Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This coursework master's combines core accounting disciplines with contemporary business subjects and practical application. Typical topics include financial accounting and reporting, management accounting and performance measurement, auditing and assurance, taxation law and practice, corporate and business law, accounting information systems, and professional ethics. The degree usually includes research or capstone components such as a project, consultancy subject or applied research unit to integrate technical learning with workplace practice.

• Core accounting subjects: financial reporting, advanced management accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation.
• Business and law: corporate governance, commercial law, finance for managers.
• Technology and data: accounting information systems, use of spreadsheet and reporting tools, data analytics for accountants.
• Professional practice: ethics, professional conduct, communication and a capstone or research project linking theory to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree, either in accounting or in another discipline. Candidates without an accounting undergraduate background are typically admitted but will be required to complete specified foundational or bridging units to cover core accounting knowledge. Admission may consider academic transcript, prior study level and any relevant professional experience.

International applicants must demonstrate competent English language proficiency as defined by ACU; acceptable evidence commonly includes recognised test scores or previous study in English. ACU also offers alternative pathways, such as graduate certificates or bridging programs, for applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting enter a wide range of accounting and finance roles. Typical positions include:

• Financial accountant or reporting analyst in corporate finance teams
• Management accountant, cost analyst or business partner roles
• External auditor or assurance professional in public accounting firms
• Tax advisor or compliance officer in firms or government revenue agencies
• Forensic accountant, internal auditor, or roles in not-for-profit and public sectors

The programme is structured to meet the academic requirements for professional accreditation pathways, positioning graduates to pursue membership of major accounting bodies and to obtain the practical experience necessary for chartered or certified status.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU positions accounting study within a strong professional and ethical framework, emphasising practical skills and workplace readiness. The university offers small class sizes, industry-connected teaching and options for study across several campuses as well as online learning to suit working students. Coursework is delivered by staff with professional accounting experience and links to industry, and the programme is designed to align with the academic requirements of recognised professional accounting bodies to support graduates seeking professional accreditation.

Students also benefit from ACU's student support services, career development programs and opportunities to engage in workplace projects that build the technical, communication and ethical competencies employers look for in accounting professionals.