Accounting Major - Bachelor of Business
Study accounting in the Bachelor of Business degree. Accounting is a dynamic career, delivering multifaceted business analysis, and contributing to the strategic development of business, public sector and not-for-profit organisations.
Accountants must be excellent communicators and strongly analytical, as well as having the required technical skills specific to the vocation. They must relate to people from all walks of life, as they’re frequently called upon to explain concepts and strategies to those outside the financial sphere. The changing nature of accounting software packages means that accountants need to have well-developed technical skills. These broad-based skills mean that accounting graduates can start successful careers in a huge variety of roles.
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This is part of the Bachelor of Business.
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As an accounting student you'll become familiar with the accounting cycle, international accounting principles, local and global accounting issues, and auditing principles and techniques. You'll also develop an understanding of ethical dilemmas.
Year 1
In the first semester, you take four core courses that cover fundamental business concepts:
- BUSS505 Consumer and Organisational Behaviour
- BUSS507 Financial Decision Making and Information Systems
- BUSS508 Economics and International Business
- BUSS509 Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability
In Semester 2, you study:
- ACCT502 Accounting Essentials
You may also study another accounting course, and will start to take the first courses from your second major, minor(s) or elective courses.
Year 2 & 3
You gain an understanding of international regulations and practices, and how accounting supports management decision-making.
Accounting courses may include:
- ACCT602 Financial Accounting
- ACCT603 Management Accounting
- ACCT604 Taxation
- ACCT608 Accounting for Social Impact
- ACCT702 Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCT703 Advanced Management Accounting
- ACCT704 Auditing
You also continue to take courses from your second major, minor(s) or elective courses.
Workplace experience
The capstone project is the final part of your degree and takes place in your final semester. You can choose to do a placement in an organisation of your choice, start your own venture or complete an applied project, bringing together your learning and gaining valuable experience.
Recent placements included:
- ANZ Bank
- Auckland Council
- Audit New Zealand
- Deloitte
- EY
- KPMG
- Vodafone NZ
- Westpac Bank
Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
Workplace experience in AUT programmes
Build your degree
Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.
https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/business/courses/bachelor-of-business/accounting-major
Skills you will develop
The outcomes for graduates of this major are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.
Current students looking for specific requirements for business majors should refer to Canvas.
Career opportunities when you study the Accounting major
- Chartered accountant
- Chief financial officer
- Corporate accountant
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Taxation consultant
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
AUT accounting programmes are accredited by the following professional bodies. Visit the organisations' websites for membership information and opportunities.
CA ANZ and CPA Australia hold regular information sessions and networking events at AUT.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Graduates are eligible to register for ACCA membership and seek exemptions for some of the ACCA examinations.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) website
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
To become a chartered accountant and gain admission into CA ANZ you need to complete a three-year programme of academic study.
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) website
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Graduates majoring in accounting will have an accelerated route to the CIMA Professional Qualification and the global professional designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
This programme is designed for high achieving undergraduate accounting students. It is a unique one-exam pathway to become a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
CIMA A-Star Programme
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) website
CPA Australia
Graduates are eligible to apply for CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountants) membership, provided core curriculum subjects are completed to meet academic requirements.
Other majors in the Bachelor of Business
- World-leading accounting department
- Accredited by CA ANZ, CIMA, CPA Australia and ACCA
- Includes valuable workplace experience in your final year
- Option to include subjects outside of business as part of your degree
- Offered at the City or South Campus
- A strategic and financial planner
- Enjoying maths, statistics and accounting
- Interested in researching, analysing and interpreting information
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.