Accounting

Are you interested in finance and money management? Accounting could be the career for you! 

A career as an account may include: 

• Developing financial statements and reports  
• Tracking and recording client's income and spending  
• Providing financial advice around budgeting, cash flow and taxes 
• Managing budgets and estimating clients potential spending 
• Monitoring a business’ performance  
  
  

Gaining a New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting) or (Leadership and Management) (Level 5) at Otago Polytechnic includes: 

• Completing four core business papers during semester 1  
• One-year full time study  
• Approximately 12 hours of in class learning a week  
• Approximately 25 hours per week outside of class study 
  
  

Gaining a Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) (Level 7) at Otago Polytechnic includes: 

• Three years full time study  
• Around 40 hours of in class and self-directed study a week. For every hour of face to face teaching it is expected you will complete 3 hours of outside of class study 
• Completing a researched based internship project   
  
  

What types of assessments are involved?  

Accounting programs at Otago Polytechnic include essay and report writing, completing case studies, computer-based programming and a final exam.   

Career opportunities  

Job outcomes for both those with a diploma (level 5) or a degree (level 7) are high as people with skills in accounting as there are always businesses looking for accountants. 

Gaining a New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting) (level 5) means you can apply for work as a Bookkeeper, Finance Administrator, Inventory Controller or an Accounts Receivable/Payable Officer.  

Gaining a Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) (Level 7) is the first step to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA), Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA). In other words, this bachelor's degree allows you to become a qualified accountant which leads to higher responsibility and higher payed employment. If your goal is to be a Head Finance Manager or Financial Controller you will likely need a CA or CPA qualification. 

English Language requirements 

• IELTS 5 for Level 3; IELTS 5.5 for Level 4 and Diploma; IELTS 6.0 for Bachelor degree 
• NZCEL Level 3 Applied (Academic) for Certificates and Diploma 
• NZCEL Level 4 Academic for Bachelor degree and Graduate Diploma