Master of Professional Accounting

The QUT Master of Professional Accounting provides students with an advanced, well-rounded understanding of the modern accounting profession. By combining current industry practices with academic learning, the degree prepares you to excel in your career, both domestically and globally.

Delving into the future of accounting and finance, this program provides foundational accounting principles and digital practices, including emerging technologies such as Generative AI, within the context of the Australian regulatory framework. You’ll explore topics such as transaction recording, inventory and asset management, liabilities, business structures, and cash flow analysis, with reference to the Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Tax law is another key focus of the program, building on your knowledge of Business and Corporations Law and introducing the statutory framework of the Australian taxation system. You’ll develop expertise in the taxation of partnerships, trusts and companies, as well as key areas such as goods and services tax (GST) and fringe benefits tax (FBT).

Real-world learning is embedded throughout the program. Across your studies, you’ll engage with a range of case studies and practical analysis, applying your theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.You will also use contemporary tools and platforms commonly applied in the accounting profession. Throughout the degree, you’ll gain practical experience with Xero, one of the leading accounting platforms for small and medium-sized businesses, and have the opportunity to obtain Xero certification.

In the final capstone unit, you’ll collaborate in a small peer group to address a genuine client problem for an industry partner—providing valuable hands-on experience. Here, you’ll build the skills to apply and interpret tax legislation in complex, real-world scenarios.

Careers and outcomes

Accounting offers a wide range of career paths across many industries, with the option to start and run your own business. The QUT Master of Professional Accounting gives you the key skills and leadership abilities you need to move your career forward, whether you want to work in Australia or overseas.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to practise professionally, having developed the skills required to gain entry into internationally recognised programs such as Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and the Chartered Accountant (CA) Program.

For those looking to extend their studies, graduates may be eligible to progress to the GQ51 Master of Business Administration, GS50 Executive Master of Business Administration, IF80 Master of Philosophy or IF49 Doctor of Philosophy.

Careers and outcomes

Accounting offers a wide range of career paths across many industries, with the option to start and run your own business. The QUT Master of Professional Accounting gives you the key skills and leadership abilities you need to move your career forward, whether you want to work in Australia or overseas.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to practise professionally, having developed the skills required to gain entry into internationally recognised programs such as Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and the Chartered Accountant (CA) Program.

Professional recognition

The Master of Professional Accounting meets the accreditation requirements for CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates are able to enrol in their respective professional programs.

Graduates are also eligible for exemptions in the qualifying program for membership of the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

More information on membership requirements of professional bodies can be found at their websites, linked above.

Early exit

Students may exit from the Master of Professional Accounting (BS13) at the following stages, once those particular course requirements have been met:

• Graduate Diploma of Business (BS68)
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Business and Innovation (BS36)