As an accountant it’s vital to keep up to date with the latest skills and knowledge related to the business and finance industries to provide a valuable service to your clients and employers.
Accountants and auditors ensure organisations keep correct records of their accounts and pay the right amount of tax but there is more to accounting than simply balancing the books. Accountants can provide advice to business on maximising profits, hold companies to account on behalf of shareholders through an audit, and even investigate criminal activities such as money laundering and fraud.
A number of institutions, as well as professional bodies and organisations offer programs to update you with necessary skills related to accounting and finance, whether you have previously completed a formal degree or just have work-related experience.
If you’re an Associate (ASA), CPA, Fellow (FCPA) or if you provide public accounting services (paid or unpaid), you need to complete 120 continuing professional development (CPD) hours each triennium, and 20 hours of CPD each year.
There are also a number of short courses and bachelor’s degrees to help you begin your first accounting degree, many of which are offered online or via your workplace for greater flexibility.
Professional development courses in New South Wales (NSW)
For those looking to enter the accounting industry, Cengage offers both a Diploma and a Bachelor of Accounting. Free Student Membership to the National Institute of Accountants is included in this online course. Each of these courses is nationally recognised.
The Holmes Institute in Sydney offers a Master of Professional Accounting, which combines professional and academic knowledge relevant to today’s international business setting. This course has CPA accreditation.
Professional development courses in South Australia (SA)
The University of South Australia offers a Master of Professional Accounting for those looking to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Students can choose to cover areas such as taxation law, commercial law and managerial economics.
Professional development courses in Victoria
Swinburne’s Graduate Diploma of Accounting aims to provide students with the essential skills needed in financial accounting, budgeting, auditing, management accounting and taxation.
RMIT’s Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) is suited to students who already have accounting experience. The course combines eight core business studies plus eight specialised accounting and law courses. Graduates can apply for associate membership of CPA.
Professional development courses in Queensland
The Master of Commerce (Advanced) offered at The University of Queensland is designed for people in middle to senior management who are looking to further their knowledge in particular finance fields. Students can major in Applied Finance, Electronic Commerce, Information Systems or Professional Accounting.
Professional development courses in Western Australia (WA)
The Central Institute of Technology in Perth offers a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting). This nationally recognised course is available for delivery online or via your workplace. The certificate will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to record and create summaries of the financial transactions of a business or other organisation for management purposes.