A year before graduating, two accounting students from the University of the Sunshine Coast are already counting their blessings.

Moreton Bay campus Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) students Chantelle Brooks and Lorelle Pollock gained graduate positions with KPMG, one of the world’s big four accounting firms, due to start in 2023.

Accounting undergraduate program coordinator Dr Peter Baxter said their success highlighted a strong employer demand for graduate accountants.

“There continues to be a high demand for accountants, and we are seeing 77 percent of our accounting graduates from 2021 already in full-time employment,” Dr Baxter said.

“Accounting is a great career for people who love solving problems and have an inquiring mind – and people with those skills are employed in all types of business and organisations.

“I’m not surprised Lorelle and Chantelle were snapped up so quickly, as they have both performed exceptionally throughout their studies, with cumulative GPAs over 6.30 (from a possible 7).”

Chantelle, a graduate of Deception Bay High School, was a foundation student at USC Moreton Bay when the campus opened in 2020 and one of the first recipients of a Moreton Bay Regional Council Scholarship.

“I am excited to become a part of a firm that sees potential for me to grow,” Chantelle said.

“I like accounting because I am an extremely logical thinker with a love of mathematics and there are many opportunities to grow my career,” Chantelle said.

Lorelle is a non-school leaver, who has juggled family and work commitments while studying.

“I’ve worked in accounts for years and have been thinking about further study for a while,” Lorelle said.

“I finally decided it was now or never and really regret not taking the plunge years ago. I was lucky enough to complete a vacation program with KPMG over the summer break and can’t wait to get back as a graduate.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to just go for it.”