Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

CQ University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business at CQUniversity Australia is a versatile dual degree that combines professional accounting expertise with broader business knowledge, making it ideal for students who want strong career flexibility across accounting, finance, management, marketing, and related business fields. Available at Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane campuses, this four-year program develops practical accounting, financial, analytical, and business management skills while allowing students to tailor their studies through a major and minor that align with their career goals.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students build a strong foundation in accounting and business through units such as Accounting, Learning and Online Communication, Introduction to Business, and Principles of Economics. They also develop analytical and legal knowledge through Business Analytics and Foundations of Business Law, gaining an understanding of how organisations operate and make financial decisions.

Year 2: The second year introduces core accounting and finance concepts through units including Management Accounting, Business Finance, and Corporate Governance & Ethics. Students strengthen their understanding of financial management, ethical business practices, and organisational performance while applying accounting knowledge to real business scenarios.

Year 3: Students advance their technical expertise through subjects such as Intermediate Financial Accounting, Advanced Financial Accounting, and Company & Association Law. During this stage, they develop deeper knowledge of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, auditing principles, and corporate governance while beginning studies in their chosen major and minor areas.

Year 4: In the final year, students consolidate their professional capabilities through advanced accounting studies, specialised major units, and the Professional Practice and Experience unit. This work-integrated learning experience allows students to engage in industry projects, global experiences, or workplace learning while applying accounting and business knowledge to real-world professional challenges.

Focus Areas: Financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate governance, business finance, business law, business analytics, strategic management, marketing, human resource management, financial planning, and professional practice.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to prepare and analyse financial information, apply accounting standards, evaluate business performance, make strategic business decisions, utilise analytical tools, understand regulatory frameworks, and communicate professional recommendations effectively in diverse business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The degree 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, graduates may also meet educational requirements for registration with the Tax Practitioners Board and membership of additional professional associations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): CQUniversity is recognised for its strong focus on graduate employability, industry engagement, and practical learning experiences. The program incorporates authentic learning opportunities, work-integrated learning, global experiences, and industry-aligned curriculum to help graduates enter the workforce with relevant professional skills and experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business at CQUniversity Australia is designed to ensure students graduate with both technical expertise and practical industry experience. Throughout the program, students engage with real-world business challenges, develop professional problem-solving skills, and apply accounting and business concepts in authentic workplace settings. The degree incorporates work-integrated learning opportunities, industry projects, global experiences, and practical placements that help students build professional networks and strengthen their employability before graduation. Students also benefit from CQUniversity's interactive digital learning environments and industry-informed curriculum delivered by experienced practitioners:

Work-Integrated Learning: Through the Professional Practice and Experience unit (BUSN13004), students can complete a work-integrated learning placement involving 60 hours of practical workplace experience, allowing them to apply accounting and business knowledge in professional environments.
Industry Projects: Students may undertake a supervised project option focused on solving a real-world business or accounting problem using industry research, publicly available data, and professional recommendations.
Internship Opportunities: Depending on their study pathway, students can undertake internship experiences that provide exposure to professional accounting and business practices while developing workplace-ready skills.
Global Experience Programs: Students may participate in a 2–6 week international experience where they work on global business challenges, develop cross-cultural competencies, and gain international industry exposure.
Real-World Business Simulations: CQUniversity incorporates simulations and practical project work throughout its accounting curriculum, helping students develop decision-making, analytical, and professional accounting capabilities in realistic business scenarios.
Digital Learning Environments: Students learn through interactive and collaborative digital learning spaces that support teamwork, communication, data analysis, and modern business practices.
Professional Industry Exposure: The curriculum includes exposure to audit methodology, accounting standards, financial management tools, taxation practices, and business law relevant to contemporary organisations.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: Practical learning is aligned with the requirements of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), ensuring students develop industry-recognised competencies throughout their studies.
Library and Learning Resources: Students have access to CQUniversity Libraries, digital databases, academic learning support services, and business-related research resources that support professional and academic development throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business at CQUniversity develop a powerful combination of accounting expertise and business leadership skills, making them highly competitive across a wide range of industries. The dual degree prepares students for careers such as Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Business Consultant, Management Accountant, and Finance Manager, while also providing pathways into leadership and strategic management roles. As a professionally accredited qualification with practical learning opportunities, graduates are well positioned for long-term career growth and professional recognition.

University Services for Employability: CQUniversity enhances graduate employability through work-integrated learning opportunities, industry projects, simulations, real-world business problem-solving activities, internships, global experiences, and professional practice units. Students also benefit from industry-experienced academics, career support services, and networking opportunities that help build practical skills and employer connections before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary: Graduates with qualifications in accounting and business are sought after across public practice, corporate finance, government agencies, consulting firms, banking institutions, and multinational organisations. Based on recent Australian graduate employment outcomes and industry salary data, accounting and business graduates typically commence their careers with median salaries ranging from AUD $60,000–$75,000 per year, with strong potential for salary growth following professional accreditation and industry experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: CQUniversity maintains strong industry engagement through advisory boards, industry consultation, employer partnerships, work-integrated learning programs, internships, and real-world projects. Academic staff bring extensive private-sector experience and industry expertise into the classroom, ensuring students graduate with skills aligned to current business and accounting workforce needs.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: This degree holds professional accreditation from 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, graduates may also become eligible for registration with the Tax Practitioners Board and membership with additional professional accounting associations, providing long-term professional recognition and career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Upon graduation, students possess expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, business strategy, corporate governance, and business analytics. Combined with practical industry exposure and professional accreditation pathways, graduates are equipped to contribute effectively in both specialist accounting and broader business leadership positions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Management, or other specialised business and finance postgraduate programs. These qualifications can further strengthen professional expertise, support advancement into senior management positions, and assist with achieving additional professional credentials.