Employment Opportunities
Students with a commerce degree can find work in different areas including
Accounting
There are many job opportunities in accounting, and there is currently a skills shortage for qualified accountants in Australia. Some of the different areas that accountants work in are listed below.
Business risk analyst
Identifies strategic and operational business risks. Provides assessments of the effectiveness of business controls and develops and delivers business risk solutions in support of business objectives.
Auditor
Ensures that assets and liabilities mentioned in reports really exist, analysing samples of work done and interviewing staff about the way they go about their work.
Taxation auditors examine the financial statements of taxpayers.
Government auditors examine records of departments, statutory and local authorities, and government-owned companies.
Private sector auditors work with a range of clients from small businesses to large international firms, including banks, insurance companies and retailers.
Budget/management accountant
Is primarily concerned with the development and maintenance of budgeting systems. This involves monitoring budgets and comparing them with actual costs and revenues related to production, marketing and capital. They analyse records to determine trends, which assists in managerial control.
Systems accountant
Analyses financial information needs for organisations by reviewing existing systems and working out the best way to meet those needs with the design of new systems
Business Information Systems
Consultant/business analyst
People in this role are involved in solving clients' problems in a variety of settings. Consulting requires excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly identify and define a problem. Consultants act as trainers, user and technical support specialists, project managers, or may specialise in a particular technology or method. Meeting with clients often involves interstate or international travel.
Database administrator
The Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the database systems of the organization, including establishing policies and procedures for security, management, and maintenance. The Database Administrator's role includes working with end users, programmers and system administrators to develop data requirements and protect the key information resources the company relies upon.
System architect/systems analyst
Systems Analysts investigate business processes and determine user needs related to information-based problems. Analysts often work in a team environment. The output from the systems analysis process is a set of detailed specifications for a new or modified system. System architects design overall system solutions for companies. These systems are usually large and complex, with many inter-connected systems. The architect delivers these plans to an analyst/designer for construction.
Programmer/analyst
Programmer analysts serve both as systems analysts, and then modify the programs involved in their analysis. For example, a programmer/analyst might work with the accounting department to determine what changes are necessary to the computer reports, and then actually make the programming changes.
Management
Human resources
In addition to hiring staff, developing employment contracts, interfacing with superannuation schemes and determining remuneration packages. Human resource officers are often required to develop strategies that ultimately increase the productivity of organisations. They can do this by measuring and increasing staff satisfaction, and identifying possible work place initiatives that support a healthy life style, good work-life-balance, career progression and skills development, and flexible working conditions.
Employment/recruitment consultant
Employment consultants work on behalf of a client to recruit appropriate personnel to fill positions vacant, they also have to be mindful of revenue targets and profit margins. Employment consults assist employers to find the right people for the job by attracting highly qualified applicants, culling applicants, recommending them for interview and conducting necessary checks on qualifications, referee reports, security clearances if needed.
Business consultant
Business consultants work with a number of different clients to help them solve a business problem. They assist clients by undertaking a variety of activities which range from assessing businesses processes and governance structures to examining organisational performing to identify opportunities for improvement.
Business services/analyst
Use their skills to formulate business strategy, manage projects, assist in business planning and organisational performance, implement change management, and develop governance structures. This type of job is very similar to a business consultant except that this position is only ever
Marketing
Marketing coordinator
Uses skills in market research, product design and pricing, promotions and distribution networks to identify and meet consumer and organisational needs. Also prepares budgets, marketing plans and strategies.
Advertising executive
Collaborates with organisational executives and possibly external agencies to develop advertising strategies and to create and promote a company product or image. Usually prepares budgets, develops promotional and sales support materials, and may be responsible for directing a team of specialist staff.
E-commerce marketing manager
Coordinates and develops the marketing activities of a company over the internet, email and other electronic media, including online promotion, sales and communication.
Public relations
Plans, develops, puts into place and evaluates information and communication strategies that position an organisation to the public, clients, and other stakeholders and promotes good information flows within the organisation.
Marketing researcher
Collects and analyses qualitative and/or quantitative information essential in assisting marketing decisions, and can help determine whether a demand exists for a particular product or service.
Sales manager
Plans and coordinates the activities of a sales team, controls product distribution, monitors budget achievement, trains and motivates personnel, and prepares forecasts.
Business development manager
Emphasises the development of new business opportunities and client relationships, often required to source opportunities and secure business autonomously. This role varies from industry to industry and can offer opportunities both locally and internationally.
Marketing communications specialist
Usually responsible for a variety of marketing functions including advertising strategy, design and placement, market research projects, sales promotions and product/service publicity including media relations. Collaborates with senior management and other specialist staff to initiate, develop and implement marketing plans to meet strategic goals set by the organisation.
