Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning
UndergraduateSWI-BAP-DEG2026
Guide clients through complex financial decisions
Learn to interpret and communicate financial information and use the latest technology to add business value. You’ll study investment, taxation, insurance, and more. Make confident decisions and steer clients towards sustainable financial futures.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning
About this degree
During this Course students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Financial Accounting Develop the skills to solve complex finance problems while understanding the broader impact of your decisions on businesses.
- Company Accounting Learn to think critically and solve financial accounting challenges to meet business needs.
- Ethical Client Relationships Equip yourself to analyse and resolve financial dilemmas while adhering to ethical practices that build client trust.
- Investment Planning Gain expertise in creating and defending investment strategies that align with client goals, building diverse portfolios.
- Retirement Planning Develop strategies and recommendations on superannuation and retirement planning based on clients’ requirements.
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:
- Help clients reach their financial goals with confidence.
- Open doors to a wide range of industries to choose from.
- Get on the pathway to becoming a registered financial planner.
In this course you’ll learn from seasoned finance experts who will equip you with the essential tools to evaluate and communicate financial insights that drive real business success.
Dive into cutting-edge technology and sustainable investment strategies, empowering you to guide clients through crucial financial decisions like investment planning, taxation, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be exposed to the latest financial management software, like Python. You’ll do assessments designed to prepare you for the workforce, such as developing strategies for real-life clients. You’ll also undertake a financial planning project, where you will learn to make investment decisions and get insight into what it’s like to be a financial advisor.
Work directly with real clients such as Build Pass, Inception Point, Insurance Brokers, Acorro, Inclusion Melbourne, and Springvale Toy Library.
This course meets the educational requirements of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA). It is also professionally accredited by CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) as well as CPA (Certified Practising Accountants) Australia. In addition, it is ASIC approved qualification which forms part of the requirements to becoming a financial adviser, ensuring you’ll learn the skills necessary to enter the financial planning industry with confidence.
Recommended study pattern
A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Financial Planning, including seven business fundamental units, the choice of one of two core business practice units and 16 Accounting & Financial Planning major units. You'll collaborate with your peers and solve real business problems, giving you the confidence to step into the workforce with practical experience.
Core Business units
Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)
Contemporary Management Principles (MGT10001)
Marketing and the Consumer Experience (MKT10009)
Financial Information for Decision-Making (ACC10007)
Economics for Business Decision-Making (ECO10005)
Business Digitalisation (INF10024)
Business Consulting Project (BUS30032).
Core Business Practice Units
And a choice of one unit from:
Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)
Sustainable Business Practice (BUS30031).
Accounting and Financial Planning major units
Business for Sustainability, Social Change & Impact (BUS10014)
Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)
Management Accounting for Planning and Control (ACC20007)
Company Accounting (ACC20013)
Taxation (ACC30005)
Accounting Theory (ACC30008)
Auditing (ACC30010)
Financial Statistics (FIN10002)
Principles of Financial Planning (FIN10003)
Financial Management (FIN20014)
Ethics and Client Relationships (FIN20015)
Finance and Behavioural Bias (FIN20017)
Investment and Financial Planning Project (FIN30017)
Personal Financial Risk and Estate Planning (FIN30022)
Retirement Planning (FIN30023)
Law of Commerce (LAW20019).
Award requirements
Students are required to complete units as listed in the Recommended Study Pattern.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$17,399
Indicative total fee $52,197
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking.
Learn more about Swinburne University of Technology
Explore Swinburne University of Technology courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 15
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
- A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
- 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
- Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.
Credit for Prior Learning
If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.
This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.
Career opportunities
Potential career opportunities include:
Accountant Help clients from businesses to individuals manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
Financial Planner Guide individuals and organisations through their financial goals. Provide expert advice on investments as well as retirement planning, superannuation and other key financial aspects of people’s lives.
Financial Accountant Manage the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure accurate reporting and provide financial information to management.
Financial Controller Oversee the daily operations of the finance department. Lead the development of financial strategies and ensure accurate reporting.
Management Accountant Use your financial expertise to inform key decisions that guide your organisation’s growth.
Tax Advisor Help individuals and businesses with tax planning and preparing tax returns. Provide essential support during the end-of-financial-year with your expertise in tax law.
Auditor Act as the “detective” in finance by examining records to ensure compliance, efficiency, and legal standards.
Project Manager Lead the team and manage projects from ideation to execution. Project Managers are responsible for project milestones, contracts, documentation, reporting on risks, leading teams, and delivering reports to senior leaders.
Professional recognition
This course meets the educational requirements of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and is accredited by the Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC). It is also accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Australia.
Financial Adviser Standards (FAS)
From January 2022, the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS), which forms part of the Treasury Department of the Australian Government, sets the education and training standards and the Code of Ethics for licensed financial advisers in Australia. Prior to FAS, this was managed by the Financial Advisers Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
FAS has approved Swinburne Online’s undergraduate and post graduate courses in Financial Planning. This includes the Bachelor of Business with a major in Financial Planning and the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Financial Planning. It also includes the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. Graduates of a FAS approved Swinburne course will satisfy the education standards and requirements prescribed by FAS to provide financial advice in Australia.
Financial Planning Association of Australia's CFP Certified Program
Graduates are eligible for entry into the Financial Planning Association of Australia’s CFP (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) certified program. Students who hold a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Swinburne Online will receive recognised prior learning for CFP1 – 4, and will only need to complete the CFP Capstone unit to become a CFP.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
Swinburne business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, and are a part of the five per cent of business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB. The alumni of AACSB accredited business schools are among the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs impacting business, government, and non-profit sectors.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
| Financial Brokers | Over $120K | Up 47.5% |
| Financial Dealers | Over $120K | Up 4.8% |
| Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |
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