1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Commerce
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Accounting

Accounting

Bachelor of CommerceMajorYear: 2021

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Overview

Accounting is the ‘language of business’, informing management decision-making within an organisation and the allocation of resources between organisations. It provides the tools to measure and assess firm performance and valuation.

Professional accountants operate in an increasingly complex and sophisticated field and are valued in every industry. Because they act as strategic advisers and business partners, they must understand business issues and processes and have the skills necessary for sound decision-making. Accounting leads to a career path with countless possibilities – you can work in a variety of roles, in any sector, in countries across the globe.

Melbourne is known for the quality of its accounting program and strong graduate employability outcomes. The Accounting major offers a direct path to becoming a qualified accountant. You'll learn about the financial structure of organisations, and how to produce and analyse financial information. You'll also develop knowledge of business strategy, issues and processes, along with the skills for sound decision making.

Membership requirements to Professional Associations vary, but will usually require you to have completed certain subjects in the Bachelor of Commerce, such as Corporate Law, Principles of Business Law and Taxation Law 1. Full membership requirements may include relevant work experience and/or further study.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

  • Understand, explain and communicate the nature and objectives of accounting within business organisations, financial markets and society
  • Understand and explain the main theories for the demand and supply for accounting information
  • Understand how to prepare and use financial reports and other data to make investment and credit decisions and to provide an analysis of the economic health of a business
  • Explain and communicate the role of cost measurement, performance measurement and control systems play in planning and controlling organisational activities
  • Understand the concepts of information systems, audit, corporate governance, ethics and its influence on accounting information
  • Apply knowledge of major theories and models of accounting information to provide insight into current, complex, practical accounting problems
  • Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information relative to the purposes it serves

Last updated: 3 May 2024