Deakin's MBA a leader in developing strong relationships with the accounting profession.

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has partnered with the Deakin University to become the only Australian professional accounting body to offer its members a Master of Business Administration (MBA) within its professional program.

The move replaces the IPA’s previous offering of Master of Commerce (Public Accounting) with a fully-fledged MBA qualification, to ensure members retain a competitive edge as both accountants and business advisors.

IPA Chief Executive Office Andrew Conway said that as the accounting profession continues to evolve, members undertaking the Deakin MBA will be well-placed to provide essential and trusted advice to their clients.

‘We are very pleased to have chosen Deakin University to deliver the MBA Program for the IPA, as well as the IPA Internal Pathway Program. This innovative pathway provides due recognition of the quality and standing of Members (MIPA) and Fellows (FIPA) of the IPA by providing advanced standing based on verified professional experience. Such recognition provides IPA members with a streamlined system to achieve one of the most sought after MBA degrees in the southern hemisphere,’ he said.

The IPA and Deakin have agreed that the university will design, develop and deliver the two-stage IPA program.  Stage 1 includes six non-award preparatory units while Stage 2 – as the MBA program – incorporates a sequence of six units including an exclusive MBA unit for IPA members.

New or associate IPA members who complete the six units as part of the IPA Professional Program (alongside required work experience) will then be eligible to commence the Deakin MBA as the program’s second stage.

The units include: Business Process Management (MBA710), Strategy Capstone (MBA731), People Management (MBA721), Marketing Management (MBA720), Principles of Leadership (MBA730), and a Small Business Advisory unit.

‘Lifting the bar will ensure our members are best placed to serve and advise their small business clients, while providing an enhanced opportunity to diversify and grow their business and professional opportunities,’ said Andrew Conway.

Deakin University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said Deakin was delighted to work with the IPA to deliver the high-calibre MBA program.

‘We commend the IPA’s effort to encourage members to elevate their education standards for the benefit of their clients and the wider community.’

Professor Barry J Cooper, Associate Dean (Regional Engagement), negotiated the contract with the IPA and said he was very pleased with the partnership.

‘This partnership demonstrates once again how Deakin’s Department of Accounting continues to be a leader in developing and sustaining strong relationships with the accounting profession in Australia.’

For more information on the benefits of the program, please click here. For details around credit for prior learning, please click here.