Master of Professional Accounting

If you already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, the Master of Professional Accounting is the best way to gain entry to the professional accounting bodies.

The course is open to graduates but non graduates may enter following successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Accounting.

The course covers introductory as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, finance, tax and company law and auditing.

On successful completion, graduates can apply for Associate Membership of the Professional Accounting Bodies.

The course is accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia.

It meets the entry requirements of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Course Aims

The Master of Professional Accounting aims to prepare students from non-accounting backgrounds to gain professional qualifications in accounting and to apply for Associate Membership with the Professional Accounting Organisations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate mastery of knowledge within the accounting discipline, that includes understanding of recent developments and ability to reflect critically on theory and to undertake professional work in accounting; identify complex problems in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, evaluate and synthesise a range of solutions and recommend the best course of action; demonstrate a current knowledge and understanding of research principles and methods as they apply to accounting; communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on accounting and finance issues in a coherent and sustained manner; demonstrate a proficiency with the researching, presentation and dissemination of information within and outside accounting; demonstrate application of knowledge and skills acquired within the accounting discipline with high level of creativity, initiative and personal autonomy; and plan and execute a substantial research-based project or capstone experience and/or piece of research.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the accounting discipline suitable for professional practice and for progression to further study in the accounting discipline. Demonstrate an awareness of the global and international developments within the accounting discipline, including international regulatory frameworks. Communication Skills Communicate to a range of stakeholders using appropriate methods to present technical information and build rapport; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions whilst recognising the particular importance of adequate disclosure of information and transparency in the accounting profession. Problem Solving Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; identify critical issues in the discipline or professional area; conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem; collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving. Information Literacy Recognise the need for information and the nature and extent of information required; collect information effectively and efficiently; critically evaluate information; use appropriate technology, methods and techniques to collect and evaluate information; and present information in formats relevant to professional practice and scholarship in the accounting discipline. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and importance of the integrity and professional ethics in the accounting discipline, including an awareness of relevant professional codes of conduct, strategies to identify and deal with unethical behaviour and of their professional responsibility towards clients and the community as a whole. Lifelong Learning Reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge; identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; practise critical thinking; learn both independently and cooperatively; learn new skills and apply learning to new and unexpected situations; recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings. Independence and Collaboration Work independently, in a team or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals and to solve problems; contribute specialist knowledge as required; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; and evaluate team performance. Graduates also become aware of the multicultural environment, acting with dignity and showing respect to the fellow members of the group.