Qualify for professional accreditation with the CA, CPA, IPA, and ACCA.
Looking to become a professional accountant through online study? Australia offers accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, with online courses that enable you to earn a degree from anywhere.
These online programs will help you gain a professional qualification with industry organisations, including CA, CPA, IPA, and ACCA. Discover the best online accounting courses in Australia, the subjects you will cover, and the job opportunities you can expect to follow from your studies.
Top Online Bachelor Degrees
The best accounting degrees at a bachelor level are the most enjoyable. You cover the same core subjects no matter which accredited course you choose. Student satisfaction, which helps learning, is perhaps the number one criterion that separates courses.
The top online bachelor degrees have been chosen based on features and course satisfaction ratings. These programs give you the best opportunity for an enjoyable study experience while you earn your professional qualifications.
UNE - Bachelor of Accounting
The Bachelor of Accounting at the University of New England (UNE) combines traditional accounting practices with modern technology like AI and big data. You can study online or at the Armidale, NSW campus. Prepare for careers in accounting, data analysis, and financial management. It’s accredited by major Australian accounting bodies. The course covers core units, electives, and majors. Students can specialise in areas such as finance, business analysis, or agribusiness.
Graduate Professional Accounting Programs
Graduate programs in professional accounting are designed for people who want to become accredited accountants.
- A Graduate Certificate in Accounting (4 units) is a pathway course to a Master of Professional Accounting degree. It is open not just to university graduates, but also people without a degree who have relevant training or experience.
- A Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (8 units) is an extended version of the Graduate Certificate course. It gives a stronger grounding in accounting principles and techniques.
- A Master of Professional Accounting (12-16 units) is a conversion course for people without an undergraduate accounting degree. Students learn how to be an accountant. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional accreditation with Australian accounting bodies.
Accreditation
If you've completed some accounting units at university already, you can do just the outstanding units required to meet academic requirements for professional accreditation.
If you haven't studied accounting at university level before, you can start with a Graduate Certificate course but will ultimately need to complete the Master of Professional Accounting program to become eligible for accreditation.
Accounting Core Subjects
Accounting course topics align with knowledge requirements for professional accreditation. There is a close mapping between course units and accreditation specifications.
Based on the Chartered Accountants program, professional accounting courses should cover the following subjects:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Accounting Systems and Processes
- Accounting Theory
- Audit and Assurance
- Australian Corporations Law
- Australian Taxation
- Commercial Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Quantitative Methods.
Study Accounting Online
Accounting is a dynamic and exciting profession in today’s global business environment. Accounting has seen a major shift in recent decades – from focusing on financial accountability to a more complex role within business organisations and management.
Online accounting courses are a path to professional accreditation with the CA, CPA, IPA and ACCA. You can meet academic requirements by studying online from home or work. Good distance education courses allow you to complete all required units without having to attend a campus.
Before enrolling to become a professional accountant, you may want to consult with a course adviser to identify units required for accreditation.
Critical business decisions always come down to the numbers. Accountants are analysts, advisors and decision makers. Diverse career opportunities exist in public accounting practices, corporations (small and large), audit firms, government and not-for-profit organisations.
Accountant Careers – Job Ad Snippets
Edited snippets from jobs ads. Random sample.
Graduate Accountant – Allmand Jones
The position offers exposure to a diverse client base allowing you to gain experience in a variety of accounting fields and to receive excellent training. Applicants committed to commencing the ICAA CA Program will be highly regarded.
Graduate Finance Officer – Programmed Responsibilities include performing full accounts payable and receivable, assist with accounts procurement and manage credit card payments and reconciliations. Must have a Degree in Accounting or other relevant discipline.
Financial Accountant – Oberix Group
Key responsibilities includes Accounts payable and receivable, payroll, credit applications and project invoicing. Must hold a recognised accounting degree and be prepared to work towards qualifying for membership of CA or CPA.
Finance Graduate 2020 – QANTAS
You'll have the opportunity to work in our Centre of Finance Excellence, work as a business partner with our domestic or international teams and gain exposure to specialist areas such as treasury and tax. You must be in your final year of study or have completed an accounting, finance or commerce undergraduate degree or postgraduate study in the last 2 years and have a credit average or above.
Assistant Financial Accountant – Royal Australian Mint
Responsibilities include month end process including month end journals and reconciliations and CBMS (Commonwealth Budget Management System). Must have Tertiary qualification in accounting.
Tax Accountant – Collins House
Key responsibilities include preparing income tax returns and BAS’s for individuals, family groups, discretionary trusts, unit trusts, partnerships and Companies. Our ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Accounting or Business and a CPA or CA qualification commenced or completed.
Financial Control Analyst – ING
Main responsibilities are SOX404 co-ordination, internal controls alignment and compliance with policies and procedures. Minimum 2 years’ experience in an internal and/or financial control or an auditing role and CA or CPA qualified or in the process of qualifying.
Financial Accountant – Hit 100
This role requires an experienced and entrepreneurial individual who can combine business and accounting expertise, to ensure Hit 100 becomes the leading service provider of allied health services to the disability and aged care sectors. Selection criteria: A relevant university degree (Major in Accountancy) and CA/CPA qualified or part-qualified.
Finance Systems Project Accountant – City of Adelaide
You will be responsible for the planning, delivery and documentation of finance systems projects, including the upgrade of the Council’s Finance System. To be successful in this role you will have highly developed project and consultant management skills and a tertiary qualification in Accounting, Information Systems or a related field, and post-graduate accounting qualifications.