Accounting is the ‘language of business’, informing management decision-making within an organisation and the allocation of resources between organisations. It provides the tools to measure and assess firm performance and valuation.

Professional accountants operate in an increasingly complex and sophisticated field and are valued in every industry. Because they act as strategic advisers and business partners, they must understand business issues and processes and have the skills necessary for sound decision-making. Accounting leads to a career path with countless possibilities – you can work in a variety of roles, in any sector, in countries across the globe.

Melbourne is known for the quality of its accounting program and strong graduate employability outcomes. The Accounting major offers a direct path to becoming a qualified accountant. You'll learn about the financial structure of organisations, and how to produce and analyse financial information. You'll also develop knowledge of business strategy, issues and processes, along with the skills for sound decision making.

Membership requirements to Professional Associations vary, but will usually require you to have completed certain subjects in the Bachelor of Commerce, such as Corporate Law, Principles of Business Law and Taxation Law 1. Full membership requirements may include relevant work experience and/or further study.

Why commerce at Melbourne?

• We are Australia’s #1 university for business and management: Including #1 for quality of teaching (Times Higher World University Rankings 2020)
• Build a strong foundation in core commerce subjects while discovering where your passions lie:
  Your majors and electives will deepen your commerce knowledge, while breadth subjects will complement your studies
• Be workforce and career ready after three years: 80% of our graduates are employed full-time within the first four months of graduating, with 34% securing a job with EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC or NAB (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2018)
• Be close to the central business district thanks to our central Melbourne campus location
• Feel confident in your future as a Melbourne commerce graduate, no matter your career goals
  You will have an outstanding reputation among employers for your strong understanding of business processes, resourcefulness and problem-solving and leadership skills
• Gain practical experience, build networks and access an engaged alumni community
  Our strong industry connections with leading firms and organisations through our consulting subjects, student clubs, case competitions, and exclusive programs mean you’ll have a competitive edge in the workforce

Your first job could see you as a:

• Business analyst
• Company auditor
• Financial accountant
• Forensic accountant
• Market analyst

In 5-10 years, you’ll progress to roles such as:

• Senior Consultant
• Manager
• Senior Accountant
• Senior Auditor

And in 15-20 years you could be a successful:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Partner
• Director

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

Commerce graduates with a major in accounting are eligible to apply for associate membership of:

• CPA Australia
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
• Institute of Public Accountants