Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning

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 and 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:

1. define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to a business discipline and apply those principles in a range of practices
2. 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
3. formulate creative solutions that are fit for purpose and demonstrate cognisance of the impact of business decisions on the environment, economy and society
4. coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas
5. communicate a range of business arguments by evaluating and implementing alternative communication strategies as appropriate to the audience
6. build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies
7. 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 eight core business units, 2 capstone units and 14 accounting and finance major units. In capstone units you combine the skills you'll learn throughout your degree and apply them to practical scenarios to solidify your knowledge. 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

Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)

Financial Information for Decision Making (ACC10007)

Economic Principles (ECO10004)

Introduction to Business Information Systems (INF10003)

Introduction to Management (MGT10001)

Fundamentals of Marketing (MKT10007)

Forensic Accounting (ACC30003)

Finance and Behavioural Bias (FIN20017) 

Capstone units

Advanced Innovative Business Practice (BUS30024)

Industry Consulting Project (BUS30009)

Accounting and Financial Planning major units

Investment and Financial Planning Project (FIN30017)

Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)

Management Accounting for Planning and Control (ACC20007)

Company Accounting (ACC20013)

Taxation (ACC30005)

Accounting Theory (ACC30008)

Auditing (ACC30010)

Financial Statistics (FIN10002)

Principles of Financial Planning (FIN10003)

Financial Management (FIN20014)

Ethics and Client Relationships (FIN20015)

Law of Commerce (LAW20019)

Retirement Planning (FIN30023)

Personal Financial Risk and Estate Planning (FIN30022) 

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 total fee $45,426

The amount shown here is 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.

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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.