Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales is designed for students who want to develop professional expertise in accounting, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business decision-making. Delivered at the Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, this degree combines strong technical accounting knowledge with practical business skills, preparing graduates for careers in accounting, finance, consulting, and corporate management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students establish a strong business and accounting foundation through core courses such as Accounting and Financial Management 1A, Accounting and Financial Management 1B, and Business Decision Making. During this year, students learn the fundamentals of financial reporting, business analysis, and quantitative methods while developing essential communication and problem-solving skills.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on intermediate accounting knowledge and business applications. Through subjects such as Financial Accounting and Reporting, Management Accounting and Business, and Corporate Finance, students explore financial statement analysis, organisational decision-making, budgeting, and financial management in greater depth.

Year 3:
In the final year, students build advanced professional expertise through courses such as Auditing and Assurance Services, Corporate Accounting and Regulation, and Australian Taxation System. Students examine complex accounting standards, auditing practices, taxation frameworks, and regulatory requirements while strengthening their professional judgement and analytical capabilities.

Focus Areas

Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Financial Reporting, Business Analytics, Corporate Governance, Assurance Services, Business Law.

Learning Outcomes

Develop expertise in preparing and analysing financial reports, applying accounting standards, evaluating business performance, conducting audits, understanding taxation systems, interpreting financial information, and making informed business and financial decisions within professional and regulatory frameworks.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Accounting major is professionally accredited and recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), providing graduates with a pathway toward professional accounting qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNSW Business School is internationally recognised for excellence in business education and graduate employability. The university consistently ranks among the world's leading institutions and is highly regarded by employers globally, with strong industry connections and graduate outcomes across accounting, finance, and business disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales combines rigorous accounting theory with practical industry-focused learning. Students develop professional accounting skills through real-world business scenarios, financial analysis projects, case studies, and technology-enhanced learning that reflects contemporary accounting practice. Throughout the program, students engage with industry-relevant tools, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare them for professional accounting careers.

This practical learning environment is supported by UNSW Business School’s industry connections, specialised facilities, and professional development opportunities:

Business Practicum Projects: Students can participate in industry-based projects where they work with external organisations to solve real business and accounting challenges while developing consulting and analytical skills.
Career Accelerator Program: Provides opportunities to undertake internships, industry placements, consulting projects, and professional experiences with partner organisations before graduation.
Professional Recognition Pathway: The accounting major is accredited by major professional accounting bodies, allowing students to align their studies with industry expectations and professional certification requirements.
Accounting Information Systems Exposure: Students gain experience with contemporary accounting technologies, business information systems, data analysis tools, and financial reporting platforms used within the profession.
Case-Based Learning: Many accounting courses utilise real corporate case studies, financial reports, auditing scenarios, and business simulations that replicate workplace decision-making environments.
Collaborative Group Projects: Students regularly work in teams to analyse financial problems, prepare reports, evaluate business performance, and present strategic recommendations.
UNSW Business School Career Hub: Provides employer networking events, industry mentoring, internship opportunities, recruitment programs, and professional development workshops.
Digital Learning Environment: Access to advanced business analytics platforms, financial databases, accounting software applications, Bloomberg resources, and online business research tools.
UNSW Library Services: Students have access to extensive business, finance, and accounting databases, specialised research collections, digital resources, collaborative study spaces, and academic support services.
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) Ecosystem: Students benefit from exposure to one of Australia's leading business education environments through industry engagement activities, guest lectures, and professional networking opportunities.
Industry Networking Events: Regular employer presentations, accounting industry panels, professional association events, and networking sessions connect students directly with accounting and finance professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of New South Wales develop highly sought-after skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, business analysis, and strategic decision-making. The program prepares students for professional accounting careers across public practice, corporate finance, consulting, government, and multinational organisations, while building strong analytical and leadership capabilities.

Typical roles include: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst.

Career Development Support: UNSW Employability and Career Discovery: Provides career coaching, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, mentoring programs, internship support, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities with leading global employers.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Insight: UNSW business graduates consistently achieve strong employment outcomes. Accounting graduates in Australia typically earn a median full-time starting salary of approximately AUD 75,000 per year, with substantial earning growth as they progress toward senior and specialist positions.
Industry Partnerships: UNSW Business School Industry Connections: Students engage with leading organisations including major accounting firms, financial institutions, consulting companies, and corporate partners through internships, industry projects, case competitions, networking events, and guest lectures.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Professional Accreditation: The accounting major is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), providing graduates with a recognised pathway toward professional accounting certification.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with expertise in accounting systems, taxation, auditing, financial analysis, business reporting, and professional communication, enabling them to contribute effectively across accounting, finance, consulting, and business management roles.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue their studies through the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Commerce, Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Management, or research-focused honours and doctoral programs. Professional qualifications through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA can further strengthen career advancement, professional recognition, and leadership opportunities in the accounting profession.