Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning
UndergraduateSWI-BAP-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning
About this degree
Financial Accounting
Generate logical solutions to finance problems that are fit for purpose and be aware of the impact of financial decisions on businesses.
Company Accounting
Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve financial accounting problems.
Finance Law
Evaluate legal issues in financial relationships between banks, consumers and regulators.
Ethical Client Relationships
Analyse and evaluate financial dilemmas and propose ethical solutions.
Investment Planning
Construct and defend a multi-asset portfolio that meets client’s objectives and constraints.
Retirement & Estate Planning
Develop strategies and recommendations on superannuation and retirement planning based on clients’ requirements.
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:
- define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to a business discipline and apply those principles in a range of practices
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in business contexts
- formulate creative solutions that are fit for purpose and demonstrate cognisance of the impact of business decisions on the environment, economy and society
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas
- communicate a range of business arguments by evaluating and implementing alternative communication strategies as appropriate to the audience
- build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies
- work collaboratively in diverse groups.
The world of finance is constantly innovating. Digital technologies are revolutionising accounting and finance – and you can be part of it. Taught by experienced financial professionals, this course will give you the tools to evaluate and communicate financial information to drive business outcomes. With a focus on the latest technology and sustainable investment, you’ll learn to help clients plan for investment, taxation, insurance, retirement and estate planning. Jump into a rewarding career path where you’ll help people secure the financial future they’ve been working for.
Boost your CV throughout your studies with exposure to the latest financial management software, such as Xero and Xplan. You’ll undertake assessments designed to prepare you for the workforce, such as developing strategies for live clients and undertaking a financial planning project, where you will learn to make investment decisions and get insight into what it’s like to be a financial advisor. Through the Accounting and Financial Planning major, you’ll understand business practices from the ground up and graduate having already used many industry-standard software and strategies.
This course meets the educational requirements of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA). It is also accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia. In addition it is approved by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS), ensuring you’ll learn the skills necessary to enter the financial planning industry with confidence.
Recommended study pattern
A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Financial Planning, including five core business units, three core practice business units, eight major units and eight elective units that can be tailored to complement your studies. You'll collaborate with your peers and solve real business problems, giving you the confidence to step into the workforce with practical experience.
Core Business units
Financial Information for Decision-Making (ACC10007)
Economics for Business Decision-Making (ECO10005)
Business Digitalisation (INF10024)
Contemporary Management Principles (MGT10001)
Marketing and the Consumer Experience (MKT10009)
Core Practice Business Units
Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)
Business Consulting Project (BUS30032)
Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)
Sustainable Business Practice (BUS30031)
Professional Internship - Business (BUS20009)
Accounting and Financial Planning major units
Taxation (ACC30005)
Accounting Theory (ACC30008)
Auditing (ACC30010)
Financial Management (FIN20014)
Ethics and Client Relationships (FIN20015)
Investment and Financial Planning Project (FIN30017)
Personal Financial Risk and Estate Planning (FIN30022)
Retirement Planning (FIN30023)
Electives
Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests and careers goals. Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend:
Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)
Management Accounting for Planning and Control (ACC20007)
Company Accounting (ACC20013)
Financial Statistics (FIN10002)
Principles of Financial Planning (FIN10003)
Finance and Behavioural Bias (FIN20017)
Law of Commerce (LAW20019)
Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact (BUS10014).
Award requirements
A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Financial Planning:
- 8 core business units
- 2 capstone units
- 14 accounting and finance major units.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$16,992
Indicative total fee $50,976
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 19
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 14
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Diploma entry pathways
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.
Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.
Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.
2022 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 60
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
VCE prerequisites:
Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL).
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Career opportunities
Finance Manager
Play a crucial role in supporting organisations to make informed financial decisions. You'll be able to find ways to improve profitability, a key aspect of financial leadership.
Accountant
Help clients manage their finances and give expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting and analysis.
Management Accountant
Drive the future of your organisation - you'll communicate your financial expertise to inform important decisions that will affect your company and its' growth.
Financial Accountant
Take the reigns and run the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure reporting requirements are met and provide timely and accurate information to the management team.
Financial Controller
Oversee the day-to-day operations of your finance department. Through a strong analytical lens, you'll lead the development and implementation of complex financial strategies.
Financial Planner
Assist individuals and companies to reach their long-term financial goals. Provide expert advice on investing, retirement planning, superannuation and other key financial aspects of people's lives.
Project Manager
Take a leadership role not just in project planning, but delivering the exciting results. You'll be part of every process, from ideation to execution.
Professional recognition
This course meets the educational requirements of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and is accredited by the Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC). It is also accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Australia.
Financial Adviser Standards (FAS)
From January 2022, the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS), which forms part of the Treasury Department of the Australian Government, sets the education and training standards and the Code of Ethics for licensed financial advisers in Australia. Prior to FAS, this was managed by the Financial Advisers Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).
FAS has approved Swinburne Online’s undergraduate and post graduate courses in Financial Planning. This includes the Bachelor of Business with a major in Financial Planning and the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Financial Planning. It also includes the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. Graduates of a FAS approved Swinburne course will satisfy the education standards and requirements prescribed by FAS to provide financial advice in Australia.
Financial Planning Association of Australia's CFP Certified Program
Graduates are eligible for entry into the Financial Planning Association of Australia’s CFP (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) certified program. Students who hold a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Swinburne Online will receive recognised prior learning for CFP1 – 4, and will only need to complete the CFP Capstone unit to become a CFP.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
Swinburne business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, and are a part of the five per cent of business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB. The alumni of AACSB accredited business schools are among the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs impacting business, government, and non-profit sectors.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
Financial Brokers | Over $120K | Up 47.5% |
Financial Dealers | Over $120K | Up 4.8% |
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |