Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

Study at the University of Canberra, Bruce Campus, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, and gain a powerful combination of accounting expertise and financial analysis skills that prepares you for careers across corporate finance, investment, banking, auditing, and professional accounting. Ideal for students who want to understand how businesses manage money, assess risk, and make strategic financial decisions, this degree combines practical business knowledge with specialised studies in accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and investment analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in business, financial markets, and quantitative analysis. Through units such as Financial Institutions and Markets (11326), Accounting Systems and Practices (11212), and Risk Management in Financial Institutions (11231), you will learn how financial systems operate, how organisations record and manage financial information, and how financial risks are identified and controlled.

Year 2:
The second year develops your understanding of corporate finance, accounting practices, and international financial environments. You will study Business Finance (11215), Corporate Accounting (11214), and International Finance (11233), gaining the skills to analyse financial performance, evaluate investment decisions, and understand the impact of global financial markets on business operations.

Year 3:
In the final year, you will focus on advanced financial and accounting concepts while applying professional and analytical skills to real-world business challenges. Units such as Advanced Management Accounting (11219), Investments and Portfolio Analysis (11230), and Auditing and Assurance (11762) will strengthen your ability to assess investments, manage organisational performance, conduct audits, and provide strategic financial advice. The inclusion of Professional Evidence (Business) (11173) also helps you build a portfolio showcasing your capabilities to future employers.

Focus Areas: Accounting Systems and Practices, Corporate Accounting, Business Finance, International Finance, Investments and Portfolio Analysis, Auditing and Assurance, Risk Management, Financial Markets, Taxation Law, Financial Analysis, Portfolio Management, Corporate Governance.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in financial reporting and analysis; evaluate investment opportunities and portfolio performance; understand international financial markets and financial institutions; apply accounting and finance principles to complex business decisions; assess organisational risk and governance practices; utilise auditing and assurance techniques; and communicate professional financial advice effectively in diverse business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Accounting and Finance major is designed to provide the educational foundation required for professional accounting and finance careers. The accounting components align with the academic requirements of major professional accounting bodies, while the finance curriculum develops specialist expertise in investment analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, and risk management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Canberra is recognised for its strong focus on work-integrated learning, industry engagement, and career readiness. The Bachelor of Business incorporates practical business projects, professional portfolio development, and industry-connected learning experiences that help graduates transition confidently into accounting, finance, banking, consulting, and corporate roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) at the University of Canberra is designed to connect academic learning with real-world business practice. Throughout the degree, students apply accounting and finance concepts through practical business projects, case studies, simulations, and industry-connected learning experiences while developing a professional portfolio that demonstrates their skills to future employers. The blended delivery model also provides access to digital learning platforms and flexible study options, ensuring students gain both technical expertise and workplace-ready capabilities. As students progress through the degree, they benefit from a range of practical learning opportunities and facilities including:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The program incorporates industry-connected learning and practical workplace experiences that enable students to apply accounting and finance knowledge in professional settings and build valuable industry networks before graduation.
Industry Projects and Business Simulations: Students develop practical decision-making skills through business simulations, case studies, interactive workshops, and project-based assessments that mirror real organisational and financial challenges.
Professional Portfolio Development: Through the Professional Evidence (Business) unit, students create a portfolio showcasing their academic achievements, professional competencies, and industry-relevant skills to support graduate employment opportunities.
Accounting and Finance Software Exposure: Students work with contemporary accounting systems, decision support technologies, and financial analysis tools through units such as Accounting Systems and Practices, Accounting and Decision Support Systems, Investments and Portfolio Analysis, and Risk Management in Financial Institutions.
Group Projects and Collaborative Learning: Many business units require students to work collaboratively on business cases, financial analysis tasks, presentations, and strategic problem-solving projects, helping develop teamwork and communication skills highly valued by employers.
Finance and Investment Analysis Training: Through specialised units such as Business Finance, International Finance, Investments and Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives, and Risk Management in Financial Institutions, students gain hands-on experience analysing financial markets, investment opportunities, and risk management strategies.
Library and Digital Learning Resources: Students have access to the University of Canberra Library's extensive collection of accounting, finance, business, economics, legal, and research databases, supporting both coursework and independent research activities.
Industry Networking Opportunities: The university's strong connections with Canberra's government, business, and community sectors provide opportunities for professional engagement, networking events, internships, and career development activities throughout the degree.
Flexible Blended Learning Technologies: Students benefit from a combination of online learning resources, interactive digital tools, virtual collaboration platforms, and face-to-face learning experiences that reflect contemporary workplace practices.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) from the University of Canberra prepares graduates for careers that combine accounting expertise with advanced financial analysis and decision-making skills. Graduates are equipped to work across accounting firms, financial institutions, government agencies, and corporate organisations, with common career outcomes including Accountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Investment Analyst, Risk Manager, and Corporate Finance Advisor. The combination of accounting and finance knowledge provides a strong foundation for both professional practice and leadership roles in the financial sector.

University Services That Support Employability: The University of Canberra supports students through Careers UC, which provides career coaching, resume and interview workshops, networking opportunities, employer events, job search assistance, and access to CareerHub for internships and graduate roles. Students also benefit from internships, work placements, industry projects, guest speakers, competitions, exhibitions, study tours, and professional networking opportunities that help build workplace-ready skills before graduation.
Employment Statistics and Salary Figures: Graduates with accounting and finance qualifications are highly sought after across Australia in both public and private sectors. Entry-level professionals typically earn between AUD 60,000 and AUD 80,000 annually, while experienced accountants, financial analysts, and finance managers can progress to salaries exceeding AUD 100,000 depending on their role, qualifications, and industry specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Canberra maintains strong connections with government, business, and community organisations throughout Canberra and beyond. Through internships, industry projects, work-integrated learning opportunities, guest lectures, and employer engagement activities, students gain valuable exposure to real-world business environments and build professional networks before graduation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Accounting and Finance major is designed to support professional accreditation pathways. The University of Canberra's business programs with accounting specialisations are recognised by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), providing graduates with a valuable foundation for pursuing globally recognised professional accounting qualifications that can significantly enhance long-term career prospects.
Graduation Outcomes: Upon graduation, students possess expertise in accounting systems, auditing, taxation, investments, portfolio analysis, risk management, derivatives, and international finance. This diverse skill set enables graduates to pursue opportunities across accounting, banking, investment management, financial consulting, corporate finance, and risk management sectors, while remaining adaptable to changing industry demands.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance), graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics, or other specialised business master's degrees. Students may also pursue professional designations including CPA Australia and Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) programs, which can further strengthen professional credibility and open pathways to senior leadership, consulting, and executive-level finance positions.