Enrolments in accounting degrees at Charles Sturt University reflect a national trend that is seeing more women and mature age graduates enter the profession where graduate supply is not meeting industry demand.

A recent survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants shows its members expect to increase their intake of graduates by 4.5 per cent this year and expect around 22 per cent of these to be over the age of 25.

The high salaries, job security and a chance of specialist fields are attracting more women and mature age students to accounting according to Head of CSU's School of Accounting Associate Professor Terry Bishop.

"The flexibility in employment in both major metropolitan firms and in regional areas is an attraction. We just can't keep up with the demand for graduates at the moment," he said.

At the end of 1999 100 percent of CSU's Bathurst accounting students had been offered jobs, many with the "Big 5" firms in Sydney.

"The GST has had a lot to do with this jobs growth due to the extra workload it will create in the coming years. The Australian Tax Office alone has been recruiting some 1300 extra staff to handle this additional work."

Despite the excellent salaries, job security, the flexibility to work virtually anywhere in Australia and opportunities to work overseas, many school leavers do not appear to give sufficient consideration to accounting as a career option.

"I think this may be due to an outdated perception by many of what accountants do," Professor Bishop said.

"Unfortunately, some people still think of accounting as being routine bookkeeping - this is simply not the case. Modern computer technology has taken over these processes," he said.

"The role of todays accountant is that of a financial adviser who enjoys working with clients to ensure that they have the best financial advise to manage their business and personal affairs.

"Anyone who enjoys working with people and wants the choice of job location with excellent remunerations should give serious consideration to a career in accounting."