
Why study accounting online? Studying accounting and commerce through distance learning is a convenient way to acquire a valuable degree.
- Accounting is the language of business and skilled accounting graduates are always in demand.
- Businesses and individuals rely on accountants to assess their financial situation, prepare reports and give advice.
You can do fully accredited bachelor and masters degrees with Australian universities by studying online – from the convenience of your home or office. Online courses lead to careers in accounting and financial management.
As an accountant, you assess the financial validity and future of an organisation, as well as its investments, acquisitions, taxation, opportunities and threats. Accountants provide management with the tools necessary to make sound financial decisions.
~ UON
Accounting Core Subjects
Accounting course topics align with the knowledge requirements for professional accreditation. There is a close mapping between course units and accreditation program requirements.
Based on the Chartered Accountants program, professional accounting courses should cover the following subjects:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Accounting Systems and Processes
- Accounting Theory
- Audit and Assurance
- Australian Corporations Law
- Australian Taxation
- Commercial Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Quantitative Methods.

Why Study Accounting Online?
Accounting is a dynamic and exciting profession in today’s global business environment. Accounting has seen a major shift in recent decades – from focusing on financial accountability to a more complex role within business organisations and management.
- Critical business decisions always come down to the numbers. Accountants are analysts, advisors and decision makers.
- Diverse career opportunities exist in public accounting practices, corporations (small and large), audit firms, government and not-for-profit organisations.
Online accounting courses are a path to professional accreditation with the CA, CPA, IPA and ACCA. You can meet academic requirements by studying online from home or work.
Getting accredited
Before enrolling to become a professional accountant, you may want to consult with a course adviser to identify units required for accreditation.
Good distance education courses allow you to complete all required units without having to attend a campus.
The best accounting degrees at a bachelor level are the most enjoyable.
- You cover the same core subjects no matter which accredited course you choose.
- So student satisfaction, which helps learning, is perhaps the number 1 criteria that separates courses.
The top online bachelor degrees have been chosen based on features and course satisfaction ratings. These programs give you the best opportunity for an enjoyable study experience while you earn your professional qualifications.

UniSA Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
The 100% online accounting degree from the University of South Australia Online sets you up to be a professional accountant. Graduates qualify for membership of Australian and international accounting associations. As well as covering accounting essentials, you can study business intelligence, data science, economics, finance, management and marketing. Course delivery is state of the art. The online learning platform is intuitive and has everything you need. You study in 10-week blocks, doing 1 or 2 units at a time. And you're backed by 7-days-a-week tutor support.
ECU Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Edith Cowan University in Perth has a highly rated business program that allows you to study 100% online. The accounting major is accredited by professional accounting bodies and opens up career opportunities in all accounting fields. Students need to complete 11 core units to qualify for the major. Other units may be selected from the BCom program as well as from arts, law and science faculties.
UNE Bachelor of Accounting
The University of New England’s online bachelor course for professional accounting allows students to major in Advanced Accounting, Agribusiness, Finance, or Managing Organisations and People. It provides you with the knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the accounting/finance field. A selection of units are available during the 3rd (summer) trimester.
Graduate Professional Accounting Programs
Graduate programs in professional accounting are designed for people who want to become accredited accountants.
A Graduate Certificate in Accounting (4 units) is a pathway course to a Master of Professional Accounting degree. It is open not just to university graduates, but also people without a degree who have relevant training or experience... READ MORE
A Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (8 units) is an extended version of the Graduate Certificate course. It gives a stronger grounding in accounting principles and techniques... READ MORE
A Master of Professional Accounting (12-16 units) is a conversion course for people without an undergraduate accounting degree. Students learn how to be an accountant. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional accreditation with Australian accounting bodies... READ MORE
Accreditation
If you've completed some accounting units at university already, you can do just the outstanding units required to meet academic requirements for professional accreditation.
If you haven't studied accounting at university level before, you can start with a Graduate Certificate course but will ultimately need to complete the Master of Professional Accounting program to become eligible for accreditation.