Studying Accounting

Businesses see a lot of in-flows and out-flows of cash. This money could be what the companies pay to their employees, shareholders, suppliers, branches and offices or the government as taxes and tariff. The other side of this is the money coming in from customers, government as tax rebates and returns from investments. In addition to these companies also need to forecast their revenue and prepare a budget allocating money to different departments and/or purposes.

Keeping tracking of all these transactions, ensuring payments are made on time and that all money is accounted for is a colossal logistical challenge. That is why companies need suitably qualified accounting professionals to keep on top of all things financial.

Australian universities deliver well-organised, industry-relevant programmes that are valued by employers. In fact, most of the programmes are embedded with a work experience option which involves either undertaking a work placement or completing a suitable project at an external organisation or company.

Several of Australia’s 37 universities offer programmes in accounting or professional accounting as it’s also known.

Some of the universities where you could study are:

• La Trobe
• Bond University
• Southern Cross University
• University of Wollongong
• Charles Sturt University
• Macquarie University

Salary and Career Prospects

Accounting graduates find work in all sectors, including IT and tech (Microsoft, Apple), accountancy and professional services (PwC, Deloitte), retail and hospitality (Marriott, Woolworth), banks (ANZ, Commonwealth), pharmaceutical companies (Johnson & Johnson) and the government.

Some of the roles graduates take up are:Graduate Accountant, Finance Officer, Business Services Accountant, Tax Assessor, Auditor Accounts Payable Officer and Accounts Receivable Officer.

Salaries vary depending on qualifications, location and experience. As a guide, accounting professionals earn around $95,000a year (48 lakhs INR).

Why study in Australia?

Australia has cemented its place as one of the best study destinations for international students. There are 37 universities in Australia; with 7 featuring in top 100 and 15 in top 250 in QS World Rankings 2019.

Tourism, financial services, education, mining and agriculture are the largest sectors in Australia. Prominent IT and technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, in addition to home-grown brands like Atlassian, Gridware, Aconex operate in Australia. Cities of Melbourne and Sydney have a thriving start-up and innovation landscape.

Australians enjoy year-round good weather, high salaries, access to spectacular beaches and a healthy work-life balance. The country is vast and beautiful and has something to offer for everybody, be that opera, music concerts, films, outdoor activities or beaches and surfing.

International graduates are typically offered post-study work visas of up to 3 years upon graduation.