Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This accelerated masters covers core areas of accounting, finance, taxation and corporate law, delivered in a compact, practice-focused sequence. You study financial and management accounting principles, advanced financial reporting, auditing and assurance, taxation law and practice, accounting information systems, corporate finance and professional ethics. The program emphasises the application of accounting standards, contemporary reporting requirements and the use of industry software and data tools used in practice.

• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Management Accounting and Performance Management
• Taxation Law and Practice
• Auditing and Assurance Services
• Corporate Finance and Financial Management
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics
• Professional Ethics and Governance
• Research Methods or Capstone Project in Professional Accounting

The accelerated structure concentrates these subjects into an expedited sequence that can include a professional practice or capstone project. Delivery options typically include on-campus intensive blocks and flexible online components to suit working students.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent tertiary qualification. Those without a degree but with substantial professional experience in a related field may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior study in quantitative subjects is useful but not mandatory for the accelerated stream.

• Completed tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Meeting the university’s academic admission standards (meeting minimum grade/GPA thresholds as assessed by the admissions office)
• Evidence of English language proficiency for international applicants (as set by the university)
• Supplementary documents such as a CV, personal statement and certified transcripts

Meeting program entry does not automatically guarantee eligibility for professional accreditation; graduates should check the specific requirements of bodies such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ or other overseas accounting bodies.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a broad range of accounting and finance roles. The accelerated degree is aimed at enabling a career change into professional accounting and supports progression towards industry accreditation when combined with any additional professional experience or accredited subject requirements.

• Public practice accountant or auditor
• Management accountant and financial controller roles
• Tax consultant or adviser in public or corporate settings
• Financial analyst or corporate finance associate
• Forensic accounting, risk and compliance roles
• Business analyst, systems accountant or accounting software specialist

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers flexible delivery across on-campus and online modes, which suits professionals and those changing careers. The accounting programs are designed with applied learning in mind, featuring case studies, industry-relevant software training and opportunities for workplace-aligned projects. CQU maintains links with industry and professional bodies to ensure the curriculum maps to current practice and professional pathways.

Students benefit from dedicated student support services, practical assessment tasks that mirror workplace problems, and an accelerated format that reduces the time to qualify for entry-level accounting roles and further professional accreditation pathways.