Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Commerce

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Commerce at the Australian National University combines professional accounting expertise with broad commercial knowledge, giving students a powerful skill set for careers in accounting, finance, consulting, business analysis, and corporate management. Campus Location: Canberra Campus, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia. This four-year double degree is ideal for students who want both professional accounting qualifications and the flexibility to explore business disciplines such as finance, management, marketing, international business, and business information systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in accounting, economics, finance, and quantitative analysis. Core courses such as BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis, BUSN1002 Accounting Processes and Systems, and FINM1001 Foundations of Finance introduce key business concepts while developing analytical and financial decision-making skills. Students also study ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 and STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods, establishing the quantitative and economic knowledge needed for later years.

Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of financial and management accounting, business law, economics, and commercial decision-making. Coursework expands into areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, commercial law, and finance while students begin progressing through their chosen Commerce major, allowing them to tailor the degree to their interests and career goals.

Year 3:
Students move into more advanced accounting and commerce studies, developing expertise in areas such as auditing, taxation, corporate finance, business information systems, and strategic management. Through higher-level discipline courses, students learn to analyse complex business challenges, evaluate financial performance, and apply professional judgement in real-world business environments.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced professional and strategic applications of accounting and commerce. Students complete specialised accounting courses alongside advanced studies in their Commerce major, integrating technical knowledge with practical business problem-solving skills. This final stage prepares graduates for professional accreditation pathways and leadership opportunities across a wide range of industries.

Focus Areas:

Accounting, Financial Reporting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Economics, Business Analytics, Business Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Commercial Law, Strategic Decision-Making.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced accounting and financial management expertise; analyse and interpret business data; evaluate financial and commercial risks; apply professional and ethical judgement; communicate business recommendations effectively; and solve complex organisational challenges using evidence-based decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The accounting component is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional membership pathways with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand when the required professional accounting sequence is completed. This provides graduates with a strong pathway toward professional accounting certification and long-term career advancement.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

ANU is consistently recognised as one of Australia's leading universities and is internationally respected for excellence in business, economics, and accounting education. The ANU College of Business and Economics maintains strong industry connections and a research-led learning environment that enhances graduate employability and prepares students for careers both in Australia and globally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Commerce at Australian National University combines professional accounting training with broad business education, giving students the opportunity to apply theory to real-world business challenges. Throughout the degree, students develop practical skills in financial reporting, accounting systems, business analysis, economics, quantitative methods, and professional communication. Learning is highly interactive, with students engaging in case studies, research-based learning, collaborative projects, and industry-focused coursework delivered through the ANU College of Business and Economics. This ensures graduates develop both technical expertise and the professional skills employers seek across accounting, consulting, finance, government, and corporate sectors:

Work-Integrated Learning (Internship Program): Eligible students can participate in the ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program, undertaking either 120-hour or 240-hour workplace placements with industry, government, or not-for-profit organisations. These internships can be completed in-person, virtually, or in hybrid mode and are designed to strengthen employability, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Professional Accounting Training: Accounting courses focus on business reporting, accounting processes and systems, auditing, taxation, financial management, and analysis of accounting information, helping students develop skills directly relevant to professional accounting practice.
Business Analytics and Quantitative Skills: Students undertake quantitative research methods, economics, and business analysis subjects that build strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities used across modern business environments.
Collaborative Group Projects: The Commerce program emphasises teamwork, communication, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative problem-solving through project-based assessments and business-focused coursework.
Accounting Systems and Digital Business Tools: Students gain exposure to accounting processes, business information systems, financial analysis techniques, and technology-enabled business practices that support modern accounting and commerce careers.
Research-Led Learning Environment: ANU integrates leading academic research into classroom teaching, exposing students to emerging accounting issues, business trends, and contemporary commercial challenges.
ANU College of Business and Economics Facilities: Students study within the ANU College of Business and Economics, benefiting from modern teaching spaces, industry engagement activities, networking events, employer presentations, and access to academic experts across accounting, finance, economics, management, and related disciplines.
ANU Library Resources: Students have access to the extensive ANU Library system, providing specialised business, accounting, economics, finance, and research databases that support coursework, projects, and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities:

A Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University combines professional accounting expertise with broad business knowledge, giving graduates a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. This double degree develops strong analytical, financial, leadership, and decision-making skills, preparing students for diverse careers across accounting, finance, consulting, government, and corporate sectors. Graduates are highly valued by employers because they can understand both the technical aspects of accounting and the wider strategic challenges faced by organisations.

Typical career outcomes include:

Accountant
Financial Analyst
Auditor
Business Consultant
Tax Adviser
Corporate Finance Officer
Risk Analyst
Management Accountant

This strong career preparation is supported by:

Dedicated Career Services: ANU Careers and Employability provides one-on-one career consultations, resume and interview coaching, networking opportunities, employer information sessions, internship support, career fairs, and professional development programs designed to improve graduate employability.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: ANU consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability, with graduates benefiting from strong employment outcomes and recognition from employers across Australia and internationally.
Median Graduate Salary: Graduates entering accounting, finance, and commerce-related professions typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$85,000 per year, with strong potential for salary growth as they gain professional qualifications and industry experience.
Industry Connections: Through the ANU College of Business and Economics, students engage with industry leaders, government agencies, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and professional services firms through networking events, guest lectures, recruitment programs, and industry-focused learning opportunities.
Professional Accreditation Advantage: The accounting component of the degree satisfies educational requirements for professional pathways with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), providing graduates with a respected professional foundation and long-term career value.
Broad Business Expertise: The commerce component allows students to develop complementary skills in areas such as finance, economics, management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship, increasing career flexibility across multiple industries.
Strong Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are well prepared for careers in accounting firms, consulting companies, government departments, banks, investment organisations, multinational corporations, and emerging business sectors.
Global Alumni Network: ANU's worldwide alumni community includes successful business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and finance professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities throughout graduates' careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Commerce, students can continue their studies through a range of postgraduate programs including the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Accounting, Master of Finance, Master of Applied Finance, Master of Commerce, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or other specialised business and economics degrees. Students interested in research and academic careers may pursue Honours, a Master by Research, or a PhD. Graduates can also undertake professional qualifications such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), or other internationally recognised business and finance certifications, helping them progress into senior specialist, management, and executive leadership roles.