Bachelor of Commerce( Accounting and Auditing)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Auditing) at Macquarie University is designed for students who want to build strong expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and professional accounting practice. This program suits students aiming for careers in accounting firms, corporate finance, or regulatory and assurance roles, combining technical knowledge with real-world financial decision-making.
Campus Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business and accounting principles through core units such as Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Management Accounting, and Business Statistics. This stage focuses on developing an understanding of how financial systems work and how businesses record and interpret financial data. Students also gain essential analytical and communication skills needed for advanced study.

Year 2:
In the second year, learning becomes more specialised with units such as Corporate Accounting, Intermediate Financial Reporting, and Principles of Auditing and Assurance. Students begin to understand how financial statements are prepared, analysed, and verified in real business environments. The focus shifts toward developing professional judgement and applied accounting skills used in auditing and compliance roles.

Year 3:
In the final year, students engage in advanced professional studies including Advanced Auditing, Strategic Management Accounting, and Financial Reporting Analysis. This year emphasises real-world application, ethical decision-making, and preparing for professional accounting practice. Students also refine their expertise for careers in auditing firms, financial consultancies, and corporate finance departments.

Focus Areas: Accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing and assurance, corporate finance, business analytics, and regulatory compliance.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop strong technical accounting expertise, professional auditing skills, analytical decision-making ability, and the capability to interpret and evaluate complex financial information in global business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is aligned with major professional accounting bodies such as CPA Australia and CA ANZ, supporting pathways toward professional certification and global accounting recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Macquarie University is internationally recognised and consistently ranked among strong global universities in business and accounting disciplines in QS World University Rankings, with a strong reputation for employability-focused education and industry engagement.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Macquarie University, the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Auditing) is designed to feel like real accounting practice from day one. Students build professional-level auditing, reporting, and analytical skills through industry-aligned coursework, hands-on case studies, and access to modern financial tools used in top accounting firms. Learning is strongly connected to real business environments through Macquarie’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program, where students work on real client projects and industry placements before they even graduate:

PACE Work-Integrated Learning Program: Mandatory industry experience where students complete internships, consulting projects, or community-based professional work with real organisations in accounting and auditing contexts.
Accounting & Business Software Tools: Training in industry-standard platforms such as Excel (advanced financial modelling), MYOB, Xero, and data analysis tools used in auditing and financial reporting.
Bloomberg & Finance Analytics Facilities: Access to financial data systems and analytics tools used in professional accounting, auditing, and corporate finance decision-making environments.
Group-based Case Study Projects: Collaborative assessments simulating real audit engagements, financial statement analysis, and corporate reporting scenarios.
Audit Simulation Learning: Practical exercises replicating audit planning, risk assessment, compliance checks, and financial verification processes used in professional firms.
Macquarie Business School Facilities: Dedicated learning spaces, business hubs, and collaborative work environments designed for accounting, finance, and commerce students.
Macquarie University Library & Digital Resources: Access to extensive accounting databases, financial journals, research tools, and digital learning platforms supporting advanced auditing and reporting studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Auditing) at Macquarie University are well-positioned for professional careers in auditing, assurance services, corporate accounting, and financial reporting. The program builds strong technical accounting expertise combined with analytical and ethical decision-making skills, preparing graduates for highly regulated and globally recognised finance roles such as auditor, external auditor, internal auditor, financial accountant, and assurance associate:

Macquarie Careers and Employment Service: Offers personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment pipelines with leading accounting and finance employers.
PACE (Professional and Community Engagement): Macquarie’s flagship industry program provides real-world auditing and accounting experience through internships, consulting projects, and workplace-based learning with industry partners.
Industry partnerships: Strong recruitment connections with major accounting firms, professional services organisations, and corporate finance departments, providing pathways into graduate auditor and assurance roles.
Professional accreditation value: The degree is designed to align with CPA Australia and CA ANZ requirements, supporting a direct pathway toward becoming a certified practising accountant or chartered accountant.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically secure roles in auditing, assurance, financial reporting, taxation support, and compliance, with strong employability across Australia and international accounting markets.
Employment stats & salary: Early-career accounting and auditing graduates in Australia typically earn a median salary range of AUD 72,000–98,000, with increased earning potential as they progress toward CPA/CA qualification and senior audit or advisory positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Auditing) at Macquarie University, students can continue into advanced qualifications such as a Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Applied Finance, MBA, Master of Business Analytics, or specialised postgraduate programs in taxation, auditing, or corporate governance, leading to senior leadership roles in accounting, audit, and financial compliance globally.