The degree that opens doors
Study for a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting and gain a qualification that could propel you into any industry. Maybe you are looking to combine Accounting with another discipline – with a double major – or even just take a paper or two? No matter how you include Accounting in your degree, Otago is the right choice. If you wish to work in New Zealand as a public practitioner or auditor the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), or Certified Practising Accountants (CPA Australia) are pathways to take.
Find out more about combining Accounting with other majors at Otago
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majoring in Accounting
The BCom in Accounting is your ticket to the world. Get a comprehensive understanding of Accounting, and a broad appreciation of the business environment – then get out there!
Develop your own interests in business and related subjects, with the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programme. Meet the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Accountant by studying the prescribed papers. All undergraduate Accounting students should enrol in the BCom.
Read advice on planning your BCom in Accounting
Join our Accounting Mentoring Programme for advice from those working in the field
Programme requirements: BCom Accounting
The BCom in Accounting from the Department of Accountancy and Finance is a three-year undergraduate degree. There are seven required Accounting papers for the BCom. You can major in Accounting – or combine it with another business major (double major) or complete a double degree.
Read the programme requirements for a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting at Otago
In addition to completing the requirements of your Accounting major, all BCom and BCom(Hons) students must also complete the following core business papers.
Combining Accounting with other majors at Otago
Accounting can be included in your BCom in a variety of ways. Study for a double major, or include a few papers into your other degree for interest – the choice is yours.
Discuss your intentions with a course advisor during course approval time, or during the academic year.
Accounting as a double major or degree
Consider studying towards a double degree, or double major. In either case, you will need to plan your course carefully, to ensure you meet all the requirements.
A double major consists of two separate majors attached to a single degree. A double major programme doesn't mean that more than the minimum number of points for the degree is required.
A double degree involves two separate degrees – each with its own field of study. Double degrees require careful planning of your programme. You may be required to take on more papers during semester, or complete papers at Summer School.
Contact the Department about completing a double major, or a double degree, in Accounting.
Accounting as a Minor
Accounting is as great complement to any degree – especially other commerce degrees. Whatever your Major, many of us find roles working in a business environment. A knowledge of accounting provides the ability to make decisions based not only on the issues presented, but also consider the underlying financial constraints.
Accounting is a great minor subject for a BA, BPA, BSc, BAppSc or BCom degree.
Read the programme requirements for a Minor in Accounting at Otago
Accounting papers
Looking for an extra paper – or two – to complete your degree? Commerce student or not, a knowledge of Accounting is useful in almost any field.
Take Accounting papers without making it your major or minor
Combining a minor with an Accounting Major
Completing the compulsory BSNS 100 level papers and all papers required for BCom majoring in ACCT amounts to 13 papers. This leaves a student room to add further papers structured as a minor in another subject if desired. Common minors combined with an Accounting major are those offered in the Business School (e.g. Business Analytics, Finance, Information Science, Marketing etc) but minors from across the University can be added (e.g. Māori Studies).
Find our more about minor subjects
A new minor that is attractive to business employers is that of Business Analytics.
Find out more about studying Business Analytics at Otago
Course advice
If you have any questions about studying finance, we can help with your study plans.