Accounting is a critical component of any company or institution. Accounting as a profession has seen a major shift in recent decades, from a strictly financial focus of economic accountability to a more complex role within business organizations and management. The accounting profession has also expanded to include areas such as information systems, insolvency and forensic investigations. Change to a career in accounting If you want to become an accountant and already have a bachelor or 8-unit non-accounting master's degree , the Master of Professional Accounting will get you there. The emphasis is on practical experience and preparing you thoroughly for the accounting profession through this master’s conversion program. Professional accreditation Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting will meet the educational entrance requirements of both the CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), as long as a certain list of subjects are studied. This provides Associate membership of CPA Australia, eligibility to study the CPA Australia professional exams and eligibility to study the CAANZ professional exams. Successful completion of the Master of Professional Accounting can qualify students for exemptions from the Fundamental level (9 papers) of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)exams. For further details please refer to the ACCA website. Career outcomes As a graduate, your career opportunities may include public accountant, chartered accountant, company accountant, company secretary, financial administrator, investment advisor, forensic accountant, in the government (in the tax department, audit office, treasury and local government), or in financial institutions including banks and building societies.