Accounting, Finance & Economics

Career information for your major

Discipline overview

Accountancy is about providing reliable, timely and accurate information for decision makers, especially for economic decisions. Accountants provide services relating to financial reporting, taxation, auditing, insolvency, accounting information systems, budgeting, cost management, planning and decision-making by organisations and individuals; and provide advice on associated compliance and performance requirements to ensure statutory and strategic governanceWhether working for a multinational company, a government agency or in public practice, accountants play a pivotal role in advising senior management on the financial performance and direction of the organisation.

Key employability skills

Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.

The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the contexts in which accounting can be seen as operating
  • Knowledge of the main current technical language and practices of accounting
  • Skills in recording and summarising transactions and other economic events; preparation of financial statements; analysis of the operations of business; financial analysis and projections
  • Numeracy skills, including the processing and analysis of financial and other numerical data and the appreciation of statistical concepts
  • Analysis and communication of data and information, including presenting quantitative and qualitative information, together with analysis, argument and commentary, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and with others as part of a team
  • Discretion while dealing with confidential information
  • Ability to use relevant technology for professional purposes
  • Demonstrate responsible judgement in decision making 

Related occupations

Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.

Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Graduate Accountant
  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk
  • Taxation Accountant
  • Taxation Agent
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Officer
  • Management Accountant
  • Accounts and Administration Clerk
  • Insolvency Practitioner
  • Audit Analyst
  • Financial Auditor
  • Business Analyst

The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation). Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:

  • Accountant
  • Accountants Officer
  • Consultant
  • Settlements Associate
  • Intermediate Accountant
  • Junior Accountant
  • Management Consultant
  • Graduate Accountant

Employers

Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.

Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Market St Tax
  • Yaw&Co
  • Ken Carman & Associates
  • Absolute Strata Management
  • Mulpha Australia
  • Aveo Group
  • EY
  • Huawei
  • SCE Australia
  • Deloitte Australia
  • Shoalhaven City Council
  • Service NSW
  • Veritas Advisory
  • Bentleys Corporate Recovery
  • Fortius Funds Management
  • Audit Office of New South Wales
  • Dell Technologies

The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).

  • Prime Partners
  • MSA National
  • KPMG
  • Macquarie Group
  • Aston Chace Group
  • O'Donnell Hennessy
  • HLB Mann Judd
  • Accenture
  • MGI Sydney
  • Ken Carman & Associates

Key industry job websites

Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies. Here are some of the organisations that take graduates of this discipline.

  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • PWC
  • KPMG
  • Westpac
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • Findex/Crowe

Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.

Career research and networks

When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.

Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs

Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information

UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

Postgraduate study and research

Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.

You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.

Many Accountancy graduates will complete additional studies following their initial qualification. Chartered Accountants ANZ and CPA Australia are two of the largest accounting professional bodies in Australia and both require their members to undergo professional development by way of completing a CPA (Certified Practising Accountant) or a CA (Chartered Accountant) program. It is a personal preference as to which program to complete, however can be influenced by the type of a company you join.

Developing industry experience

Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.

UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.

GradConnection- Industry internships/vacation programs

The Forage- Virtual industry internships

UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students

Course information

The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.

Discipline overview

Business Analytics focuses on the systematic collection of data and development of data sets, data analysis through statistical and other techniques, and most importantly, the interpretation and effective communication of insights gained from data to inform strategic organisational decisions. Skilled business analysts are highly valued in industries across the globe. The skills to explore and interpret big data and uncover hidden value from multiple data sources can assist businesses in making intelligent and informed choices that enhance profitability.

Key employability skills

Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.

The following is a sample list of key skills for this discipline.

  • Analytic skills to analyse large volumes of data to support decision making across all areas of business
  • Communication skills to deliver insights gained to key stakeholders
  • Digital literacy skills with ability to use varied software programs to extract, analyse and curate complex information
  • Project solving capability using big data to support decision making
  • Teamwork capability to work effectively both independently and with others
  • Stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills
  • Strong organisational and administrative skills
  • Commercial awareness

Related occupations

Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.

The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).  Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:

  • Business Graduate
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Consultant
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Operations Analyst
  • Learning Analytics Advisor
  • Consultant
  • Manager- Business Analytics

Employers

Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.

The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).

  • Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
  • Transport for NSW
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • ASX
  • Optus
  • Salesforce
  • Westpac
  • EY
  • SBC
  • FDM Group Australia
  • Proforce
  • TAE Aerospace

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies. Here are some of the organisations that take graduates of this discipline.

  • NSW Public Service Commission
  • Macquarie Group
  • Deloitte
  • Woolworths
  • ABS
  • NAB
  • PWC
  • Telstra
  • Accenture
  • ATO
  • EY
  • Westpac
  • KPMG

Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.

Career research and networks

When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.

Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs

Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information

UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

  • IAPA- Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia
  • IIBA- Australia Chapter International Institute of Business Analysis

Postgraduate study and research

Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.

You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.

Developing industry experience

Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.

UOW Work experience subjects - Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines

GradConnection - Industry internships/ vacation programs

The Forage - Virtual industry internships

UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students

Course information

The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.

Discipline overview

Economics encompasses the distribution of resources between people and organisations. Economists are interested in the behaviour of consumers and business firms, the labour market, health care, the environment, technology and innovation, economic growth and development, monetary and fiscal policy, international trade and finance, and the global economy. Economics is concerned with such phenomena in the past and present and how they may evolve in the future. There are very few aspects of our lives that cannot be analysed from an economic perspective.

Key employability skills

Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.

The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.

  • Understanding of and ability to apply economic concepts, principles and tools, distinctive economic theories, interpretations and modelling approaches
  • Understanding of the historical, political, institutional, international, social and environmental contexts in which specific economic analysis is applied
  • Communication skills - presenting findings and explaining complex data and economic arguments to inform decision making
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills - analysing research methods, extracting information and qualitative and quantitative data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations
  • Numeracy - handling complex data and applying mathematical and statistical analysis methods
  • Ability to use relevant technology and specialised software
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and with others as part of a team

Related occupations

Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.

Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Graduate Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Data Entry Operator
  • Graduate Officer
  • Statistician
  • Equities Analyst
  • Policy Consultant

The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).  Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:

  • Economic Development Officer
  • Analyst
  • Economist
  • Research Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Health Economics Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Economics & Policy Associate

Employers

Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.

Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Commonwealth Treasury
  • Deloitte
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • KPMG
  • Bailey Roberts Group
  • The Center of Applied Data Science
  • NSW Treasury
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services
  • Macquarie Bank

The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).

  • Westpac
  • Citi
  • ANZ
  • Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business
  • Reserve Bank of Australia
  • Clayton UTZ
  • NSW Treasury
  • Accenture 

Key industry job websites

Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies. Here are some of the organisations that take graduates of this discipline.

  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • NSW Public Service Commission
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • Deloitte
  • Westpac
  • EY
  • Macquarie Bank

Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.

Career research and networks

When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.

Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs

Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information

UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

Postgraduate study and research

Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.

You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.

Developing industry experience

Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.

UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.

GradConnection - Industry internships/ vacation programs

The Forage - Virtual industry internships

UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students

Course information

The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.

Discipline overview

Finance is about money and investments. People on their own, people in partnerships, companies and other entities (including state and federal governments) have a common objective of profitable investment. Finance professionals provide services relating to financial reporting, taxation, auditing, insolvency, accounting information systems, budgeting, cost management, planning and decision-making by organisations and individuals; and provide advice on associated compliance and performance requirements to ensure statutory and strategic governance. Finance professionals can work across Corporate Finance: Capital Investments; Capital Financing; Dividends and Return of Capitals; Budgeting; Financial Analysis, Investments, Financial Markets and Institutions.

Key employability skills

Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.

The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.

  • Understanding of the context and institutional framework in which finance operates, with knowledge and ability to apply main theories used in finance
  • Ability to interpret financial data and carry out statistical and financial analysis
  • Knowledge of the economic, political, regulatory and social environments in which finance and financial services operates, and the ethical considerations embedded in these operations.
  • Problem solving skills, including the ability to apply logical thinking in solving complex problems
  • Strong numeracy skills with ability to work with numerical and graphical information, draw conclusions, and explain findings
  • Communication skills with ability to present both qualitative and quantitative information
  • Client focus and ability to build and maintain relationships
  • Ability to use relevant technology and specialised software
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and with others as part of a team

Related occupations

Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.

Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Wealth Consultant
  • Graduate Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Credit or Loans Officer
  • Taxation Consultant
  • Analyst
  • Accounts Payable or Receivable Clerk
  • Broker Support
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Equities Analyst
  • Financial Officer

The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).  Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:

  • Senior Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Assurance Associate
  • Finance Associate
  • Analyst- Business Advisory
  • Investment Banker
  • Finance Officer
  • Private Equity Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Finance Manager

 

 

Employers

Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.

Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • BT Financial Group
  • Colonial First State
  • StatePlus
  • SmartSalary
  • Aveo Group
  • Eclipx
  • Macquarie Group
  • IDC Australia
  • Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services
  • Department of Defence
  • RBA

The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).

  • Mercer
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • KPMG
  • EY
  • ShineWing Australia
  • Deloitte
  • BT Financial Group
  • AIA Shared Services
  • AMP Financial Services
  • RSM Australia
  • JP Morgan

Key industry job websites

Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.

 

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies. Here are some of the organisations that take graduates of this discipline.

  • Commonwealth Bank
  • KPMG
  • EY
  • Deloitte
  • BT Financial Group
  • Westpac
  • NSW Public Service Commission

 

Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.

Career research and networks

When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.

Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs

Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information

UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

Postgraduate study and research

Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.

You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.

Developing industry experience

Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.

UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.

GradConnection - Industry internships/ vacation programs

The Forage - Virtual industry internships

UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students

Course information

The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.

Discipline overview

Financial Planning is the design of specific financial outcomes that meet a client's unique needs and objectives, given their financial resources and risk profile. Its broad approach is to fulfil clients' total needs, incorporating investment planning, taxation, social services planning, retirement planning, risk planning and estate planning. At its core, financial planning is about guiding people to achieve their own financial goals and security through personalised strategies.

Key employability skills

Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.

The following is a sample list of key skills for this discipline.

  • Analytical, problem solving and numeracy skills, including the ability to analyse complex data
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Decisiveness, ability to make decisions in a timely manner, with a responsible character
  • Digital literacy skills with ability to use varied software programs
  • Client focus and ability to build and maintain relationships
  • Ability to work effectively with others on shared goals
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Up to date industry and regulatory knowledge
  • Persuasiveness and integrity

Related occupations

Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.

Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • Financial Planner
  • Graduate Adviser (Finance)
  • Advice Consultant
  • Paraplanner
  • Client Service Officer
  • Financial Planning Adviser
  • Client Service Administrator
  • Financial Analyst

The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).  Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:

  • Fund Manager
  • Financial Planner
  • Wealth Advisor
  • Insurance Broker
  • Financial Investment Manager
  • Investment Banker
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Planning Advisor
  • Associate Financial Planner
  • Insurance Money Management Advisor
  • Small Business Owner
  • Director/Principal
  • Finance Business Analyst

Employers

Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.

Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).

  • AMP
  • Steadfast Life
  • Colonial First State Super
  • Catalyst Advisers
  • Smart Financial
  • FutureWise Financial Planning
  • StatePlus
  • Diamond Blue Financial Services
  • Lucrum Financial Solutions
  • Bendigo Bank
  • Black & White Accounting Solutions

The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).

  • AMP
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • William Buck
  • Aware Super
  • State Plus
  • Findex
  • Westpac
  • ANZ
  • BT

Key industry job websites

Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies. Here are some of the organisations that take graduates of this discipline.

  • Macquarie Bank
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • Westpac
  • Striver
  • RSM
  • Citi Bank
  • AMP

Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.

Career research and networks

When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.

Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs

Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information

UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

Postgraduate study and research

Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.

You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.

Developing industry experience

Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.

UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines

GradConnection- Industry internships/ vacation programs

The Forage- Virtual industry internships

UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students

Course information

The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.

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