Accountants can earn attractive salaries and are in demand both in New Zealand and overseas. They often work in high-level management positions where skills in financial control, decision making, legal compliance and leadership are essential.
If you enjoy working with numbers and people, and want to help businesses grow, then accounting may be a good fit for you.
In this subject, you'll learn how to prepare financial records to comply with professional reporting standards, and gain an understanding of commercial and taxation laws that apply to businesses.
Become a Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountants are paid attractive salaries, and can work anywhere in the world.
By taking a specific suite of 16 papers, you can meet the academic requirements to gain provisional CA membership of either Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or CPA Australia once you graduate. See below for details.
Qualifications
If you wish to take Accounting as your 1st Major, you'll need to enrol for either the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Analysis, or the Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours.
Otherwise you can normally take it as a 2nd Major (8 papers) or Minor subject (4 papers) for any other bachelor's degree offered at the University of Waikato.
If you have never taken Accounting before at university level, and wish to study towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, graduates of any discipline may enrol for the Master of Professional Accounting, a 14-month intensive programme.
If you'd like to gain specialist expertise through postgraduate research, take a look at our Master of Management Studies in Accounting.
Internationally recognised
Waikato is ranked in the world's top 150 universities for Accounting, Finance, and Business and Management Studies, by the prestigious QS Subject Rankings. You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which has Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of all business schools worldwide.
Career opportunities
- Auditor
- Business consultant
- Chief financial officer
- Company accountant
- Financial accountant/controller
- Management accountant
- Tax accountant
Qualifications
Study Accounting in any of these qualifications
Accounting as a 1st Major (Bachelor's degree)
- Bachelor of Business - BBus
- Bachelor of Business Analysis - BBA
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours - BMS(Hons)
Accounting as a 2nd Major or Minor (Bachelor's degree)
- Almost any other bachelor's degree at the University of Waikato
Postgraduate qualifications
- Graduate Certificate in Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
- Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Master of Management Studies in Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
Papers
100 level
| Accounting for Management | ACCTN101 | 15.0 Points |
| Introductory Financial Accounting | ACCTN102 | 15.0 Points |
200 level
| Intermediate Financial Accounting | ACCTN202 | 15.0 Points |
| Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control | ACCTN203 | 15.0 Points |
| Accounting Information Systems | ACCTN204 | 15.0 Points |
300 level
| Capstone in Accounting | ACCT301 | 20.0 Points |
| Financial Accounting | ACCT302 | 20.0 Points |
| Accounting Information Technology and Systems | ACCT313 | 20.0 Points |
| Commercial Law | ACCT321 | 20.0 Points |
| Law of Business Enterprises | ACCT322 | 20.0 Points |
| Legal Issues in Business and E-Commerce | ACCT324 | 20.0 Points |
| Management Accounting | ACCT331 | 20.0 Points |
| Financial Management | ACCT332 | 20.0 Points |
| Auditing | ACCT341 | 20.0 Points |
| Taxation | ACCT351 | 20.0 Points |
| Directed Study | ACCT390 | 20.0 Points |
| Applied Project in Accounting | ACCT399 | 20.0 Points |
| Industry Experience 2 | MSYS319 | 20.0 Points |
400 level
| Capstone in Accounting Advanced | ACCT401 | 20.0 Points |
| Accounting for Sustainability | ACCT407 | 20.0 Points |
| Organisations and Society | ACCT412 | 20.0 Points |
| Law of Business Enterprises | ACCT422 | 20.0 Points |
| Management Accounting | ACCT431 | 20.0 Points |
| Accounting for SMEs: Understanding the Context | ACCT480 | 20.0 Points |
| Directed Study | ACCT490 | 20.0 Points |
| Industry Experience 4 | ACCT495 | 20.0 Points |
| Report of an Investigation | ACCT499 | 20.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Acc) and GradDip(Acc)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Accounting at an advanced level in their first degree. The requirements for the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are prescribed in the Waikato Management School Student Handbook.
Prescriptions for the BBus(Hons), BBA(Hons), BMS(Hons), PGCert(Acc), PGDip(Acc), MMS and MPAcct
Accounting may be taken as a major for the BMS(Hons) and as a subject for the BBus(Hons), BBA(Hons), MMS and MPAcct. A Postgraduate Certificate and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting are also available. The requirements for the major and subjects are prescribed in the Waikato Management School Student Handbook.
Students enrolling in 500 level Accounting papers should normally have a minimum of a B average in undergraduate Accounting papers, with no less than that in 300 and 400 level Accounting papers. All students should discuss their programme with the Management Student Centre before enrolling.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Accounting MPhil Thesis | ACCT800 | 120.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Accounting PhD Thesis | ACCT900 | 120.0 Points |
Practical experience
At Waikato, you'll get hands-on experience with specialised accounting software such as MYOB and Xero.
You'll analyse real-life case studies of accounting situations, and learn about the business environment and how managerial decisions are made.
You'll also learn about contracts and trusts, evaluate the impact of taxes, and gain skills in auditing, investment, financing and asset management. You could also undertake an industry internship in an accounting workplace.
If you're new to Hamilton, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to make new friends with similar interests. You could get involved with Beta Alpha Psi, a student accounting club that runs regular workshops and employer visits.
Subject requirements
Accounting as a single major for the BBus - new students starting in 2018
If you wish to take Accounting as a single major for the Bachelor of Business (BBus), you'll need to pass 135 points (9 papers) in this subject area, including 105 points above 100 level and 60 points above 200 level.
The specific requirements for a single major in Accounting are that you must take the following 9 papers:
- ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
- ACCTN102 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204/304 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
- Choose ONE of the following:
- ACCTN302 Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Management Accounting
- ACCTN305 Auditing
- ACCTN306 Taxation
- ACCTN309 Law of Business Enterprise
- MNMGT495/496/499 Business Experience paper
Accounting as a single major for the BBA or BMS(Hons) - new students starting in 2018
If you wish to take Accounting as a single major for the Bachelor of Business Analysis (BBA) or Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS(Hons)), you'll need to pass 135 points (9 papers) in this subject area, including 105 points above 100 level and 60 points above 200 level.
The specific requirements for a single major in Accounting are that you must take the following 9 papers:
- ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
- ACCTN102 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204/304 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
- Choose TWO of the following:
- ACCTN302 Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Management Accounting
- ACCTN305 Auditing
- ACCTN306 Taxation
- ACCTN309 Law of Business Enterprise
Accounting as part of a double major for any bachelor's degree - new students starting in 2018
If you are enrolled in a bachelor's degree that doesn't list Accounting, you can normally still take it as a 2nd Major subject. You'll need to pass 120 points (8 papers) in this subject area, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level.
The specific requirements for a 2nd Major in Accounting are that you must include the following papers:
- ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
- ACCTN102 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204/304 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
- Choose ONE of the following:
- ACCTN302 Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Management Accounting
- ACCTN305 Auditing
- ACCTN306 Taxation
- ACCTN309 Law of Business Enterprise
Accounting as a Minor for any bachelor's degree - new students starting in 2018
If you wish to take Accounting as a Minor subject for any bachelor's degree at the University of Waikato, you'll need to pass 60 points (4 papers) in this subject area, including at least 30 points (2 papers) above 100 level.
The specific requirements for a Minor in Accounting are that you must include:
- ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
And choose any three papers from the following:
- ACCTN102 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204/304 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
- ACCTN302 Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Advanced Management Accounting
- ACCTN305 Auditing\
- ACCTN306 Taxation\
- ACCTN309 Law of Business Enterprise
- MNMGT201/301 Business Law and the Legal Environment
Graduate Certificate (GradCert)
To complete the requirements for a Graduate Certificate in Accounting, you must pass 60 points at 100-level or above and include at least 40 points at 300-level or above. At least 40 points must be from one subject area.
The specific requirements for the Graduate Certificate are described in the Waikato Mangement School Student Handbook.
Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
To complete the requirements for a Graduate Diploma in Accounting, you must pass 120 points at 100-level or above and include at least 80 points at 300-level or above, and pass the Writing Competency Module.
You can choose to take up to 40 points from other Graduate Diploma subjects with the permission of the department's Graduate Convenor.
The specific requirements for the Graduate Diploma are described in the Waikato Mangement School Student Handbook.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
To complete the requirements for a Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting, you must pass 60 points at 500-level from one subject area and meet the specific requirements prescribed for any subject.
The specific requirements for Accounting are that you must meet with the department's Graduate Convenor to discuss an appropriate personal programme of study.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
To complete the requirements for a Postgraduate Diploma, you must pass 120 points at 500-level and submit a Portfolio of Achievement (see the Postgraduate Diploma qualification information for further details). You must also meet the specific requirements prescribed for any subject. You can choose to take up to 30 points from other graduate subjects with the permission of the department's Graduate Convenor.
The specific requirements for Accounting are that you must meet with the Department's Graduate Convenor to discuss an appropriate personal programme of study.
Master of Management Studies (MMS)
The completion requirements for the Master of Management Studies are dependent upon your admission criteria; please see the MMS qualification information for further details. However you'll need to:
- Meet with the department's Graduate Convenor to discuss an appropriate personal programme of study and to ensure any specific subject requirements are met.
- Take MNGT501 Research Methods in Management Studies (unless passed previously)
- Take a dissertation (591/592) or thesis (593/594) in your subject area
- Submit a Portfolio of Achievement (see MMS information for further details).
- Meet the specific requirements prescribed for any subject
Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct)
To complete the requirements for the Master of Professional Accounting, you must pass 220 points at 500-level and submit a portfolio of achievement (see qualification information for further details).
You'll need to include:
Stage one: core knowledge and skills
- ACCT570 Fundamental Accounting for Decision Making
- ACCT571 Financial Accounting
- ACCT576 Commercial and Corporate Law
- ACCT577 Financial Management
- ACCT578 Accounting Information Systems
- ECON506 Economics for Business
- ECON507 Quantitative Skills for Finance and Economics
- MNGT504 Organisational Behaviour
Stage two: advanced professional knowledge
- ACCT572 Advanced Auditing
- ACCT573 Advanced Management Accounting
- ACCT574 Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCT575 Advanced Taxation
Stage three: professional development capstone
- ACCT581 Professional Development Capstone and
- ACCT582 Research Project or ACCT583 Professional Internship
Please note: If you fail a paper or papers (no more than 30 points), then you may repeat the paper once, or take an alternative paper. If you fail more than 30 points you will not be permitted to proceed with the degree.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Please contact the department's Graduate Convenor.
Chartered Accountant (CA) study pathway
To meet the academic requirements for provisional CA membership once you graduate from your bachelor's degree - of either Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia or ACCA - you need to take Accounting as a 1st Major and follow a specific programme of study.
This means it's not possible to take a 2nd Major (8 papers) in another subject without having to complete 4-5 extra papers, depending on your degree. However, you may still have the option of taking a Minor (4 papers) in another subject.
These 16 papers are as follows:
- ACCTN101/201 Accounting for Management
- ACCTN102/222 Introductory Financial Accounting
- ACCTN202 Intermediate Financial Accounting
- ACCTN203 Management Accounting: Accounting for Organisational Control
- ACCTN204/304 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCTN301 Capstone in Accounting
- ACCTN302 Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCTN303 Advanced Management Accounting
- ACCTN305 Auditing
- ACCTN306 Taxation
- ACCTN308 Performance Reporting
- ACCT309 Law of Business Enterprise
- ECONS101 Business Economics and the New Zealand Economy
- ECONS205 Data Analytics with Business Applications
- FINAN101 Introduction to Finance
- MNMGT201/301 Business Law and the Legal Environment
Contacts
Management Student Centre (MSC)
Phone: +64 838 4303 or 0800 654 303
Email: msc@waikato.ac.nz
Website: www.management.ac.nz/msc
Opening hours: 8.45am - 4.45pm Monday to Friday
Location: MSB.1.50, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton
One of the best times to pop into MSC is Open Advice Day, held every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.
Undergraduate/Postgraduate Convenors in Accounting
Dr Mary Low
Email:mary.low@waikato.ac.nz
Associate Professor Martin Kelly
Email: martin.kelly@waikato.ac.nz
Dr Vida Botes - Master of Professional Accounting
Email: vida.botes@waikato.ac.nz