Adelaide University

Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting

What courses will you study

Complete 144 units comprising:

• 66 units for Core courses, and
• 48 to 54 units for one Major from Majors, and
• 12 units for all work-integrated learning, and
• 12 to 18 units for Electives

Core courses

Common Core

• An Ethically Rich Life
• Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
• Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
• Proppa Ways, Future Practice
• Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education, and Industry
• Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing

Program core

• Accounting for Decision Makers
• Business Finance
• Business Law
• Management, Organisations and Leadership
• Data Analytics
• Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants
• Principles of Economics
• Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence

Major courses

• Financial Accounting 1
• Accounting Systems and Processes
• Financial Accounting 2
• Management Accounting
• Contemporary Issues in Accounting
• Corporate Accounting and Analysis
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Taxation Law

Work-integrated learning

• Business Practicum
• Business Clinic

Electives

• Personal Finance
• Financial Modelling
• Behavioural Finance
• Strategic Financial Analysis
• Alternative Investments
• Global Wealth Management
• Blockchain, Crypto, and Big Data

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting will help you build the fundamental accounting skills needed for preparing and using financial reports. Gain an understanding of accounting information systems, their role in organisations and how they support a company’s strategic and operational decision-making and problem-solving.

Along with foundational courses that develop your understanding of business structures, you’ll learn about the theoretical underpinnings of accounting. You’ll explore the professional judgement required; as well as the social, ethical and environmental issues associated with accounting.

Through this degree, you’ll study Core Courses that are common to all commerce degrees to give you a broad understanding of accounting principles.

Electives from a range of complementary areas including business, management and language will further enrich your knowledge.

You’ll also study courses tailored to your major, including:

• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• Corporate accounting
• Contemporary issues in accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation.

Engage with other skillsets integral to the business sector and appreciate the intersection of accounting in a variety of corporate, social and community bodies.

Over your second and third year, you’ll develop core professional skills by completing more than 300 hours of Work Integrated Learning, where you’ll undertake placements alongside accounting professionals in your desired industry.

This degree will also expand your employability outcomes by developing your skills in strategic thinking, communication and cultural competence in a global environment.

Career outcomes

Embark on a rewarding journey in the world of accounting, where every number counts.

You might blend your passion for fashion with accounting, purchasing trending clothing, and reselling them back to major retailers, meticulously monitoring costs and contractual agreements. You could assist a new start-up business in launching their latest product, tracking their expenditure, and ensuring their financial goals are met. Perhaps you’ll uncover financial irregularities as a vigilant investigator, identifying and thwarting money laundering schemes.

With your essential accounting skills and the ability to make strategic decisions at a professional level, you may find work as a:

• Risk consultant
• Forensic accountant
• Management accountant
• Practising accountant
• Tax accountant
• Business adviser.

In accounting, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact that shapes the success and integrity of the organisations you work for.

Industry trends

The accounting profession is facing skyrocketing demand, with Australia’s annual employment growth for accountants rising by 300% in the last year.

Thanks to automation and the rise of artificial intelligence, the accounting sector is also undergoing a seismic shift. As these innovations become more readily available, the need for accountants who are agile problem solvers and who can employ critical thinking to forge genuine connections with their clients is paramount. Accounting processes such as data entry and bookkeeping will no longer be a distinguishing factor for employers looking to choose between candidates. Rather, they will be looking for graduates who can maximise their time and make efficient and sensible decisions. Your Adelaide University accounting degree will give you the latest knowledge and sought-after soft skills to stand out.

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.