Master of Professional Accounting

Accelerate your career in accounting with an advanced degree that not only opens doors to professional opportunities but also paves the way for membership in reputable accounting bodies.

The Master of Professional Accounting is a programme designed for graduates from any discipline who aspire to build a rewarding accounting career. It equips students with practical tools and a strong professional foundation, enabling them to transition confidently into accounting roles across various industries and excel as leaders in today's financial landscape.

You will comprehensively understand accounting, finance, and business, while honing essential skills employers seek. This programme emphasises the development of analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, as well as technical accounting skills and research capabilities, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges of the professional world.

You'll learn through applied methods such as case studies and scenario-based tasks, supported by a flexible blend of workshops, interactive lectures, online activities, and independent study. You'll also complete a research project in an area of personal interest and have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through an internship.

No prior study in accounting is required - just a completed undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in any discipline.

What you will learn

The Master of Professional Accounting is studied over three semesters and consists of 10 compulsory courses—nine 15-credit courses at Level 8 (including an internship) and a 45-credit research project at Level 9.

Here's a snippet of the technical and people skills you'll gain and develop over the duration of the programme:

• Accounting theory and practical experience. Apply advanced knowledge of accounting and practice in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, audit and assurance.
• Research skills. Ability to undertake applied research.
• Collaboration. Work collaboratively with diverse teams and cultures and build positive working relationships in Aotearoa and global contexts.
• Communication skills. Effectively and professionally communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• **Business ethics.**Critically engage with ethically and socially responsible accounting practices.

You will gain practical, applied experience and develop your ability to think critically, act ethically, and work professionally in diverse business settings. 

Required learning tools and skills

You will need to have a laptop or desktop (a laptop is preferred because it is easier to bring to campus) and your preferred method for taking notes in class. You will also require regular access to the internet for self-study activities in addition to the student Wi-Fi on campus.

You maybe required to purchase specialist textbooks for your studies, please ensure you have access to funds for course related costs. 

Every course has a dedicated Moodle page, our education online platform, where learners can access resources and assessment instruction, submit assessments, and communicate with their tutor via forums. Learners also have access to Office365 and the NMIT library catalogue (print, ebooks, research databases).

As a Master’s learner, you will be required to use APA7 referencing, navigate research databases, and academic writing. Our Library Learner Services regularly run workshops throughout the programme to support learners in developing and refining these skills in preparation for the thesis.

Learners will also be required to read widely in academic texts and articles to complete assessments and support their research. Our Library Learner Services can help learners develop research reading techniques to efficiently read large volumes of academic texts.

Professional accounting bodies

To work as a registered Chartered Accountant or Certified Practising Accountant in New Zealand, you need to gain membership to the following professional accounting bodies:

• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
• Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia)

Professional certification offers many benefits, including global recognition, networking opportunities, and access to discounted professional development.

Successful completion of the Master of Professional Accounting provides learners with the academic requirements to apply for provisional membership (Provisional CA) with both CA ANZ and CPA Australia.

To become a full Chartered Accountant, graduates must complete the CA ANZ CA Program along with Mentored Practical Experience (MPE).

Find out more here: CA Program entry requirements

Internship

You'll complete a 75-hour internship with a local organisation as part of the programme. You'll agree on a project, set goals, and put your skills into practice. Our team will support you in preparing and connecting with available opportunities, giving you valuable experience and a strong step toward your future career.

Finding the right job for you

Upon graduation, you will meet the academic requirements for provisional membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia, enabling you to pursue full professional membership as a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). You can also enter various roles in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, banking, and business consultancy across the private and public sectors. Salary expectations will vary based on your qualifications, experience, and the specifics of the organisation, but here's an estimate of what you can expect.

• New accounting technicians and assistant accountants can earn between $58,000 and $81,000 annually.
• Accountants not CPA/CA qualified usually earn between $55,000 and $90,000.
• Mid-level accountants with up to four years' experience typically earn between $76,000 and $106,000.
• Senior accountants can earn between $102,000 and $202,000.

Meet Dr. Paul Aitken a senior academic at NMIT

Learn how NMIT’s supportive and innovative approach to study stands out from what you may have experienced in the past and why it’s the perfect place to advance your postgraduate diploma or master’s studies.