The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is a professional degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become auditors and accountants in Australia. This program covers areas such as audit practice, management accounting, financial accounting, and taxation, while also including an ethics course, an international studies module, and a course on corporate governance.
What is Professional Accounting?
Professional accounting is the practice of providing accurate and timely financial information to help organizations manage their affairs. It includes the preparation of financial statements, auditing, and other financial analysis. Professional accountants are required to adhere to a set of ethical principles and regulations. Also, they must be knowledgeable in business management and taxation principles.
Benefits of Acquiring a Master of Professional Accounting
- Increased Job Prospects:
Regardless of your current accounting career, acquiring a Master of Professional Accounting will improve your job prospects. Employers value candidates who have undergone rigorous academic training in accounting and can apply that knowledge in a practical setting.
- Greater Expertise:
The Master of Professional Accounting is the highest level of accounting certification available and provides you with significant expertise in the field. This means that you can be more valuable as an accountant, and be better equipped to advise clients on financial matters.
- Improved Productivity:
A Master of Professional Accounting will help you increase your productivity as an accountant. The degree will give you insights into new methods and techniques for accounting analysis, which can help you streamline your work process.
- Increased Knowledge Base:
The Master of Professional Accounting curriculum focuses on providing you with a comprehensive understanding of accounting theory and practice. This knowledge base will allow you to offer more thoughtful advice to your clients and broaden your scope for professional development opportunities.
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Eligible Criteria to Study Master of Professional Accounting in Australia
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration from a recognized university.
- You must have at least three years of full-time accounting experience.
- You must have a valid CA or CPA license.
- You must pass the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) examination offered by the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants (AICPA).
Courses Offered in Master of Professional Accounting in Australia
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) programs in Australia are accredited by the American Accounting Association (AAA). The programs provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the accounting profession. The following list of courses is representative of the types of courses offered in an MPA program:
- Financial Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Management Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Taxation
- Contemporary Issues in Business
- Research Methodologies for Accounting Professionals
- Management Information Systems
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Top Universities Offering Master of Professional Accounting
- University of Melbourne:
The University of Melbourne is one of the oldest universities in Australia, and it has a long history of producing highly skilled professionals. It is therefore no surprise that the University offers a Master of Professional Accounting program. The program is accredited by AACSB, which means that it meets high standards and is internationally recognized.
- University of Queensland:
The University of Queensland is another well-known university in Australia, with a strong reputation for teaching quality. It also offers a Master of Professional Accounting program that is accredited by AACSB. The program consists of both online and face-to-face modules, so students have the flexibility to choose which format works best for them.
- Monash University:
Monash University is one of Australia’s largest universities, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its campuses. It also offers a highly reputable Master of Professional Accounting program that is accredited by AACSB. The program consists of both online and face-to-face modules, so students have plenty of choices in how they learn.
- Western Sydney University:
Western Sydney University is a relatively new university, but it has quickly gained a reputation for being one of Australia’s leading universities. It offers a Master of Professional Accounting program, which provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to become certified financial analysts. The program also provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the accounting industry.
- Australian National University:
The ANU’s MA in Professional Accounting program provides students with an overview of all aspects of professional accounting theory and practice. In addition to traditional coursework, ANU’s MA in Professional Accounting program includes several unique features that make it stand out from other programs available in Australia.
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Average Tuition Fee for Master of Professional Accounting
Australia offers some Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) programs, with fees varying significantly based on the location and type of program. In Melbourne, for example, the typical tuition fee for an MPA in accounting is AU$45,000 per year while in Sydney it is AU$67,500 per year. Programs in other cities also vary considerably in their fees but on average they are around AU$60,000 per year.
Notable Alumni of Master of Professional Accounting in Australia
- Tony Bartlett:
Dr. Tony Bartlett is a well-known accountant and business executive who has held senior positions at some of Australia’s largest companies. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Treasury Corporation Ltd., one of Australia’s largest government-owned corporations.
- Michael Chaney:
Mr. Michael Chaney is a well-known investor, business magnate, and philanthropist who has played an important role in developing several major Australian businesses. He is the founder and chairman of Westfield Group, one of Australia’s largest property development firms.
- David Gonski:
Dr. David Gonski is a former cabinet minister in the Australian Government and one of Australia’s most accomplished educators. He is now chairperson emeritus at Sydney University, where he has served as chancellor since 2007.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to complete the Australian Master of Professional Accounting program?
A: The program takes three years to complete, and includes both classroom learning and practical experience. In total, students will spend around 150 hours studying for the AMP qualification.
Q: What are the requirements for eligibility to study for the Australian Master of Professional Accounting program?
A: To be eligible to study for the AMP qualification, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an accounting or business-related field. Additionally, you will need to pass a comprehensive exam that assesses your knowledge of accounting theory and practice.
Q: How many credits are required for the MPA degree?
A: To complete the MPA degree, students must complete 36 credits in addition to their major requirements. These 36 credits include courses in business, accounting, economics, finance, statistics, and computer science.