University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The Accounting major combines core commerce subjects with specialised accounting units to build technical competence and professional judgement. Early study covers the fundamentals of financial accounting, management accounting, economics and quantitative methods. Later stages progress into intermediate and advanced financial accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation, corporate reporting, and accounting information systems.

Typical topics and modules you can expect include:

• Financial Accounting: preparation and interpretation of financial statements, reporting standards and consolidated accounts.
• Management Accounting: costing, budgeting, performance measurement and decision support for managers.
• Auditing and Assurance: audit methodology, risk assessment, ethics and professional standards.
• Taxation: principles of business and personal taxation, compliance and planning.
• Accounting Information Systems: ICT for accounting, data extraction, controls and ERP concepts.
• Corporate Law and Governance: legal environment for business, corporate governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Finance and Business Analytics: fundamentals of corporate finance, investment appraisal, and data analysis techniques used in accounting.
• Capstone/Applied Project: integrative projects or industry placements that apply accounting knowledge to real-world problems.

The program allows flexibility to take electives or a second major in areas such as finance, economics, marketing or business analytics. Students may also choose to undertake an additional honours year or postgraduate study to deepen research skills or meet specific professional accreditation pathways.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on successful completion of secondary education (or an equivalent qualification). Applicants are expected to demonstrate strengths in numeracy and analytical reasoning; background in intermediate or advanced mathematics from secondary school is commonly recommended. The University of Adelaide also considers alternative entry pathways for mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study or relevant work experience.

International applicants must hold a recognised secondary or tertiary qualification and meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Successful applicants may also be required to meet any additional criteria specified by the Adelaide Business School.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) commonly enter roles across public practice, industry and government. Typical career destinations include:

• External auditor or assurance professional in public accounting firms
• Management accountant, financial accountant or reporting analyst within corporations
• Tax adviser, compliance specialist or consultant in advisory firms
• Corporate finance analyst, treasury analyst or internal auditor
• Forensic accountant, risk and compliance officer, or roles in public sector finance

The degree is structured to prepare students for the academic requirements of major professional bodies and industry certification pathways, and many graduates progress to statutory training programs, postgraduate qualifications or professional exams to achieve chartered or certified status.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide’s business programs are delivered through the Adelaide Business School, which offers close engagement with industry and professional bodies. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities, industry-connected projects, and access to resources such as trading and data labs and career support services. The university’s location and alumni network provide strong links to accounting firms, corporate employers and government agencies, supporting internships and graduate recruitment.

The program is taught by academic staff with research and professional experience in accounting and finance, ensuring a curriculum that balances technical rigour with contemporary business practice. For students aiming for a professional accounting career, the program’s combination of core accounting units, electives and applied learning provides a clear pathway into the profession or further specialised study.