary accounting issues, analyse real-world business scenarios, and gain exposure to professional accounting practices. Students also benefit from ANU’s dedicated career and employability services, helping them connect academic learning with workplace opportunities.

Students enhance their practical experience through a range of learning opportunities and resources, including:

Professional Accounting Curriculum: Study a sequence of accredited accounting courses that satisfy the educational requirements for entry into major Australian professional accounting bodies, ensuring industry-relevant knowledge and skills.
Accounting Processes and Systems: Develop practical understanding of accounting information systems, business reporting processes, and the use of computerised accounting information in business and government organisations.
Business Reporting and Analysis Projects: Apply accounting concepts to analyse financial information, evaluate business performance, and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
Research-Led Learning: Learn from academics actively engaged in accounting research, gaining insight into emerging accounting issues, governance, sustainability, regulation, and professional practice.
Interdisciplinary Study Opportunities: Broaden your practical business knowledge through electives in finance, business information systems, management, marketing, international business, and corporate sustainability.
Quantitative and Analytical Training: Build strong analytical skills through courses such as Quantitative Research Methods, helping students interpret financial data and support evidence-based business decisions.
Commercial Law Integration: Gain practical understanding of legal frameworks affecting businesses through commercial law studies that complement accounting practice.
Careers and Student Employability Services: Access career consultants, employability programs, networking opportunities, internship support, and professional development activities designed to prepare students for accounting careers.
ANU Library Resources: Utilise extensive business, finance, economics, and accounting databases, research materials, digital resources, and study spaces that support both coursework and independent research.
Collaborative Learning Environment: Participate in tutorials, case studies, group discussions, presentations, and problem-solving activities that reflect real workplace situations encountered by accounting professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Accounting from Australian National University equips graduates with highly sought-after financial, analytical, and business skills that are valued across industries worldwide. Graduates are prepared to work in accounting firms, government agencies, financial institutions, and multinational corporations, with strong pathways into professional accounting and leadership careers. ANU's reputation for graduate employability and industry relevance helps students build a strong foundation for long-term career success.

This strong career preparation is supported by:

Dedicated Career Services: ANU's Careers and Student Employability team provides personalised career consultations, employability workshops, networking opportunities, internship support, resume reviews, and job search assistance to help students transition into the workforce.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: ANU graduates are recognised among Australia's most employable graduates and are highly sought after by employers worldwide. ANU has consistently been ranked among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability.
Median Graduate Salary: Accounting graduates in Australia typically achieve a median starting salary of approximately AUD $65,000–$70,000 per year, with earnings increasing significantly after obtaining professional accreditation and industry experience.
Industry Connections: Accounting graduates from ANU secure employment with major accounting firms, government departments, banking and finance organisations, and large corporations. The university's strong employer network creates valuable internship and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Professional Accreditation Advantage: The degree satisfies the tertiary education requirements for direct entry into the professional programs of Australia's major accounting bodies, providing graduates with a recognised pathway towards professional accounting qualifications.
Global Career Opportunities: Qualified accountants remain in demand worldwide, creating opportunities across public practice, corporate finance, consulting, government, banking, and international business sectors.
Strong Graduate Network: ANU's extensive alumni community includes leaders across business, government, and industry, providing graduates with valuable networking and career development opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Accounting, students can further enhance their expertise through postgraduate study such as:

Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Accounting
Master of Finance
Master of Applied Finance
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Commerce
Research degrees such as Honours, Master by Research, or PhD

These pathways can lead to specialised careers in financial management, auditing, taxation, consulting, academia, corporate leadership, and senior executive positions. Additionally, graduates can pursue professional certifications through accounting bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, further strengthening their career prospects.