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Financial Controller *

Last modified: September 04, 2010, 08:46 PM
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This is an ideal career for analytical thinkers. A financial controller works for a large corporation that may offer any range of products or services to the businesses, individuals and governments. You would focus on the cost management side or the financial management side of the business, with the highest position being Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director.

Qualifications, leading Universities and Employment

You need to have passed your VCE/HSC with English and a strong result in mathematics. Accountancy is a career requiring at minimum a Diploma in Accounting, but more likely an undergraduate degree in Business or Commerce such as Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) or Bachelor of Business (Accounting).  Most, if not all, universities have accounting courses.  The entry score is usually 85+.

Around the country, the universities which require an entry score of 85+ for an undergraduate course in Accounting are: 

  • NSW - Macquarie University; University of NSW; Sydney University; University of Technology Sydney
  • ACT – Australian National University
  • VIC - Monash University; University of Melbourne
  • QLD - Queensland University

As an Accounting major, you'll take classes in economics, statistics, financial systems, business administration, ethics and law.

Graduates may then qualify for entry to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), CPA Australia, and the National Institute of Accountants (NIA).  Unlike some other professions, accountants are required to complete 40 hours of ongoing knowledge enhancement per year by attending seminars and professional courses.  A commitment to continuous learning is needed to keep up with financial accounting standards and constantly changing tax laws. 

Employment opportunities for accountants are endless.  Every organisation, business and company needs financial assistance.  Government and corporate governance requires certain standards to be adhered to.  Accountants ensure compliance across these areas.

To become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) you must earn a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related business field.  You must also take the CPA Examination to become registered.  Being a CPA can give you an advantage when job seeking or when negotiating a higher salary, and whilst is sometimes required for certain positions, you don't have to be a CPA to work in the accounting field.

The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.

Relevant Universities Colleges & TAFE

Careernav have trolled through all the universities, specialist colleges and TAFE’s across the nation to identify those courses we consider relevant to this career. We have only focussed on the core single degree and its full time period. We acknowledge many combination degrees are available and different students combine different degrees. Course names also differ by university and we have grouped like courses together. We may have missed the odd course being offered, so we recommend for a more detailed guide check with the universities direct or one of the university course guide books such as Hobson’s. Please note Careernav are totally impartial and do not recommend one tertiary institution over another. To view the A to Z of tertiary institutions that offer relevant courses for this career.

Click here to view all

Promoting Tertiary Institutions

All tertiary institutions have an open invitation to make available their course outline using the ‘For Institutions’ tab in the footer section of each page. From time to time universities, colleges or TAFE will take up Careernav’s offer to promote their courses and make available ‘Course Outline’ for your consideration. When an icon appears, consider its relevance and download the Course Outline on the one that interests you by clicking “I would like to learn more” at the end of the course profile.

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About the Author

Andrew O’Malley

Andrew O’Malley

Partner  - Kindle Partners

Kindle Partners provides a comprehensive range of business advisory, accounting and taxation services to our local, national and international clients. These include advice relating to superannuation, cashflow analysis and projections, finance or equity raising assistance, profitability analysis and restructuring assistance. We are also involved in all facets of asset protection, effective tax structures, business and strategic planning, business reviews, business valuations and maximisation of returns. Our mission is to provide our clients with the tools and inspiration to create and maintain a successful business in today's challenging climate.


Did you know that the word TIP is the acronym for "To Insure Promptness." ?

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