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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Accounting (Pathway to Master of Finance (Financial Planning)

Degree overview

  • Complete an accounting undergraduate and postgraduate finance degree in financial planning in just four years through our Fast-track to Masters program.
  • Graduate with a highly diverse skill-set and broader career opportunities.
  • Gain real-world experience through an industry internship, a mentorship opportunity or an overseas study tour.
  • Both on campus and mixed mode study options are available, providing you with flexibility throughout your studies.
  • Develop strong problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills, and learn about the economic, legal and political influences that impact global business.
  • Develop the knowledge for a successful and rewarding career in accounting and business advisory with an industry-accredited degree.
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate, with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses.
  • Study one of the first master’s degrees in Australia approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
  • Study core courses in business and finance, and gain specialist expertise in areas such as ethics, financial regulation and applied financial planning.
  • Experience our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room and learn with the same technology used by the world’s leading banks and investment firms.
  • Benefit from exam preparation resources and workshops so you feel confident for your university and FASEA exams.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Accounting.
  • Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
  • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
  • Study at a Top 5 business school in Australia for quality.

Campus Information

Adelaide- City West

On the edge of Adelaide’s central business district, City West houses studies in business, law, art, architecture, design, Indigenous cultures and Australian society.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Careers to consider:

  • Auditor/Risk consultant: ensuring financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluating and reporting on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; working on business process reviews and risk assessments.
  • Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability; problem solving with clients.
  • Forensic accountant: working in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; researching and preparing forensic reports for courts; providing expert evidence
  • Insolvency and reconstruction adviser: working with and achieving the best possible results for stakeholders in cases of personal and business financial distress; administrations and liquidations; restructuring under performing businesses and turnarounds.
  • Management accountant: assisting senior management make critical business decisions; preparing forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; advising managers about the financial implications of business decisions
  • Practising accountant: working for private sector, government or individuals; preparing tax returns; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising on business structures
  • Tax accountant/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies.
  • Client relationship manager: proactively engage clients by providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice; identify opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; research the latest products and regulations; and focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience.
  • Estate planner: provide clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; help ensure any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and develop estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
  • Insurance broker: research and review available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arrange insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; prepare reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
  • Investment adviser or manager: develop financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitor investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; and provide advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
  • Qualified financial planner or adviser: help clients to meet short-term and long-term financial goals; assist with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; provide advice on personal investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and deliver a high-quality customer experience.
  • Superannuation consultant: provide compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpret new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand merits of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
  • Wealth manager: deliver holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; provide services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possess knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.