Professional accreditations

Within the Bachelor of Commerce (and related combined programs), students may choose to pursue a program of study that would allow them to seek accreditation with particular professional bodies.

Professional accounting accreditation

(i) CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

The Bachelor of Commerce, (and the Bachelor of Commerce and combined programs) have been reaccredited until the end of 2023), Completion of an accredited degree, including specified accredited units of study, can provide a recognised pathway to a career in professional accounting, and associate membership in CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Students enrolled in these degrees need to complete the Professional Accounting program in order to complete all the required accredited units of study covering the foundational competency areas to meet the joint accreditation requirements for CPA Australia and/or CAANZ. These required units of study are listed in the Professional Accounting Accreditation Guide located n the Accounting Discipline area of the Business School website, where information on accreditation and accredited units is updated regularly.

As accredited units are subject to review by the professional accounting bodies, students are advised to check the CAANZ and CPA Australia websites for units accredited in the year they commenced their course.

The University of Sydney does not represent to you or certify the relevant prescribed areas of knowledge required for professional accounting accreditation for units completed by transfer or who have completed a prohibition for one of the specific accredited units of study required for professional accounting accreditation. Generally, the professional accounting bodies will accept credit given by the University, however you may be required to have your completed degree assessed by the accounting body concerned under the indirect pathway to admission.

If required, the Accounting Accreditation Liaison Officer in the Discipline of Accounting can provide further advice on professional accounting accreditation.

(ii) Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Students who complete the Bachelor of Commerce (or Bachelor of Commerce and combined program) that includes an accounting major or professional accounting program are eligible to receive four exam exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Students who complete other specified accredited units of study are also eligible for up to five additional ACCA exam exemptions.

These required accredited units are listed in the professional accounting accreditation link in the Accounting Discipline area of the Business School website where information on accreditation and accredited units is updated regularly.

Further information on ACCA exam exemptions can be found on the ACCA exemptions enquiry calculator on the ACCA website.

Human Resources Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (with a major in industrial relations and human resource management) have met the criteria for course accreditation and are currently accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI). Accreditation is reviewed every three years by the AHRI National Accreditation Committee.

Students applying for this course can be assured that the quality of core units map onto the AHRI Model of Excellence for HR Practitioners and Academics, a recognised benchmark of HR best practice and standards.

CFA® Institute Affiliation Program

The University of Sydney is recognised as an affiliated university under the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. The Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and placing emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the program. This program positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.

Entry into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that The University of Sydney curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.

For further information, please refer to CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.