Master of Professional Accounting

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

23 February 2026
Length

51 teaching weeks and up to 8 weeks of study break
Total credits

180
Fees

2026: TBC

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

4287

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.

Pending final approval \| Apply now for a 2026 start!

New Zealand Certificate in Business Accounting Support Services

The Master of Professional Accounting is a conversion 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.

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)

There are many benefits to being professionally certified and registered – global networking opportunities and discounted professional development – so when you successfully graduate from this programme, you'll have the academic requirements you need to apply for provisional membership.

Internship

Finding the right job for you

Upon graduation, you will meet the academic requirements for provisional membership with CA ANZ and CPA Australia, allowing you to pursue full membership as a chartered or certified practising accountant.

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.

Source: www.careers.govt.nz(external link)

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.