Master of Accounting

This one-year advanced qualification aims to develop internationally focused graduates who require specialised skills and knowledge in accounting, to help sit their CPA Australia exams.

When you study this course, you will be offered tuition for subjects in the CPA Program offered by CPA Australia. You will be required to sit all CPA Program exams administered by CPA Australia and meet all CPA Australia’s program requirements. You will be responsible for all fees, including subject exam fees.

You will further enhance your abilities in areas including financial accounting, managerial accounting, governance and auditing. This course will help you provide high-level advice to management and governing bodies, and undertake senior positions in the workplace.

Towards the end of your course, you will undertake an industry-connected capstone experience, including an internship, research project or study tour. You will also be able to attend employee presentations to expand your networks, with past companies including Coca-Cola Amatil, Grant Thornton and Nexia.

Note: If you do not currently hold a bachelor degree in accounting, you should instead apply for the two-year Master of Professional Accounting.

Why study

• Curtin is currently the only university in Western Australia that offers a master degree integrated with the CPA Program. This will allow you to both obtain a master-level qualification and receive academic support, while you prepare for the CPA Program’s examinations.
• The Curtin Accounting Association can help to grow your network and connect you with industry. The association is run by Curtin accounting students and is sponsored by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants, EY, KPMG and the Curtin Student Guild.
• The additional knowledge and expertise you gain in this course could help you move upward towards a management role. You’ll expand your understanding of accounting through theoretical study and real-life cases.

Professional recognition

This course is recognised by CPA Australia. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be registered as a Certified Practising Accountant.

This course also meets the core competency requirements of professional accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and ACCA.

Career information

Careers

• Certified Practising Accountant
• Accountant manager
• Senior accountant
• Chief Financial Officer

Industries

• Accounting
• Finance and investment
• Government
• Law
• Resources and renewables

What you'll learn

• apply principles of financial accounting, managerial accounting, governance and auditing to grasp theoretical underpinnings of the discipline. Extend knowledge base with research and application of business research methods.
• apply critical and analytical thinking to develop innovative solutions to complex problems in relevant business fields.
• locate, extract and critically appraise information from a range of sources and effectively communicate it using structured financial or other appropriate language to a professional audience for a range of purposes.
• develop ongoing professional, self-directed and reflective education relating to developments and changes in the information requirements of a global financial system that is multi-perspective in nature, and apply international financial reporting standards.
• recognise that cultural practices and differences impact upon commercial endeavours and interpersonal relations. Work effectively in multicultural team environments.
• exhibit professional and ethical approach to analysing and reporting commercial activities demonstrating leadership, collaborative and independent qualities when required, in compliance with appropriate legislation and protocols.