Bachelor of Accounting

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Queensland University Sydney

Program Overview

Study at CQUniversity Sydney Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and develop the accounting, finance, business law, and analytical skills needed to thrive in today's digitally evolving business environment. Ideal for students who want a professional accounting qualification with strong industry relevance, this degree combines technical accounting knowledge with practical learning experiences, preparing graduates for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial planning, and business consulting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, you will establish a strong foundation in accounting principles, business operations, and economic decision-making. Through units such as Accounting, Learning and Online Communication (ACCT11059), Introductory Financial Accounting (ACCT11081), and Principles of Economics (ECON11026), you will learn how organisations record financial information, analyse economic environments, and communicate effectively in professional business settings.

Year 2
During the second year, you will deepen your understanding of financial management, business law, and accounting practices. Units including Business Finance (FINC19011), Management Accounting (ACCT19060), and Foundations of Business Law (LAWS11030) help you develop skills in financial decision-making, performance evaluation, budgeting, and legal compliance within business environments.

Year 3
In the final year, you will focus on advanced accounting concepts and professional practice while applying your knowledge to real-world business challenges. Through studies such as Intermediate Financial Accounting (ACCT19062), advanced accounting units, and work-integrated learning opportunities, you will strengthen your expertise in financial reporting, professional judgment, problem-solving, and strategic business analysis, preparing you for professional accounting careers.

Focus Areas: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Finance, Business Law, Economics, Business Analytics, Taxation, Auditing, Financial Reporting, Professional Accounting Practice, Strategic Decision-Making, Digital Accounting Technologies.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in preparing and interpreting financial reports; apply accounting and finance principles to business decision-making; evaluate organisational performance using accounting information; understand legal and regulatory frameworks affecting business; utilise analytical and problem-solving skills in professional contexts; and communicate financial information effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and meets the associate membership requirements of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Depending on elective choices and practical experience, graduates may also pursue registration pathways with the Tax Practitioners Board and membership with other professional accounting bodies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): CQUniversity places a strong emphasis on authentic learning experiences, industry engagement, simulations, internships, projects, and work-integrated learning opportunities. The program is designed and taught with input from industry practitioners, ensuring graduates develop the practical and professional skills sought by employers across accounting, finance, consulting, and business sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Accounting at Central Queensland University (Sydney Campus) is designed to ensure students graduate with practical, job-ready skills for the modern accounting profession. Throughout the degree, students learn through industry-relevant simulations, real project work, collaborative activities, and enhanced work-integrated learning opportunities while being taught by experienced accounting practitioners who bring current industry knowledge into the classroom. The program also emphasises digital capability and prepares students for the increasingly technology-driven accounting environment through interactive and collaborative digital learning spaces.

Practical Learning Opportunities: Students participate in simulations, authentic business projects, and applied accounting activities that replicate real workplace scenarios, helping them develop professional accounting, analytical, and decision-making skills before graduation.
Work-Integrated Learning: Domestic students have the option to undertake dedicated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units as electives, enabling them to gain industry experience, strengthen professional networks, and enhance employability while completing their degree.
Digital Learning Tools: The program incorporates interactive and collaborative digital learning environments that support active learning and prepare students to work in a digitally evolving accounting profession. Students also develop skills in business analytics through units such as Business Analytics (MGMT11169) and gain exposure to technology-enabled business practices.
Industry-Relevant Projects: Real-world project work is embedded throughout the degree, allowing students to apply accounting concepts, financial analysis, business law, and management accounting techniques to practical business situations.
Group-Based Learning: Many business and accounting units involve collaborative learning activities, discussions, and project-based assessments that help students build teamwork, communication, and professional problem-solving skills valued by employers.
Business Analytics Training: Students undertake Business Analytics (MGMT11169), developing data analysis and decision-making capabilities that are increasingly important in accounting, auditing, and financial advisory roles.
Professional Project Opportunities: Students may select the Professional Project major option, enabling them to undertake substantial applied projects that connect academic learning with industry-focused outcomes.
Sydney Campus Facilities: The Sydney campus at 400 Kent Street provides modern, light-filled study environments designed for both individual and collaborative learning. Students have access to contemporary learning spaces that support accounting studies and group project work.
Library Resources: Students have access to the campus library, providing academic databases, business and accounting resources, study support services, research materials, and learning spaces that support coursework and professional development.
Industry Engagement: The Sydney campus works closely with industry and community stakeholders to provide leadership, entrepreneurship, employability, networking, volunteering, and professional development opportunities that complement academic study

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Accounting from Central Queensland University (Sydney Campus) prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and business advisory services. The degree combines professional accreditation, practical learning experiences, simulations, real-world projects, and work-integrated learning opportunities to help graduates enter the workforce with confidence and industry-ready skills. Typical career outcomes include Accountant, Auditor, Taxation Consultant, Financial Planner, Business Consultant, and Forensic Accountant.

University Services That Support Employability: CQUniversity places a strong emphasis on employability through authentic learning experiences, industry-relevant teaching delivered by experienced practitioners, work-integrated learning opportunities, internships, projects, study tours, and global experiences. Students can strengthen their professional networks and gain practical workplace experience by participating in internships and industry projects that enhance career readiness before graduation.
Employment Statistics and Salary Figures: Accounting graduates in Australia are employed across public accounting firms, government agencies, financial institutions, multinational corporations, and consulting organisations. Graduates commonly enter the workforce with starting salaries ranging from approximately AUD 60,000–75,000 per year, while the median salary for accounting professionals typically ranges between AUD 85,000–100,000 per year, depending on experience, professional qualifications, and industry specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program is taught by industry practitioners who bring current professional experience into the classroom and incorporates simulations, project-based learning, internships, and work-integrated learning experiences. These industry-focused initiatives enable students to develop practical skills, establish professional connections, and gain exposure to contemporary accounting and business environments before graduation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Accounting is professionally accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and satisfies the associate membership requirements of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates may also be eligible for exemptions through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and may qualify for registration pathways with the Tax Practitioners Board, providing significant long-term career value and professional recognition both within Australia and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with strong technical accounting knowledge, analytical problem-solving abilities, and professional communication skills that are highly valued by employers. The program's focus on practical learning, digital business environments, and professional accreditation positions graduates for successful careers across accounting, taxation, auditing, consulting, banking, and financial services sectors.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Accounting, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance, or other specialised business and commerce qualifications. Graduates can also pursue globally recognised professional designations through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, IPA, or CIMA, enhancing their expertise, professional standing, and long-term career opportunities.