Top 200 worldwide for accounting and finance
#2 business school in Victoria for career impact
Top 3 business school in Victoria
Why choose professional accounting at Deakin
Build accounting foundations and develop the skills and knowledge to help inform business decision-making across a wide range of organisations. Study at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for graduate business employment and learn core accounting principles in areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, finance, and business law.
Led by industry-experienced academics you will build technical, analytical and problem-solving skills valued by employers. With a flexible choice of units, you can align your study to your background and goals, whether you’re aiming for professional accreditation or applying accounting knowledge in your current job.
Graduate with the foundational capability to support accounting and financial decision-making and the opportunity to progress into the Graduate Diploma and Master of Professional Accounting.
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Pathway to professional accounting
Build foundational knowledge aligned with global accounting standards and progress towards CPA Australia, CA ANZ and ACCA pathways.
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Develop core accounting skills
Gain practical capabilities in financial reporting, management accounting and finance to support business and financial decision-making.
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Flexible postgraduate learning
Study online while continuing to build professional experience and advance your career.
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Pathway to further study
This course provides a pathway into the Graduate Diploma and Master of Professional Accounting.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build core accounting and reporting skills, offering a practical entry point into finance-support roles across small businesses, government and industry.
Assistant accountant
Support accounting teams by processing transactions, reconciling accounts and preparing financial records, building the foundations for a career in accounting.
- $80k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Payroll officer
Manage the accurate and timely payment of employees, processing wages, entitlements and compliance requirements to keep an organisation's payroll running smoothly.
- $90k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Payroll and finance administrator
- Small business financial officer
- Tax assistant
- Budget and reporting assistant
- Accounting systems operator
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting?
The Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting builds your understanding of core accounting principles and how they support business decision-making.
Accounting foundations and financial decision-making
Understand core accounting principles
Learn financial accounting and management accounting concepts used to support organisational performance.
Build financial capability
Explore finance fundamentals and how financial decisions impact business outcomes.
Tailor your learning
Select from areas such as auditing, taxation, business law or accounting systems and analytics to align with your goals.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Select a minimum of 2 credit points of units from:
Select a maximum of 2 credit points of units from:
Or any unit(s) not previously studied as listed in the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting.
Or other postgraduate units with prior written approval of the Course Director.
Notes:
1 Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.
2 Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) for entry to the CA Program.
3 For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Other students must complete the unit before becoming an Associate Member of CPA Australia.
4 For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the ACCA program.
Students should carefully note the trimesters when units are offered to ensure that all required units can be completed in the appropriate time frame.
Professional recognition
Students who wish to enter the:
CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Associate Membership for the CPA Program, CPA Australia
IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and
Exemptions may apply for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they take the appropriate units required for entry.
Students who have completed prior undergraduate or graduate units in accounting or other core knowledge areas are advised to have their qualifications assessed by their preferred professional organisation to ensure they complete the correct units.
Please note: The eligibility of students for membership of any of the accounting accrediting bodies is subject to meeting the requirements of that body and that Deakin makes no representations that individuals will meet those requirements.
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Recognition of prior learning into the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate studies. There are negotiated Recognition of prior learning arrangements in place for CPA members.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning, collaborative online international learning arrangements or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Students who have commenced prior to T1 2019, please refer to the 2018 handbook, or the handbook archives, for the relevant course structure.
This course is available for part-time study only in Trimester 3
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate conceptual knowledge on basic accounting, and techniques in auditing and financial management including simplified applications to real world problems |
| Draft user-friendly reports that clarifies the merits of alternate solutions and makes simple recommendations |
| Identify potential alternative solutions and evaluate the financial costs and benefits of such solutions |
| Determine ways to resolve a firm’s financial constraints through appropriate match with the theoretical solutions |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M506
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$17,500
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (M696)
Master of Professional Accounting (M742)