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How to Become An Account Manager

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What is a Account Manager

An Account Manager is the go-to person for a business’s clients. They keep clients happy, fix problems fast, and find new ways to grow. If someone loves building ties in a fast-moving role, account management is a great fit. Account Managers work in tech, finance, marketing, insurance, and many more fields.

Each day brings something new. A typical morning might mean writing a sales pitch, then taking client calls in the afternoon. Account Managers check in with clients to see how things are going. They fix issues and spot chances to sell more. Teamwork is a big part of the job, with close ties across marketing, product, and support teams.

The role suits strong communicators and natural problem-solvers. CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot are part of the day-to-day toolkit. The more an Account Manager knows about their field and clients, the better they do. Listening well and following through builds the trust that sets great Account Managers apart.

Account management is a strong start for a career in sales or business growth. Many Account Managers move into key account, national account, or sales manager roles within a few years. It is a career that grows with experience, and the skills built here are useful in almost every industry.

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Career Outlook for Account Manager

Account Manager is a well-known role with strong demand across a wide range of industries. The role is found in tech, finance, telecoms, insurance, and consulting. Based on recent Australian data, account management roles are growing. Businesses are putting more focus on keeping clients and growing from within. Most Account Managers work full-time, often between 40 and 45 hours per week.

The average Account Manager salary in Australia is between $90,000 and $110,000 per year (SEEK, 2026). Pay varies by industry and account size. Entry-level roles start at around $65,000. Senior and national account managers can earn $120,000 or more. Bonuses and commissions can add a lot to base pay.

The outlook for Account Managers is strong. More Australian businesses are putting money into customer experience and client-led growth. This is driving demand for skilled Account Managers. The role offers clear career steps. Many Account Managers move into sales director, national account, or business growth manager roles. It is a career with real momentum for those who work hard.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Account Manager

Step 1: Complete the Diploma of Business (BSB50120) or a bachelor degree

Complete the Diploma of Business (BSB50120) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 12 to 18 months full-time or up to two years part-time. It covers sales, client management, communication, and marketing. These are the core skills for account work. Or, complete a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Marketing at a university. This degree takes three years full-time and gives a deeper grounding for higher-level roles.

Step 2: Start in a sales or customer service role

Begin in a sales rep, customer service, or business development role. Aim for one to two years in a client-facing job before moving into account management. These roles build the communication, relationship, and problem-solving skills used every day in account work. Entry-level jobs in retail, inside sales, or support are all valid starting points.

Step 3: Build your CRM and data skills

Learn to use CRM software such as Salesforce or HubSpot. Most employers expect Account Managers to manage client data and track pipeline on their own. Many free and low-cost online courses cover these tools in under 20 hours. Pair this with basic data skills to read sales dashboards and track results.

Step 4: Join a professional body to build your credentials

Consider joining the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) or the Australian Institute of Sales. Membership gives access to industry events, resources, and career growth programs. Both bodies offer recognised credentials that can strengthen a resume. Networking through these organisations often leads to new roles and client connections.

Step 5: Apply for Account Manager roles and build your track record

With a qualification and some client-facing experience, apply for junior Account Manager roles. One to two years of prior experience is a good starting point. Tailor each application to the industry and client base of the employer. In the first few years, focus on knowing each account well and doing more than clients expect. A strong record of client retention and growth is the base for senior roles.

What does an Account Manager do?

An Account Manager’s day is all about keeping clients happy and finding new ways to grow. They start by checking in with clients to see how things are going and whether any issues need fixing. From there, they might write a sales proposal or look into what a rival is doing. They may also brief an internal team on a client’s needs. Market trends, account data, and client talks all feed into the calls they make each day. It is a lively mix of relationship work, research, and planning that keeps the job fresh.

Tasks

Account Managers keep businesses linked to their clients every day. They handle everything from client check-ins and problem-solving to writing sales proposals and tracking how accounts are going. The role rewards people who are organised, proactive, and great with people. There is always something new to work on, which makes it one of the more exciting roles in business.

  • Client Management – Builds and keeps strong client ties to drive happiness and long-term loyalty.
  • Sales Growth – Finds and acts on chances to sell more to existing clients.
  • Proposal Writing – Writes and presents tailored sales proposals and tenders that match client goals.
  • Market Research – Keeps up with market trends and rival products to give clients better advice.
  • Client Follow-Up – Checks in with clients after work is done to make sure they are happy.
  • Prospecting – Builds lists of potential clients using trade guides and other business research tools.
  • Team Work – Works with marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver the right solutions for each client.
  • Reporting – Tracks sales figures and account data and reports results to management.

Skills for Success

Account Managers need a mix of people skills, sales know-how, and business smarts. Good communication is key, from client emails and calls to formal pitches and contract talks. Strong organisation keeps work on track when looking after many clients at once. Knowing the industry well gives clients confidence and opens doors to more business.

Problem-solving is a daily skill for Account Managers. When a client has an issue, they act fast and find a fix that works for all sides. CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot help track client activity and spot new chances. Data skills are growing in value. Employers now look for Account Managers who can read dashboards and act on what they find.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Client relationship management
  • Sales and negotiation
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management and organisation
  • Customer service focus
  • Analytical thinking
  • CRM software proficiency (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Market and product knowledge
  • Team collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail
  • Proposal writing and presentation
  • Strategic account planning

Average Salaries

The average Account Manager salary in Australia is around $90,000 per year (SEEK, 2026). This is based on listed salaries tracked across all industries. Entry-level roles start at about $65,000. Skilled senior account managers can earn $120,000 or more. Bonuses and commissions are common and can add a lot to base pay.

min $65 K

max $120 K

av $90 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.