Distance Learning Accounting Degree, University Of London Accounting Degree

Q: I'm planning on studying with the University of London for either a "BSc Accounting & Finance" or "BSc Accounting with Law". Either degree would be suitable for working as an accountant in the UK, but possibly after I qualify (and get suitable work experience) I might possibly like to apply to migrate to Australia. I was wondering if either would have a better chance of being regarded equal to an Australian accounting degree. I have found out that CPA (they determine whether foreign accounting degrees are equal to Australian accounting degrees) require an accounting degree to cover AT LEAST NINE of the following twelve subject areas;

A:I'm a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant and got my permanent residency visa last week (hurrah!). I've also been studying Aussie tax law and company law through a distance learning course run by the University of Southern Queensland - www.usq.edu.au (course number 52199 if you're interested). My skills were assessed by the Institute of CA's in Australia and so you may may want to pursue your enquiry by an exchange of emails with them. I recall there is a link to skills assessments on their site - www.icaa.org.au It isn't clear from your query whether you are planning to study whilst getting practical experience - I would certainly recommend trying to get a position in practice or industry as most employers should provide you with the hands on experience and will also pay for your studies (at least for the first attempt at each stage). I dare say this is the more traditional approach and would perhaps look better on your CV - tho' it may take longer to be in a position to make the move to Australia. As to whether accountancy will be on the list in several years hence - so far as I know accountants have been in demand since I qualified back in 1989, and if you decide to specialise in UK and Aussie tax (as I am doing) I would say you will always have a better than evens chance of being a person in demand. Do

you intend to go on and do the UK professional accountancy exams after your degree? If you become a member of one of the Institutes of Chartered Accountants (England & Wales, Scotland or Ireland) then this will satisfy the requirements of CPAA and ICAA, even without a relevant university degree. ACCA and CIMA without a relevant degree won't be accepted by CPAA, but will be accepted by ICAA as far as I know. DIMA don't care which body does the assessment. You would need to be a full member of any of these bodies, simply having passed the exams wouldn't be enough if you don't have a relevant university degree to use as the basis for assessment instead.