University of South Australia

Accounting and Finance

Interested in Accounting and Finance?

Develop the expertise to succeed in the fast-paced financial and accounting sectors with a university ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management1. With access to industry knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities, you will graduate prepared for a global professional career.

Learning from experienced academics and industry professionals, you will develop skills valued by employers including communication, teamwork, reporting and analytical skills. You will also understand how external and global markets can affect organisations and use state-of-the-art technologies, including our Iress Trading Room, to identify, analyse and interpret financial information.

An undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or economics will enable you to pursue multiple career paths and equip you with a desirable set of specialist skills. Many of our qualifications are also professionally accredited by industry bodies ensuring you graduate with a degree highly regarded by the sector here and overseas.

Our accredited master's qualifications in accounting, finance, and FASEA approved programs in financial planning will prepare you to advance your career. You will develop expertise in critical and strategic thinking within a highly-regulated industry framework and strengthen your research skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Key features

  • Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management1.
  • Join South Australia's No.1 University for Commerce, Management and Tourism Research2
  • Gain a foundation of business knowledge combined with expertise in accounting, taxation, auditing, law and finance.
  • Learn about the economic, legal and political influences that affect global business, and prepare for a career in accounting and business advisory.
  • Study a financial planning degree recognised as an approved program by Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury3.
  • Add a 1-year master's degree to your studies with our Fast-track to Masters package, and complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years.
  • Eligible students can apply to receive a Women in Finance and Economics Scholarship up to the value of $14,630.
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate, with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity – we have more than 2,500 industry partners and over 60 university partners worldwide.
  • Participate in an investigative study tour learning about the business practices in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan (undergraduate students).
  • Finance students can access our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools – the same technology used by the world's leading banks and investment firms.
  • Under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, you can gain practical, hands-on experience by providing tax advice to members of the community and small businesses in our on-campus Tax Clinic.
  • UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence4.
  • Ranked No. 1 in SA for Business and Economics5.
  • Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality6.
  • Our range of undergraduate business degrees include common core courses in first year – you can then specialise in a chosen area, change your major, add a minor, combine two degrees, or pick and choose from professional electives so you graduate industry-ready.
  • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2The only university in SA to have its Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services research rated above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 2-digit.  3Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) accredited program.  4UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 52024 THE Subject Rankings. 6Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.

Why UniSA?

  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
  • UniSA is No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management2.
  • Our strong real-world connections mean you can learn from researchers recognised as performing world standard in Accounting, Finance and Applied Economics3.
  • UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and we have been awarded an overall five stars for excellence4
  • UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
  • Finance students can experience the first state-of-the-art university-based Iress Trading Room in South Australia, providing a range of financial analysis tools used by the world’s leading banks and investment firms.
  • Our qualifications are accredited and approved by leading professional bodies and we work closely with industry to ensure our curriculum includes the very latest theories and trends.
  • Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study university courses while you’re in Year 12 and guarantee your place into UniSA with study credit. You can also choose to count study towards your SACE Stage 2.
  • Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
  • Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
  • We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at UniSA.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.  2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.  32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).  4UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings.

Enhance your study experience

  • Combined degrees: We offer a wide range of undergraduate combined degrees so you can pair two interest areas and tailor your qualification. Take advantage of the opportunity to specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects.
  • Fast-track to Masters: For select degrees, you can complete a bachelor’s and master’s qualification in just four years through our Fast-track to Masters  package. This unique offering allows you to fast-track your studies and graduate with greater expertise and career opportunities.
  • Business Career Mentor Program: Engage in our Business Career Mentor Program and be paired with an experienced business professional to enhance your network and career.
  • Executive in Residence Program: Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive and industry leader through our Executive in Residence program. This initiative enables you to seek expert guidance for your career development and support to advance your career.
  • Hands-on experience: You can gain valuable industry experience before you graduate with access to internships, professional development courses, Summer or Winter School intensives and more – plus we give you a longer break between semesters to make sure you have the time.
  • Enterprise Skills: To prepare you for a diverse future career in business, UniSA Business is committed to ensuring you graduate with a sound knowledge base and the skills employers are looking for. These skills, better known as Enterprise Skills, will help prepare you for success regardless of field or industry.
  • Business Career Development Grants: Our Business Career Development Grants offer eligible students completing Stage 2 Mathematics, Accounting or Economics a course substitution and a $1,000 study grant. Your grant will go towards a professional career development opportunity or global study experience, preparing you for your dream career.
  • Study abroad: Explore the world and gain an international perspective as part of your studies with our student exchange program. Whether it's a semester or short term exchange or a study tour, you'll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development.

Explore a career in financial planning

The University of South Australia is one of the first institutions nation-wide to offer financial planning programs recognised as an approved program by Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury.

The financial planning profession has recently introduced new education standards, making it more important than ever to hold a recognised qualification.

All financial advisers currently working in industry will need to complete a Treasury-approved program by 2026 to continue practising. If you're looking to enter the industry, you'll now need to complete a Treasury-approved program to start your career.

Our suite of degrees are designed to meet industry requirements and cater to all levels of experience and learning options, with the flexibility to study how it best suits you.

  • Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning): This degree is best suited if you do not hold a prior qualification or industry experience. This program is Treasury-approved and can be completed in 3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) through a mix of on-campus and online study, or 100% online.
  • Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning: If you do not hold a relevant prior qualification but have industry experience in a related financial services role, this program can be used as a direct entry pathway into our Treasury-approved master's program. The graduate certificate can be completed in 6 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) study.
  • Bridging courses: These courses are available to study as standalone courses for existing financial advisers who may only need to complete between 1-3 courses to meet Treasury requirements. 
  • Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning: This degree is best suited to existing financial advisers who need to study a Treasury-approved program to meet new education requirements, and professionals with a relevant degree seeking a career change. This program is Treasury-approved and can be completed in 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) study.
  • Master of Finance (Financial Planning): This degree is best suited to professionals who hold a prior qualification and are seeking a career change in the financial services sector. This program is Treasury-approved and can be completed in 1.5-2 years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) study.

You can also choose to study the bachelor degree 100% online through UniSA Online.

We also offer the option to study a bachelor's or master's degree in financial planning as part of our Fast-track to Masters packaged programs, enabling you to fast-track your studies and enhance your career opportunities in just four years.

UniSA offers the following Accounting and Finance degrees

Choose your level of study

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Your career

Business_Hub_images-66 copy.jpgAs the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

Careers to consider in accounting include:

  • Auditor: ensuring financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluating and reporting on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; working on business process reviews and risk assessments.
  • Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability; problem solving with clients
  • Forensic accountant: working in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; researching, analysis and preparing forensic reports for court; presenting findings; working closely with clients and colleagues
  • Practising accountant: working for private sector, government or individuals; preparing tax returns; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising on business structures
  • Tax accountant: processing tax returns; completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and company tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies

Careers to consider in finance include:

  • Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability
  • Investment fund manager: providing financial advice about investment matters such as buying and selling of trusts, shares and bonds; analysing data and available information to make decisions and recommendations about investments.
  • Investment banker: raising capital for companies, governments and other entities; assisting with large, complicated financial transactions; providing advice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory environments, and risk assessment
  • Qualified financial planner or adviser: helping clients to meet short- and long-term financial goals; assisting with legal and financial documents, financial laws and legal restrictions; advising on investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, our research in Accounting and Applied Economics was assessed as world-class. We have strong links, individually and collectively, with leading and like-minded research institutions in North America, Europe and the UK and are building equally exciting new relationships in Asia.

Industry facts

job-listings

Between now and 2024 employment in Australia for financial brokers, dealers and investment advisers is projected to increase by 6,900 (6.9 per cent).

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

global-travel-delivery

By 2024 employment for accountants, auditors and company secretaries in Australia is projected to increase by 9.3 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

buildings-city

Australia’s financial services sector is the largest contributor to the nation's economic growth.

Financial Services Council. State of the Art 2019.

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

Study at UniSA

You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers. See where our accounting and finance degrees could take you.

UniSA Video

What others are saying

"I was able to participate in the mentor program, Chartered Accountancy achiever program and networking events within the university and accounting organisations. It gave me an insight into the industry and the skills I need to have when I enter the workforce."

Damien Mcleod

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Accountant, Accru Harris Orchard

Damien Mcleod Undergraduate Commerce student.jpg

Damien Mcleod

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Accountant, Accru Harris Orchard

"I enjoy studying at UniSA because of the world-class facilities, collections of quality study materials, student support services and quality lecturers, who hold a PhD, CPA, CA and more."

Phallika Chum

Master of Professional Accounting

Phallika Chum

Phallika Chum

Master of Professional Accounting

UniSA's accounting degree has a strong emphasis on the importance of communication and teamwork. You need to be able to communicate technical concepts in terms that your clients can understand and action. Beyond the theoretical knowledge, I have found these skills to be useful when interacting and corresponding with clients and colleagues.

Lilian Te

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Manager - Corporate Tax | BDO Australia

Lilian Te June2014 165.jpg

Lilian Te

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Manager - Corporate Tax | BDO Australia

Having a FASEA*-approved qualification is now imperative to a successful career as a financial adviser. The new FASEA* requirements will effectively reshape Australia’s network of financial advisers. Financial planners who are able to adapt to change, continually learn new things, possess good communication skills, and demonstrate flexibility and resilience will be the most successful in their career.

*Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) accredited program.

Louise Trevaskis

Academy and Education Manager | AMP Financial Services

Louise Trevaskis - Financial Planning industry.jpg

Louise Trevaskis

Academy and Education Manager | AMP Financial Services

UniSA listens to what employers need then provides you with the tools and education to prepare you for your career. As a student, I attended industry events and participated in the Business Career Mentor Program, which allowed me to learn first-hand from industry professionals who had previously walked in my shoes. I was then fortunate enough to be offered a graduate position at a big four accounting firm before graduating.

Nicholas Abela

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Client Engagement Officer | ATO

Nick Abela, Business Finance student

Nicholas Abela

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Client Engagement Officer | ATO

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings