Accounting
Why study Accounting?
Accountants are trusted business advisors who work with clients to help them make their business more profitable and successful, reduce their exposure to risk, and achieve financial security.
If you enjoy working with numbers and people, and want to help businesses grow, then Waikato’s accounting courses may be a good fit for you.
The role of accountants today has changed dramatically with the rise of new technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. They are like financial detectives who probe deeper into the numbers to gain valuable new insights.
Professional accountants can earn attractive salaries in New Zealand and overseas. They often work closely with a company's senior leadership team to make strategic decisions, so they need to be critical thinkers with strong analytical, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
In this subject, you’ll learn how to prepare financial records to comply with international 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.
You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of business schools globally thanks to our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.
Career Opportunities
- Chartered accountant
- Auditor
- Business consultant
- Chief financial officer
- Financial controller
- Financial manager
- Management accountant
- Tax accountant
Hamilton, Tauranga
Study Accounting in these qualifications
Accounting papers
Which qualification should I choose?
If you wish to take Accounting as your 1st Major, you'll need to enrol for the 3-year Bachelor of Business, which is offered in both Hamilton and Tauranga.
Otherwise you can normally take Accounting 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 work towards becoming a professionally qualified accountant, graduates of any bachelor's degree may apply for the Master of Professional Accounting, a 12-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.
Professional Accounting study pathway
If you'd like to become a professional accountant (CA) one day, the Bachelor of Business degree offers a fast-track pathway certified by four of the world's leading professional accounting bodies to help you get there.
You will need to complete an approved suite of specific accounting and business papers as part of your degree at Waikato, rather than just a normal major in Accounting. Please speak to a study advisor to ensure you select the right papers.
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)
Please note that you will need to do further part-time study and take professional exams to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.
Practical experience
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 hone your skills in auditing, investment, financing, taxation, asset management, contracts and trusts.
You could also undertake an industry internship in an accounting workplace.
Join Beta Alpha Psi
Why not get involved with the Waikato chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, a student-led club for accounting students that runs tutorials, workshops and employer visits. It's also a great way to make new friends.
What our students are saying
Subject regulations
Get in touch
Are you ready to kickstart your career in Accounting? Get in contact with one of our friendly advisors at the Management Student Centre.