Bachelor of Applied Finance and Bachelor of Professional Accounting

4 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Finance / Bachelor of Commerce (Professional Accounting) at Macquarie University is a double degree designed for students who want to build strong expertise in both financial decision-making and professional accounting practice. This program suits students who are analytical, detail-oriented, and aiming for careers in banking, investment, auditing, or corporate finance, with study delivered at the Macquarie University North Ryde Campus, Sydney.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business, economics, and accounting principles. Core units such as Accounting in Society, Business Statistics, and Introduction to Corporate Finance help students understand how financial systems operate and how organisations make decisions. This year focuses on developing essential numerical, analytical, and academic skills required for advanced study in finance and accounting.

Year 2:
In Year 2, students begin specialising in both finance and accounting disciplines. Units such as Financial Accounting and Reporting, Corporate Finance, and Macroeconomic Principles introduce deeper technical knowledge in financial management and organisational performance. Students also start working with financial modelling concepts and real-world business data analysis.

Year 3:
Year 3 focuses on advanced financial and accounting applications. Students study units like Applied Portfolio Management, Management Accounting, and Financial Markets and Institutions, gaining practical insights into investment strategies, risk assessment, and corporate financial structures. This year strongly develops industry-relevant analytical and decision-making skills.

Year 4:
In the final year, students engage in advanced and professional-level studies such as Derivatives and Risk Management, Auditing and Assurance Services, and Strategic Business Analysis. This stage prepares students for real-world financial leadership roles, combining advanced technical knowledge with strategic thinking and professional accounting practice.

Focus Areas: Financial analysis, investment management, corporate accounting, auditing, risk management, financial reporting, and economic decision-making.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop strong expertise in both applied finance and professional accounting, enabling them to analyse financial data, manage investment portfolios, prepare financial reports, and support strategic business decisions in global organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This double degree aligns with professional accreditation requirements for accounting bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), supporting students who aim to become certified accounting professionals.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Macquarie University is consistently recognised globally for strong graduate employability outcomes and business education quality in international rankings such as QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong industry relevance and employer reputation in finance and accounting fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Macquarie University, students in the Bachelor of Applied Finance + Bachelor of Commerce (Professional Accounting) develop job-ready skills through a strong blend of finance theory, accounting practice, and real-world application. Learning goes far beyond lectures, with access to industry-standard financial systems, collaborative business projects, and professional placement opportunities that reflect real corporate environments. Students also build confidence using professional software and analytical tools that are widely used across global finance and accounting industries:

Bloomberg Terminals & Financial Data Systems: Hands-on experience with live financial market data used in investment banking, trading, and portfolio analysis.
Accounting & Business Software: Training in industry tools such as Excel (advanced modelling), MYOB, Xero, and other accounting platforms used in professional practice.
Macquarie Trading & Finance Facilities: Dedicated learning spaces where students simulate investment decisions, portfolio management, and market trading scenarios.
Work Integrated Learning (Internships): Structured internship opportunities and professional practice units that connect students with real employers in banking, accounting firms, and corporate finance departments.
Group Industry Projects: Team-based consulting projects where students solve real business and financial problems for partner organisations.
Professional Accounting Practice Training: Applied learning aligned with CPA Australia and CA ANZ competency areas, preparing students for professional accreditation pathways.
Macquarie Library & Research Support: Access to extensive financial databases, academic journals, and specialised business research resources supporting advanced financial and accounting analysis.
Industry Engagement & Networking Events: Regular guest lectures, employer networking sessions, and workshops with leading finance and accounting professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Finance / Bachelor of Commerce (Professional Accounting) at Macquarie University are highly prepared for careers across global banking, financial services, corporate accounting, and advisory roles. The dual-degree structure gives you a powerful combination of technical accounting expertise and advanced financial decision-making skills, leading to strong demand across both private and public sector employers:

Macquarie Careers and Employability Services: Students receive dedicated support through career coaching, interview preparation, psychometric testing guidance, networking events, and direct access to graduate employer programs through the university’s employability platform.
Professional Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities to engage in internships, industry placements, and real-world business projects that connect classroom learning with practical financial and accounting environments.
Industry engagement: Strong links with major financial institutions, accounting firms, and corporate organisations that regularly recruit graduates for internships and early-career roles in finance and accounting.
Professional accreditation value: The accounting component is designed to align with major professional bodies such as CPA Australia and CA ANZ, while the finance stream supports pathways aligned with global finance industry standards.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly move into roles such as financial analyst, management accountant, auditor, investment analyst, and corporate finance associate, with strong recognition across Australia and international markets.
Employment stats & salary: Early-career graduates in accounting and finance roles in Australia typically achieve a median salary range of AUD 78,000–105,000, with higher earning potential as professionals progress into specialised finance, consulting, or leadership positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree at Macquarie University, students can pursue advanced study such as a Master of Applied Finance, Master of Professional Accounting, MBA, Master of Business Analytics, or Master of Economics, providing pathways into senior management, specialist advisory roles, and global finance leadership careers.