Turning data into decisions
Learn to analyse data and to use the insights to guide complex financial decisions. Discover the importance of accountability, and how to use financial information to make complex business decisions and hold decision-makers to account.
If you like numbers and discovering trends within financial data, Accounting is right for you. You’ll learn the fundamentals of financial accounting and explore issues like accounting for sustainability, obtaining financing, and preparing financial statements.
You’ll also develop the ability to research and think independently, and to communicate clear and professional advice backed by financial data. These skills are essential for careers in accounting, finance, and many other fields.
Choose your study path
You can study Accounting as your major subject in a three-year Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).
Many students broaden their commercial expertise by studying Accounting as a double major with subjects like Economics, Finance, Commercial Law, or Taxation. You can also take Accounting as a minor subject within your BCom.
You might also be able to study Economics as a second major or minor in one of our other flexible degrees. If you’re studying for a double degree or a conjoint degree, Accounting also goes well with subjects like Law or Mathematics.
Becoming a chartered accountant
A BCom in Accounting doesn’t qualify you to register as an accountant.
To become a chartered accountant, you also need:
- professional certification through an industry body like CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) or CPA Australia
- about three years of practical work experience—often gained while you’re doing your certification.
For more information on certification in accountancy, check out:
Master’s pathway to chartered accountancy
If you’re already working or have a degree in a different subject and want to become a chartered accountant, the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is a good option.
This qualification is an alternative to studying Accounting through a BCom. You can complete the MPA in one year of full-time study, or in up to four years part time. The MPA also includes a fast-track pathway to professional certification.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Accounting at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
Almost all businesses—and many other types of organisations—need accounting expertise. Your skills in financial analysis and advice are essential to businesses and other employers worldwide.
With further professional qualifications, accounting graduates find work in:
- the Big Four accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) and boutique practices, working in audit, tax, or business advisory roles
- smaller accountancy practices.
Other employers include:
- the corporate sector, including banking and insurance
- government agencies like The Treasury, Inland Revenue, and the Office of the Auditor-General
- tech firms and larger retailers.
A BCom in Accounting also opens the way to a range of other career paths—not just traditional accountancy roles.
More career information
Find out more about careers on our 'What can I do with my degree' page for Accounting.
The government careers website, Tahatū, also offers information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Accounting
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Accounting
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The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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This scholarship is for a Master's research project on the tensions concerning insurability and climate adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand, ideally with a particular focus on marae-centred communities.
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could choose to study Accounting at postgraduate level.
You could also continue on to study Accounting at Master’s Level with a Master of Commerce (MCom) or a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA). The MPA is a good option you already have a degree in another subject, or if you’re already working and want to move into accounting.
If you want to do independent research, you could apply to be a candidate for a PhD.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.