Graduate Diploma in Accounting
Accounting
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
This one-year, Level 7 qualification is designed for those with a degree or equivalent experience seeking to develop a career in accounting. The qualification offers comprehensive training in accounting practices, including financial and management accounting, taxation, and an applied industry project.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Process and record financial transactions
Develop the skills to accurately record and process a wide range of financial transactions in accordance with accepted accounting principles.
Prepare Financial Statements
Prepare general-purpose financial reports and statements for different entity types following New Zealand accounting standards.
Management Accounting and Budgeting
Produce management accounting information for decision-making, including budgeting, cost estimation, and strategic analysis.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Diploma in Accounting at Otago Polytechnic is designed for those seeking to extend their knowledge in accounting and prepare for a career in the field. Students will develop skills in recording and processing financial transactions, preparing financial statements in line with New Zealand standards, preparing budgets, and producing information to aid management decisions. The programme includes applied assignments, case studies, and a workplace-based industry project to ensure a strong connection to real-world accounting work. Ideal for those looking for a promotion or to diversify their skill set, the programme is delivered on campus in Dunedin and supported by experienced business staff.
Course Content
- Intermediate Financial Accounting: Preparation of general purpose financial reports for companies and partnerships according to NZ reporting standards.
- Intermediate Management Accounting: Production cost estimation, operational budgeting, and management accounting reporting processes.
- Taxation in New Zealand: Introduction to taxation, GST, Fringe Benefit Tax, and tax accounting for various business entities.
- Advanced Financial Accounting: Advanced financial accounting concepts, financial instruments, and foreign exchange.
- Advanced Management Accounting: Strategic management accounting topics such as value chain, pricing, lean manufacturing, risk and performance analysis.
- Organisational Research Design: Research proposal formulation, selection of methods, compliance with legal and ethical research standards.
- Industry Project for Professional Accounting: Applied workplace industry project (200 hours) involving research and adding value to an organisation.
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Accounting
Business
Finance
Future employment opportunities might be
Accountant
Accounting technician
Financial officer
Roles in a variety of sectors including public sector, private corporations, NGOs, and self-employment
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.