Associate Degree of Accounting Studies

This two-year associate degree gives you a grounding in accounting and the business systems that sit around it. You'll study financial accounting, management accounting, business law, economics, statistics and information systems. The course is built for people who want a qualification they can use, without committing to a full three-year bachelor degree.

Australian associate degrees sit at Level 6 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, one step below a bachelor degree. Charles Darwin University delivers this course over two years of full-time study, usually across two semesters each year. You'll complete units of study worth credit points, and if you decide to continue on, those credit points can count towards a bachelor degree. The course is offered at CDU's Casuarina campus in Darwin and online, so you can study from wherever you are.

You'll learn how to prepare financial statements, analyse business performance, use accounting software, and apply tax and legal rules to real situations. The teaching staff are qualified accountants and business professionals, and the small class sizes mean you get direct access to them. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments and practical projects.

This course suits school leavers who want a fast route into an accounting job, people already working in bookkeeping or administration who want to formalise their skills, and anyone considering a career change into finance. It's also a pathway to further study — many graduates go on to a bachelor degree and then a professional accounting qualification. International students should check the official CRICOS page for current tuition, intake dates and English requirements. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation.

• Accounts officer — managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations and financial records for businesses of all sizes.
• Bookkeeper — keeping day-to-day financial records for small businesses, often using cloud accounting software.
• Payroll officer — processing wages, superannuation and tax obligations for employees.
• Assistant accountant — supporting financial reporting, budgeting and compliance work in larger organisations.
• Tax return preparer — helping individuals and small businesses lodge tax returns during the Australian tax season.
• Financial services officer — working in banks, credit unions or insurance companies in customer-facing and back-office roles.

These roles are in demand across Australia in public practice accounting firms, government departments, not-for-profit organisations, and the private sector. The Northern Territory has a steady need for accounting staff in mining, construction, tourism and public administration.