Become a trusted authority in business information.

Looking for your path to a career as a qualified professional accountant?

Become an expert with in-demand skills when you study La Trobe's Master of Professional Accounting.

In this accredited degree, you'll build expertise in existing and emerging accounting information systems and data analytics tools. Investigate the fields underpinning modern accounting, including business law, taxation, finance and economics. Connect with industry and professional accounting bodies during your studies and prepare for career success.

Learn how to solve accounting problems across a diverse variety of business contexts. With lectures delivered by leading academics and guest industry experts, you'll get a well-rounded perspective on contemporary accounting issues – ranging from industry-specific measurement issues to the impact of global harmonisation on financial reporting practices.

La Trobe's Master of Professional Accounting is a direct pathway to becoming a qualified professional accountant. If you have limited exposure to accounting or are forging a new path, this degree will develop your theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to build your dream career.

You'll learn:

Accounting principles, information systems and analytics
Understand how to record business transactions, prepare financial statements and evaluate business performance. Use the accounting and data analytics tools to analyse data and assist decision making.
Management accounting
Understand how to provide organisational decision-makers with relevant accounting information to assist with strategic planning, controlling and performance management.
Financial accounting and reporting
Apply international and Australian accounting standards involving measurement and professional judgement in a variety of practical scenarios.
Auditing and assurance
Explore the nature and purpose of auditing and assurance. Understand the responsibilities of auditors in the context of reporting quality information.
Taxation
Learn the fundamentals of the taxation system and its implications for individuals and businesses.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.

Accountants and accountancy expertise are vital for organisations in every industry – so after graduation, you could find roles in private enterprise, government departments, the not-for-profit sector and beyond.

Possible roles include:

Business analyst
Assist with start-up structuring, valuation and financing. Review existing business operations to help with strategy, business planning, and identifying and implementing performance improvements.
Financial accountant
Take responsibility for financial reporting, including end-of-year financial reports, reconciliations and statutory obligations. Help provide stakeholders with reliable information for decision-making.
Management accountant
Help your organisation evaluate past performance and plan for the future. Analyse financial and non-financial data to assist in decision-making and advise on the implications of business decisions.
Auditor
Use modern auditing and data analytics tools to give internal and external clients assurance about an organisation's operations.
Taxation accountant
Advise on taxation issues for individuals and organisations. Manage, prepare and submit reports, including tax returns and other statements, and advise clients on how to manage their income.
Professional recognition
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and recognized by the global accounting professional body Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting may apply for membership with the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.