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. You’ll also hone your skills in auditing, investment, taxation, asset management, contracts and trusts.
At Waikato, you'll get hands-on experience with specialised accounting software such as MYOB and Xero. You'll also analyse real-life case studies of accounting situations, and could undertake an industry internship in an accounting workplace.
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
Which qualification should I choose?
If you wish to take Accounting as your 1st Major in your degree, 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, 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 Business in Accounting.
Study pathways to become a professional accountant (CA)
If you'd like to become a fully qualified professional accountant (often known as a Chartered Accountant), the University of Waikato offers several different fast-track pathways to help you get there.
To help you decide which programme is right for you, check out this visual chart showing the steps required, from secondary school right through to the workplace.
The Bachelor of Business degree has a Professional Accounting stream that is certified by four of the world's leading industry bodies. You will need to complete an approved suite of specific accounting and business papers as part of your three-year degree, rather than just a normal major in 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)
If you already have a bachelor's degree, we also offer a number of postgraduate qualifications:
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.
Rankings
QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance
The University of Waikato is ranked by QS as one of the world's top 250 universities for Accounting & Finance in 2025.