What degree do I need to become an accountant?

A Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting is the clearest route at Waikato, with the option to take the fast-track Professional Accounting stream and gain provisional membership of either CAANZ, CPA Australia, CIMA or ACCA. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject, a Master of Professional Accounting is a common route towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

What is a Chartered Accountant, and do I need to become one?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a highly qualified accounting professional who has completed extra training, gain practical work experience, and passed professional exams beyond a university degree. They also meet the standards required to be a member of a recognised professional body, eg. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). They must also meet high ethical and professional standards, with a requirement for ongoing professional development throughout their career. CAs are trusted experts in areas such as financial management, reporting, taxation, auditing and assurance, risk and compliance, business advisory and corporate strategy. Being a CA is not required to work in accounting, but it's widely expected for senior leadership roles and is a common goal for accounting graduates. You become one by either completing a Bachelor of Business majoring in Professional Accounting , or a Master of Professional Accounting. Once you graduate, you can then apply for provisional membership of either: Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) CPA Australia Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) To become a fully qualified CA in New Zealand, you will then need to gain three years' of mentored work experience in an accounting role, pass an online ethics training module, and meet any other professional standards.

How is an auditor different to an accountant?

An auditor is a specialist accountant who independently checks an organisation's financial records to ensure they are accurate, complete, and comply with accounting standards and government laws. Many auditors work for accounting firms and spend time with different clients throughout the year, while others work internally for a single organisation. A typical auditor meets with clients to understand how their systems and controls operate, reviews financial statements and accounting records, and tests transactions and business processes to verify they are accurate. Auditors also identify errors, assess risks, investigate potential irregularities or fraud, and prepare reports outlining their findings and recommendations. Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking are essential, as auditors help organisations maintain transparency and accountability. The role suits people who enjoy understanding how organisations operate, working with numbers and data, asking questions, challenging assumptions, and solving problems. Many auditors go on to become Chartered Accountants and later move into senior finance, consulting, or leadership roles.

Do I need a Master of Professional Accounting to become a Chartered Accountant?

No. Most people complete a Bachelor of Business majoring in Professional Accounting , then apply for provisional membership of a professional accounting body like Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Can I move into accounting with a degree in a different subject?

Yes. The Master of Professional Accounting is designed to let graduates from other fields build the accounting-specific knowledge needed for the profession.

Are there shorter postgraduate options before the full Master of Professional Accounting?

No. If you already have a degree in another subject, a 12-month Master of Professional Accounting is typically the fastest pathway to meet the academic requirements for Chartered Accountant (CA) status. There are some shorter accounting qualifications available, such as certificates and diplomas, but these do not meet the academic requirements for CA status.

Accountant and auditor career

Q: How long does it take to become an accountant and auditor?

A Bachelor of Business in Professional Accounting takes three years. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject, the Master of Professional Accounting takes only 12 months to complete.

Kaikaute, kaitātari kaute hoki

Accountants provide accounting services to companies, organisations and individuals. They prepare financial statements and forms and advise clients on financial aspects of business.

$56,000 – $181,000 per year

Accountant, auditor, accounting technician, financial accountant, accountant (auditor), external auditor, internal auditor

Where our data comes from

What would you do as an Accountant and auditor?

Accountants and auditors

usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
usually work in offices and may travel locally to visit clients
need to be methodical, accurate and responsible

Tasks

set up financial statements, reports and budgets
record money spent and received
prepare GST and tax returns
develop and check budgets
examine financial records
advise on business finances
review accounting processes
analyse financial performance of businesses
assist with key financial planning
manage cashflows and resources

How can you become an Accountant and auditor?

You usually need a qualification to become an accountant or auditor.

You may need

a relevant tertiary qualification in accounting or business and management
a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification
to complete the Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CA ANZ) CA Fundamentals, CA Foundations and CA Program to get a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting
to complete the CA ANZ Accounting Technician Program
to be a member of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CA ANZ)

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Study a Professional Accounting major in our Bachelor of Business, a fast-track pathway certified by four professional accounting bodies: CA ANZ, CPA Australia, CIMA and ACCA. Once you graduate, you can apply for provisional membership. Like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject, our Master of Professional Accounting lets you move into accounting.

BBus

Bachelor of Business

3 years Hamilton, Tauranga

MPACCT

Master of Professional Accounting

MPAcct (CA Program); OR 180 points MPAcct (12 months study) Hamilton

Accountant and auditor FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Accounting & Finance

Waikato is ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide for Accounting & Finance in the QS World University Rankings.

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Accountant and auditor career