Tell me about: the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Extension)

Associate Professor Robert Inglis explains the benefits of the degree.

What does this program offer?

The new Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Extension) is a professionally accredited program delivered in partnership with CPA Australia. It focuses on contemporary issues in accounting and leadership for graduates who want to become skilled accounting professionals.

The program combines an accredited postgraduate degree in accounting with the requirements to gain associate membership of CPA Australia while preparing for the six CPA Program™ subject examinations.

It offers students an opportunity to focus on the dynamics of strategy, leadership, and international business and contemporary issues in risk management, forensic accounting and sustainability. They will emerge with the confidence, skills, capabilities and accounting know-how to apply their learned theories to solve technical challenges and accounting problems.

Who is this program suitable for?

This program is designed for students from non-accounting backgrounds who want to become qualified accountants. Often they have progressed into a role that requires accounting qualifications or perhaps they are making a complete career change to become accountants for the first time. 

We have students entering the program who have studied arts, science, engineering, education and social work. The varied backgrounds and qualifications of students make for really interesting class debate!

How will students learn?

Most classes are held in our new Swanston Academic Building. Students will have access to online and digital resources via our wireless network or they can access the same software at home. Students will have access to face-to- face, supported learning through a variety of modes including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations and group discussions.

The materials used in the CPA segment courses will be a combination of the study materials and on-line resources CPA Australia provides to its CPA Program™ applicants and materials prepared by the RMIT School of Accounting.

A key feature of the program is the focus on work-integrated-learning (WIL) activities in which students integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences such as projects with industry and community based organisations. The WIL experience can give students an edge when they start their career.

What types of roles will be available for graduates?

Adding a Master of Professional Accounting and CPA accreditation to existing qualifications gives graduates a wide range of career options. Graduates may work in small, medium or large organisations in public accounting practice, commerce, government or the not-for- profit sector. They may even consider the exciting possibility of starting their own business. Graduate roles may include:

• Working with senior executives on managing and disclosing social and environmental activities of the organisation
• Monitoring and reporting on the cash flow and financial resources of the organisation
• Advising business on strategies for increased profits - providing financial advice
• Preparing integrated reports for financial and sustainability reporting
• Evaluating business plans
• Developing performance management sytems
• Providing taxation advice
• Running a small business

Success begins here: Study the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Extension). Find out more.

Story: Kate Jones