Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting
UndergraduateSWI-BAC-DEG2026
A major in accounting broadens career opportunities
Combine accounting and core business subjects to gain the skills you need for your career in finance. Boosted with an accounting specialisation, this multi-accredited online business degree preps you for success in almost any business in any industry.
- 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
About this degree
During this Course students will gain knowledge in the following systems and processes:
- Accounting Systems Learn how to record and analyse business activities, mastering the accounting cycle and its essential systems.
- Business Systems Use accounting systems and software to evaluate business performance and drive positive change across organisations.
- Financial Statements Get to grips with financial statements and how they provide the insights that guide key business decisions.
- Company Accounting Explore international accounting standards and the Australian regulatory framework, preparing you for the global business world.
- Economics Develop strong analytical problem-solving skills to make smarter, data-driven decisions in both business and government.
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:
- Define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to accounting and apply those principles in a range of practices.
- Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in business contexts.
- Formulate creative solutions that are fit for purpose and demonstrate cognisance of the impact of business decisions on the triple bottom line.
- Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas.
- Communicate a range of business arguments by evaluating and implementing alternative communication strategies as appropriate to the audience.
- Build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies.
- Work collaboratively in diverse groups.
Accounting equips you with strong foundational skills in communication and analytics, while giving you hands-on experience with software such as XERO. Study will be focused on the impact of emerging technologies and sustainability on the accounting discipline, and you will gain valuable insights from industry experts in finance and accounting, who will set you up for a successful career, whether you’re working with organisations or individuals.
Through an industry consulting project with real-life clients such as Acrodyne, Build Pass, Epilepsy Foundation, Inception Point, Inclusion Melbourne and Lend For Good, you’ll gain the confidence to hit the ground running when you graduate.
This degree opens the door to becoming a qualified accountant, with pathways to CPA Australia (CPAA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
Once you complete this Bachelor’s, you’ll be primed to take the next step in becoming a fully qualified accountant.
Recommended study pattern
A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting, including seven core business units, the choice of one of two core business practice units, eight Accounting major units and seven electives. 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 Fundamental units
Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)
Financial Information for Decision-Making (ACC10007)
Economics for Business Decision-Making (ECO10005)
Contemporary Management Principles (MGT10001)
Business Digitalisation (INF10024)
Marketing and the Consumer Experience (MKT10009)
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 Major units
Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)
Financial Statistics (FIN10002)
Management Accounting for Planning and Control (ACC20007)
Financial Management (FIN20014)
Company Accounting (ACC20013)
Taxation (ACC30005)
Auditing (ACC30010)
Accounting Theory (ACC30008)
Law of Commerce (LAW20019).
Recommended electives
Big Data Management (INF20016)
Analysis for Competitive Advantage (ACC30009)
Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)
Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact (BUS10014).
Other Elective options can be viewed on the Swinburne Online website.
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Business (Accounting) students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- Eight [8] core units of study (100 credit points);
- Eleven [11] units of study from the Accounting discipline major (137.5 credit points); AND
- Five [5] units of study comprising of a minor and/or electives; (62.5 credit points).
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.
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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.
To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team to discuss your options!
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 Accountant Manage the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure accurate reporting and provide financial information to management.
Finance Manager Support the Chief Financial Officer and executive management make financial decisions. Find ways to improve profitability, providing key financial leadership and identifying and managing financial risks and opportunities.
Portfolio Manager Oversee institutional and retail client investments. Recommend personalized investment strategies and specific investment decisions to clients and have discretionary power in executing those strategies to fulfill the clients' goals.
Brand Manager Brand Managers are responsible for the public perception of the brand. Helping to align product, service and brand, monitor marketing strategies, research and analyse data and current trends, and develop and implement new initiatives that build brand awareness and business growth.
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.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), Certified Practising Accounts (CPA) Australia, ACCA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Please note: To be eligible for a CA/CPA students must complete the Law of Commerce (LAW20019) elective unit.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants | $75K to $93K | Up 8% |
| Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | $93K to $120K | Up 37.6% |
| Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
| Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |