If you are keen for a quick return on investment on upskilling for a new career, look no further than the Master of Professional Accounting at Southern Cross.
This CPA Australia and CA accredited course not only provides you with an accounting qualification but also with commercial know-how, critical thinking and expert communication skills for decision-making.
The degree will hone your leadership and research skills and provides you the opportunity to delve into areas of practice, such as taxation law, auditing or corporate governance at greater depth. You will also have the opportunity to select a research project that most intrigues you and undertake it under the supervision of leading business experts.
The Master of Professional Accounting is a 2-year program – shorter if you have previously completed relevant education – designed to deliver you the career of your choice. The door will be opened for qualified and skilled professional accountants in a diverse range of jobs, fields, and locations.
Career Opportunities
The global accounting profession has high employment demand, offering MPA graduates the opportunity to seek employment in a range of industries in Australia and abroad.
Graduates of the MPA are equipped to work in business, government and not-for-profit organizations in accounting, financial services, and management positions. Management roles and activities undertaken by graduates include developing financial plans, preparing and certifying financial reports, conducting audits, advising company directors, shareholders and clients.
Professional Recognition
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA).
Graduates may also be eligible to apply for admission to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
Professional Placement
As part of this course, students may choose to undertake a 150-hour internship (equivalent to one unit) in either a paid or volunteer role. This practical experience, combined with theoretical understanding, enhances the learning experience for students. Students are responsible for securing their internship placement and are given extensive assistance in interview and application procedures, access to an extensive database of potential employers and roles and ongoing support from the dedicated Work Integrated Learning team.
Major Areas of Study
The MPA comprises a core sequence of units that meet the professional accounting educational requirements and includes study in the following areas: business accounting, accounting information systems, financial reporting, management accounting, economics, quantitative analysis, company and commercial law, finance, accounting, theory, and research.
Students also study advanced topics in accounting such as tax law and practice, auditing and assurance and corporate governance. Management skills are also honed through the study of communications and a number of electives. A key feature of the MPA program is the opportunity to undertake a double-weighted industry research project that students can apply to their current or future workplace.
Assessment methods
The course incorporates progressive assessment and examinations. Students are assessed on the basis of written and oral assignments reflecting authentic work tasks and contemporary topics. These assignments come in a range of formats designed to assist knowledge and skills development over the duration of the course. Formats include business reports, case studies, discussion board posts, presentations, quizzes, and research plans and studies.
Teaching methods
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Lectures may be streamed live or pre-recorded; either way, students can download a recording at their convenience.
Each week, students progress their learning by following activities, readings and case studies laid out, step-by-step, in a website for each unit. As they move through the learning outcomes, they can discuss their progress in online forums and ask questions of their peers, lecturer or tutor.