Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting at The Institute of International Studies (TIIS) is a short, focused qualification for people who need accounting knowledge without committing to a full master's degree. It runs for 12 weeks. That's one teaching period, not a full year, so it suits students who want a quick entry point into the discipline or a stepping stone towards further postgraduate study.

What you study

As a graduate certificate, this course sits at AQF level 8. It's made up of a small number of units of study, each carrying credit points, and it's delivered over a single trimester-style block. You'll cover the basics that underpin professional accounting: financial accounting, management accounting, business law and corporate finance are the usual building blocks at this level. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments and case work rather than a research thesis, which is standard for a graduate certificate. If you continue into a master's programme later, the credit points you earn here may count towards it, subject to the receiving institution's rules.

Skills you gain

You'll learn to read and prepare financial statements, apply accounting standards to real transactions, analyse costs and budgets, and use accounting software. You'll also pick up the analytical and communication skills that accounting firms expect: explaining numbers to non-accountants, working in teams, and meeting deadlines. Class sizes at TIIS are small, and teaching is face-to-face, so you get direct access to lecturers who have worked in the field.

Who it suits

This qualification is aimed at graduates from other disciplines who want to move into accounting, and at people already working in finance or administration who need formal accounting training. It also works as a trial run: 12 weeks lets you see whether accounting is for you before you enrol in a longer degree. International students should note that the Student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on the course and visa rules at the time. English requirements are set out on the official page; IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall is the common coursework-postgraduate standard, and the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 097841A. Always confirm fees, intakes and English requirements on the official TIIS page before applying.

• Assistant accountant
• Accounts payable or accounts receivable officer
• Payroll officer
• Bookkeeper
• Financial analyst (entry level)
• Audit assistant
• Tax assistant
• Management accountant (with further study)

These roles are found in accounting firms, banks, insurance companies, government departments, not-for-profits and the finance teams of private businesses across Australia. Many graduates use the certificate as a pathway into a master's degree and then towards professional accounting body membership.