Qualification update

New learners

OP720303 Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting closed to new learners for enrolment in 2023. 

Our staff have been working collaboratively with NZIST and staff from the other polytechnics who offer accounting courses, to prepare to move to a unified Bachelor of Accounting programme. The new Bachelor of Accounting is now available, visit this webpage to find out more: Bachelor of Accounting

As a result of this work, all institutions in the network of NZIST subsidiaries, will be progressively closing current accounting courses as we prepare to offer new courses being developed for the unified programme. 

The new unified accounting programme will also meet the
competencies required by the professional accounting bodies, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia.

If you are not currently enrolled in OP720303 Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting and wish to complete the requirements for professional membership, please obtain an assessment from either CAANZ or CPA Australia. Then contact us to talk to a Student Advisor who will be able to suggest how you can meet the requirements.

Update for returning learners

If you are a current learner in OP720303 Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can continue to re-enrol as normal and complete your qualification within two years of your first enrolment.

About this qualification

All you need to do is complete four compulsory courses and two electives from a range of accounting, law and organisational behaviour courses.

When you complete this qualification your skills and knowledge will enhance your career opportunities. You will be able to work in a variety of financial accounting and management accounting roles across different industries in the public and private sectors.

If you have successfully completed the Bachelor of Business (Accounting major) with Open Polytechnic you are unable to enrol in this programme.

CAANZ/CPA Australia membership

If you want to become a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) or CPA Australia you need to contact them for an assessment. This will identify which courses you will need to complete to meet their entry criteria.

CAANZ membership assessment enquiry

CPA membership application 

What you will learn

When you achieve this qualification you will know about:

• advanced management accounting techniques used to plan, direct and control organisational activities
• the nature and purpose of audit and assurance and the regulatory and professional environment in which
  it operates
• the theory of taxation and the main components of the New Zealand tax system. 

Study pathways

If you don't have an undergraduate degree, and would like to pursue a career in accounting and/or management we also offer the following accounting and management qualifications:

Bachelor of Accounting