TAFE NSW graduates are leap-frogging the competition and getting into jobs in the accounting sector faster with higher education program coordinators announcing a staggering 95% employment success rate.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Accounting and Finance Diana Bugarcic said that graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Commerce are in demand, with many being quickly snapped up by the Big Four accounting firms.

“TAFE NSW has been delivering degrees in financial planning and accounting for over eight years and 95% of our students are employed in the finance sector before they have completed their course.

“TAFE NSW academics work closely with the major financial associations including the FPA, AFA, CPA and CAA which provides opportunities for students to participate and network with professionals and employers.”

Financial Planners can expect excellent job prospects with Australia ranked fourth globally in superannuation assets at nearly $3 trillion dollars[1]. There has also been a 25% increase in financial advisers in Australia over the last five years[2], with an ageing population meaning more Australians are seeking professional financial advice.

When Cindy Cokro wanted to pursue a career in finance and was deciding where she should study her degree, she said the practical focus of the Bachelor of Applied Commerce (Financial Planning) at TAFE NSW appealed to her.

“From my research, I discovered that in comparison to universities and colleges, TAFE NSW is known for its practical, industry-focused courses that greatly contribute to the skills and knowledge required as well as improve prospects in the job market,” Cindy said.

“The course equipped me with not only a deep knowledge of the financial services sector, I also benefited from practical experience in a workplace setting through the internship subject and role-play assignments.”

During her course, Cindy received an email from her teacher informing her that KPMG was interested in hosting TAFE NSW students for an internship.

 “The teacher encouraged me to apply for the internship, as it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to work at one of the world's top accounting firms. Instead, and to my great astonishment, I was offered a permanent position and as of today I have been working at KPMG as an analyst for more than a year.”

Subjects in management, marketing, law, economics and business statistics are included in the Applied Commerce degree to ensure students have the full range of knowledge and skills required to work effectively in the financial services industry, whether it be in financial planning, accounting or both.

Enrolments are now open for Semester Two, 2020. To learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Commerce at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.