Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of Western Australia is designed for students who want to develop strong expertise in financial reporting, business decision-making and corporate accountability while building a solid foundation in commerce. Campus Location: Perth (Crawley Campus), Western Australia, with selected availability at the Albany Regional Campus. The program is ideal for students seeking careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis and business advisory services, while gaining skills that are valued across both private and public sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in accounting and finance while developing an understanding of how businesses operate. Through units such as ACCT1101 Financial Accounting and FINA1221 Introduction to Finance, students learn how to prepare and interpret financial information, understand financial markets, and develop essential analytical skills needed for future accounting studies.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on expanding technical accounting knowledge and applying it to business environments. Students undertake units including ACCT2112 Management Accounting, ACCT2201 Corporate Accounting, and ACCT2242 Accounting Information Systems, where they explore cost management, corporate reporting requirements, accounting technologies, and the role of accounting information in organisational decision-making.

Year 3:
In the final year, students develop advanced professional accounting capabilities and critical thinking skills. Through specialised units such as ACCT3322 Auditing, ACCT3302 Financial Statement Analysis, and ACCT3321 Financial Accounting: Theory and Practice, students learn to evaluate financial performance, conduct audits, interpret complex financial reports, and apply accounting theory to real-world business challenges. Industry-based projects, workshops and case studies further strengthen professional readiness.

Focus Areas: Financial Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Statement Analysis, Accounting Information Systems, Business Finance.

Learning Outcomes: Develop the ability to prepare and analyse financial reports, evaluate business performance, communicate accounting information effectively, apply accounting principles to business decisions, solve complex financial problems, and demonstrate professional judgement in accounting practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Accounting major is professionally accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia. In addition, the UWA Business School holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, ensuring global recognition of the qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): UWA is recognised as a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight universities. The UWA Business School maintains strong industry connections, offers extensive networking opportunities with employers, and delivers a globally recognised business education supported by internationally accredited business programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of Western Australia is designed to give students practical, industry-relevant experience alongside strong technical accounting knowledge. Throughout the degree, students apply accounting concepts to real business situations through workshops, case studies, team-based learning activities and industry-led projects. Students learn within the internationally accredited UWA Business School, gaining access to professional financial technologies, collaborative learning spaces and industry engagement opportunities that mirror modern accounting workplaces. As students progress through the program, they develop practical skills in financial reporting, auditing, business analysis and professional communication through hands-on learning experiences:

Group Projects & Team Exercises: The program incorporates workshops, collaborative assignments and team-based projects that help students develop problem-solving, communication and professional teamwork skills required in accounting careers.
Bloomberg Terminals: Students have access to professional Bloomberg Terminal software at the UWA Business School, allowing them to monitor and analyse real-time financial market data using the same platform employed by finance and accounting professionals worldwide.
Rosemarie Nathanson Financial Markets Trading Room: Students can utilise UWA's state-of-the-art trading and analysis centre, providing exposure to financial market technologies and professional analytical tools.
Industry Networking Opportunities: The UWA Business School maintains strong links with industry through guest lectures, career events, corporate networking opportunities, industry-sponsored initiatives and interactions with business leaders.
Professional Clubs and Societies: Students can participate in business, accounting and commerce-related clubs and societies that offer networking events, professional development workshops, leadership opportunities and industry engagement activities.
Business School Learning Facilities: Students study in modern Business School facilities featuring lecture theatres, case-study rooms, breakout collaboration spaces, study zones and dedicated learning areas designed for both individual and group learning.
Professional Internship Pathways: Students may access internship and experiential learning opportunities through the Business School's extensive industry network and partnerships with more than 30 industry organisations.
• Professional Accreditation Alignment: Learning activities are designed to meet the accreditation requirements of CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), ensuring students develop skills aligned with industry expectations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Western Australia equips students with highly valued financial, analytical and decision-making skills that are essential across virtually every industry. Graduates are prepared to interpret financial information, advise organisations on business performance and support strategic decision-making. Typical career outcomes include Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Management Accountant and Business Advisor.

University Employability Support:
UWA places a strong emphasis on real-world learning and industry engagement. Students benefit from industry guest lectures, career events, networking opportunities, industry-sponsored scholarships and direct interaction with corporate executives, helping them build professional connections before graduation.
The university's Careers Centre supports students with career planning, resume development, interview preparation, job-search assistance and employer networking opportunities. These services help students transition confidently from university into professional employment.
Employment Statistics & Salary:
Accounting graduates are in demand across public accounting firms, government agencies, financial institutions, corporations and not-for-profit organisations. UWA highlights that accounting graduates can pursue careers in both the public and private sectors, with opportunities extending into leadership positions later in their careers.
Graduates entering accounting and finance-related roles in Australia typically earn a median starting salary in the range of AUD $65,000–$80,000 per year, with higher earning potential as they gain professional qualifications and industry experience.
University–Industry Partnerships:
UWA Business School maintains strong links with the business community, giving students exposure to leading industry practices throughout their studies. Students regularly engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, executive networking events, scholarships and business-focused learning experiences.
The university also maintains connections with major employers and professional services firms, helping students gain insight into current industry expectations and career opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value:
One of the strongest advantages of this degree is its professional recognition. The Accounting major is accredited by both Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia, providing a direct pathway toward professional accounting qualifications.
Additionally, UWA Business School holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, placing it among a select group of internationally recognised business schools worldwide. These accreditations enhance the global value and recognition of your degree.
Graduation Outcomes:
Graduates leave with the ability to prepare, analyse and communicate financial information that supports effective business decision-making. They develop expertise in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing and business analysis while building strong analytical and communication skills valued by employers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), graduates can continue their studies through an Honours program, the Master of Commerce, Master of Professional Accounting (Chartered Accounting) or, with relevant professional experience, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Western Australia. These postgraduate qualifications allow students to develop advanced expertise, pursue professional accounting credentials, strengthen leadership capabilities and progress into senior