An Accounting and Finance degree in Australia equips students with both the theoretical foundations and practical tools needed to manage, analyse, and report on financial information across a diverse range of industries. The course typically spans three years at the undergraduate level (or one to two years for postgraduate programs) and covers areas including financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, taxation, auditing, economics, and financial markets. Students develop a thorough understanding of the Australian regulatory environment — including Australian Accounting Standards (AASB), the Corporations Act, and taxation law — alongside globally applicable frameworks that prepare them for careers in multinational organisations. Most programs are structured with a common first year covering business and accounting fundamentals, with increasing specialisation in later years into areas such as financial analysis, equity valuation, treasury, risk management, and sustainability reporting.

This course is designed for students who want to build a rigorous, in-demand career at the intersection of business strategy and financial decision-making. It suits those who are analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with numbers, data, and regulatory frameworks. Employers who hire Accounting and Finance graduates in Australia span virtually every sector of the economy: the Big Four professional services firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), the major banks and financial institutions (Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ASX-listed corporations, not-for-profit organisations, government agencies at federal and state levels, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), superannuation funds, insurance companies, fintech startups, and global consulting firms. The breadth of employer demand makes this one of Australia's most versatile and secure qualification pathways.

Most Australian accounting and finance programs are professionally accredited by leading industry bodies, including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This accreditation means graduates can count relevant coursework towards their professional membership requirements, significantly shortening the time needed to achieve full professional certification. Dual-degree options — such as combining accounting with law, information technology, or data science — are increasingly popular and valued by employers looking for multi-skilled professionals who can navigate complex, technology-driven financial environments.

For undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Commerce), domestic applicants typically apply through their state tertiary admissions centre using an ATAR score. Most programs have ATAR cut-offs ranging from around 65 to 85+, depending on the institution and campus location. Some universities do not require specific prerequisite subjects, while others recommend or require completion of Year 12 Mathematics. Applicants may also be assessed on previous higher education studies, completed VET qualifications at AQF Level 5 (Diploma) or above, or via mature-age or work and life experience entry schemes. Foundation and pathway programs are widely available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements, including those from international backgrounds.

For postgraduate programs such as the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Accounting and Finance, applicants typically need a completed bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business, or a related discipline. Some universities accept applicants from non-accounting backgrounds but require completion of bridging or foundation subjects before commencing core units. Selective programs may require a strong academic record (typically a GPA equivalent to 75% or above), and some institutions request a GMAT or GRE score for competitive entry, as well as a Statement of Purpose and letters of recommendation.

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests. Undergraduate programs typically require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall (with no band lower than 6.0), while postgraduate programs generally require IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT (79–100) or PTE Academic (58–65). Many institutions offer English preparatory programs for students who do not yet meet these thresholds. Some universities also offer English language exemptions to applicants whose prior studies were conducted entirely in English.