Accounting
Studying accounting is your pathway to working with clients to help them make their businesses more profitable and successful, and reduce their exposure to financial risk. With accounting you'll gain the skills you need to become a trusted business adviser and make strategic financial decisions for organisations.
Accountants can earn attractive salaries and are in demand both in New Zealand and overseas. They often work in high-level management positions where skills in financial control, decision making, legal compliance and leadership are essential.
If you enjoy working with numbers and people, and want to help businesses grow, then accounting may be a good fit for you.
In this subject, you'll learn how to prepare financial records to comply with professional reporting standards, and gain an understanding of commercial and taxation laws that apply to businesses.
A qualification in accounting can lead you into all kinds of industries, such as agribusiness, manufacturing or entertainment.
Become a professionally qualified accountant
Professionally qualified accountants are paid attractive salaries, and can work anywhere in the world.
By following a specific programme of study, you can meet the academic requirements to join either Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) once you graduate, and gain an internationally recognised qualification.
Qualifications
If you wish to take Accounting as your 1st Major, you'll need to enrol for either the 3-year Bachelor of Business, or the 4-year Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours.
Otherwise you can normally take it as a 2nd Major (8 papers) or Minor subject (4 papers) for any other bachelor's degree offered at the University of Waikato.
If you have never studied accounting before at university level, and wish to study towards becoming a professionally qualified accountant, graduates of any bachelor's degree may enrol for the Master of Professional Accounting, a 14-month accelerated programme.
If you'd like to gain specialist expertise through postgraduate research, take a look at our Master of Management Studies in Accounting.
Internationally recognised
You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of business schools globally with our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, placing it
Waikato is New Zealand's leading business school, ranked #1 in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings in both 2022 and 2023.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Accounting in these qualifications
Study Accounting as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Auditor
- Business consultant
- Chief financial officer
- Company accountant
- Financial accountant/controller
- Management accountant
- Tax accountant
Study in Tauranga
In Tauranga, Accounting is available as a major subject under the Bachelor of Business.
In Tauranga, Accounting is available as a major subject under the Bachelor of Business. There are two ways you can structure your study - either by studying all three years at our new CBD campus, or by including a one-year pathway through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
Optional pathway from Toi Ohomai: It's also possible to complete the one-year NZ Diploma in Business (Level 5) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, and then transfer into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Business (BBus) at the University of Waikato in Tauranga. You'll receive guaranteed credit for eight 100-level papers of the BBus (120 points), which may vary. If you want to major in Accounting or Finance, choose the NZDipBus - Accounting strand.
For advice before you enrol, please contact a Tauranga Future Student Advisor, email [email protected] or phone 0800 WAIKATO.
Papers
Available Accounting papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN101 | Accounting for Management | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton Waikato College), 23B (Tauranga), 23VA (National Economics University, Vietnam) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper focuses on the analysis and use of financial and non-financial information by internal and external stakeholders to make informed business decisions. | |||
| ACCTN102 | Introductory Financial Accounting | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper teaches students how to record, report, and analyse accounting information and prepare financial statements. The paper involves the use of current accounting software technologies. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN202 | Intermediate Financial Accounting | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper deals with the practices, principles and regulations of Financial Reporting in New Zealand with emphasis on financial reporting in partnerships and companies. | |||
| ACCTN203 | Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides students with an understanding of management accounting, with emphasis on the use of costing, budgeting, and performance evaluation to make informed business decisions. | |||
| ACCTN204 | Accounting Information Systems | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper employs hands-on application of current technologies to prepare students to use and develop accounting systems, to store and retrieve accounting data, and to analyze complex accounting data. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN301 | Capstone in Accounting | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| The development of accounting and accounting theory, the conceptual framework, non-mandatory reporting, ethics and governance, unresolved issues, and a consideration of the nature and scope of accounting. | |||
| ACCTN302 | Financial Accounting | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper involves detailed examination of current accounting practices, principles and regulations. | |||
| ACCTN303 | Management Accounting | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines current theory and practice in management accounting with an emphasis on the design of management accounting systems, and planning, control and performance measurement in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. | |||
| ACCTN304 | Corporate Entities | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper explains the laws and regulations that govern the different forms of legal entities, including the significance of separate legal entity. The paper addresses aspects of company incorporation, directors' duties, governance, share transfers, role of company secretary, membership, meetings and dividends and directors and co... | |||
| ACCTN305 | Auditing | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines current audit practice techniques, audit theory, audit technology, and the processes employed to audit financial statements. | |||
| ACCTN306 | Taxation | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper educates students about the main statutes and policy in New Zealand taxation. It also addresses the importance of taxation in business decisions, the calculation of income tax obligations and the preparation of tax returns. | |||
| ACCTN308 | Performance Reporting | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper develops competencies in performance reporting pertaining to the key areas of financial management: investment, financing and asset management. | |||
| MNMGT304 | Commercial Transactions | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper overviews the sources of New Zealand business law and obligations that arise under this law, and critically examines the importance of key aspects of: the Legal System and Treaty of Waitangi; Jurisdiction; Business forms; Directors duties; Agency; Contracts and On-line Contracts; Consumer Law - Fair Trading Act 1996 and ... | |||
| WSAFE396 | Management Internship | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga), 23C (Hamilton), 23C (Tauranga) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| The Management Internship provides students with the opportunity to apply their management discipline-based knowledge to an authentic project within an organisation. | |||
| WSAFE399 | Report of an Investigation | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga), 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| This paper offers students the opportunity to complete a directed investigation of an approved topic relevant to an organisation or industry and in an area related to their management discipline of study. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN502 | Advanced Financial Reporting | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper equips students with sufficient practical knowledge to appreciate some of the problems involved in preparing advanced financial statements. It will also enhance an understanding of the different issues facing accountants and preparation of general purpose financial reports, as well as enabling students to critically inte... | |||
| ACCTN506 | International Accounting | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores and analyses accounting in a global and transnational context. Similarities and differences between accounting and its regulation in different national contexts, and attempts to harmonise the accounting practices of different countries are discussed. The paper also addresses issues relevant for an appreciation o... | |||
| ACCTN531 | Advanced Management Accounting | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper aims to develop skills and critical ability in management accounting. It will broaden the knowledge of participants by examining the diverse perspectives and approaches evident in the subject of management accounting. | |||
| ACCTN541 | Fraud Auditing and Analytics | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| The paper emphasises contemporary methods for detecting and preventing fraud. Students will engage in case analyses and conduct data analytics using current technologies. | |||
| ACCTN570 | Fundamental Accounting for Decision Making | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23H (Hamilton) |
| This paper emphasises learning the preparation of financial records and also provides an understanding of the techniques and issues related to management accounting. | |||
| ACCTN571 | Financial Accounting | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper addresses financial reporting principles, regulations and practices in New Zealand with emphasis on financial reporting in partnerships and companies. | |||
| ACCTN572 | Advanced Auditing | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines current audit practice techniques, audit theory, audit technology, and the processes employed to audit financial statements. The paper fosters professional judgement and inter-personal skills. | |||
| ACCTN573 | Management Accounting and Control Systems | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will provide an overview of some of the developments in the management accounting field. Emphasis throughout the paper will be placed on the importance of information to decision makers. Techniques of planning and control will be examined. The importance of feedback will be stressed and the distinction between feedback a... | |||
| ACCTN574 | Advanced Financial Accounting | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| The paper is designed to deepen understanding of the issues involved in the current practices, principles and regulations of accounting within the New Zealandenvironment. The paper critically discusses major issues of accounting practice. The paper further facilitates critical and independent thinking, enhances analytical ability a... | |||
| ACCTN575 | Advanced Taxation | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper educates students about the main statutes and policy in New Zealand taxation. It also addresses the importance of taxation in business decisions, the calculation of income tax obligations and the preparation of tax returns. | |||
| ACCTN576 | Commercial and Corporate Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the New Zealand legal system and laws regulation specified business activities. The initial focus is given to the laws applying to business contracts. The paper also cover principles applying to companies. | |||
| ACCTN577 | Performance Reporting | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| The paper will cover the three key areas of financial management decisions relating to investment, financing and asset management. | |||
| ACCTN578 | Accounting Information Systems | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper employs hands-on application of current technologies to prepare students to use and develop accounting systems, to store and retrieve accounting data, and to analyse complex accounting data. | |||
| ACCTN581 | Professional Development Capstone | 20.0 | 23G (Online) & 23H (Online) |
| The objective of this paper is to help students develop critical thinking and sound analytical skills about the past, present and future of accounting theory and practice. This paper covers key theoretical positions underlying the practice of accounting as well as key factors effecting the development of the profession. The princip... | |||
| ACCTN582 | Research Project | 20.0 | 23G (Online) & 23H (Online) |
| Students undertake a research project from an accounting workplace environment. | |||
| ACCTN583 | Professional Internship | 20.0 | 23G (Online) & 23H (Online) |
| Students undertake a professional internship within an accounting workplace environment. | |||
| ACCTN590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. This paper is available only to Waikato Management School students with the approval of the Chairperson. | |||
| ACCTN591 | Accounting Dissertation | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| ACCTN592 | Accounting Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| ACCTN593 | Accounting Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| ACCTN594 | Accounting Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN800 | Accounting MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN900 | Accounting PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
Studying accounting provides you with many different options. It enables you to work in various branches of accounting and a wide range of industries. It’s also beneficial if you want to start up your own company or work in other areas of business.
Read stories from other Accounting students
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Practical experience
At Waikato, you'll get hands-on experience with specialised accounting software such as MYOB and Xero.
At Waikato, you'll get hands-on experience with specialised accounting software such as MYOB and Xero.
You'll analyse real-life case studies of accounting situations, and learn about the business environment and how managerial decisions are made.
You'll also learn about contracts and trusts, evaluate the impact of taxes, and gain skills in auditing, investment, financing and asset management. You could also undertake an industry internship in an accounting workplace.
If you're new to Hamilton, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to make new friends with similar interests. You could get involved with Beta Alpha Psi, a student accounting club that runs regular workshops and employer visits.
Professional Accounting study pathway (CA ANZ, CPA Australia or ACCA)
Expand to read Professional Accounting study pathway (CA ANZ, CPA Australia or ACCA)
If you'd like to become a professional accountant one day, first you will need to meet the academic requirements of university study by completing a a recognised Professional Accounting pathway of 16 specific accounting and business papers at Waikato - rather than just a normal major in Accounting (8-9 papers).
With the Bachelor of Business and the Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours, you still have the option of taking a Minor subject (4 papers) alongside your accounting major, if you wish.
However, it won't be possible to take a 2nd Major (8 papers) in another subject unless you are willing to complete an additional 4-5 extra papers.
Once you have graduated with your accounting degree, you can then apply to join and become a provisional member of one of the following four organisations. Please note that you will need to complete further study with that organisation and take professional exams.
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
For the Professional Accounting pathway, you will need to pass the following 16 papers, in addition to any other core field papers required to complete your BBus or BMS(Hons) degree:
- ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
- ACCTN102 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ECONS101 Business Economics and the New Zealand Economy
- FINAN101 Introduction to Finance
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204 Accounting Information Systems
- ECONS205 Data Analytics with Business Applications
- MNMGT304 Commercial Transactions
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN302 Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Management Accounting
- ACCT304 Corporate Entities
- ACCTN305 Auditing
- ACCTN306 Taxation
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
Contacts
Management Student Centre (MSC)
Location: MSB.1.50, Waikato Management School, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton
Phone: +64 838 4303
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.management.ac.nz/msc
Opening hours: 8.45am - 4.45pm Monday to Friday
One of the best times to pop into MSC is Open Advice Day, held every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.