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How to Become An Accountant

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What is a Accountant

An accountant manages financial records and helps clients stay on top of their financial health. They prepare tax returns, run audits, create financial reports, and advise on budgets and business plans. Accountants work across many fields, including business, government, not-for-profits, and private practice.

Day to day, an accountant reviews financial statements, checks compliance, and advises on costs. They may also run financial investigations, such as fraud audits, and help businesses plan for growth. Strong attention to detail and the ability to explain financial data clearly are core to the role.

Accountants can focus on areas such as tax, forensic accounting, management accounting, or financial planning. Each path has its own skills and opportunities. The variety means there is a direction to suit almost any interest within finance.

Over 215,500 accountants are employed in Australia, with annual job growth of around 5,800 positions (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). For those starting out, accounting offers a clear path with real earning potential and long-term job security.

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Career Outlook for Accountant

Accounting is a stable and growing career in Australia. Over 215,500 accountants are employed nationally, with annual job growth of around 5,800 positions (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). That kind of steady growth means good prospects for new and experienced workers alike.

Most accountants work full-time. Around 84% hold full-time roles, averaging 43 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Median full-time earnings are $2,003 per week before tax, or roughly $104,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 42, and 54% of accountants are female.

For those just starting out, accounting offers a clear path forward. Entry-level roles in accounting firms and corporate finance teams build the experience needed for professional membership. From there, areas like tax, audit, or forensic accounting open doors to higher pay and senior roles. Those who embrace new technology will be well placed for the future.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Accountant

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Commerce

Enrol in a Bachelor of Accounting or a Bachelor of Commerce with an accounting major at an Australian university. The degree takes 3 years full-time. Your studies must cover areas including financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, commercial law, and finance. CPA Australia and CA ANZ each specify which subject areas your degree must cover. Check their requirements before you enrol.

Step 2: Gain Practical Work Experience

While studying or after graduating, start working in an accounting role. Both CPA Australia and CA ANZ require at least 3 years of supervised work experience. You need this before you can gain full membership. Look for graduate roles in public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, or government agencies. This experience is a formal requirement, not just an optional extra.

Step 3: Complete a Professional Accounting Program

To become fully qualified, you must complete a professional program. In Australia, the two main options are the CPA Program (CPA Australia) and the CA Program (CA ANZ). The CPA Program covers 6 subjects and takes up to 3 years. The CA Program leads to the Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA) and covers 9 subjects. If you hold a Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222), you can enter through the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) pathway instead. Each program combines study with mentored practical experience.

Step 4: Apply for Professional Membership

Once you meet the program requirements, apply for full membership of your chosen body. This lets you use the CPA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or MIPA title. These titles are standard in senior Australian accounting roles. Each body has its own application process, fees, and ongoing obligations.

Step 5: Register as a Tax Agent (If Providing Tax Services)

Accountants who provide tax services for payment must register as a Tax Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). You need a recognised accounting qualification to apply. You also need at least 1,000 hours of relevant tax experience in the past 5 years. Some applicants need 1,500 hours if their qualification does not include a tax subject. Apply directly through the TPB website at tpb.gov.au.

Step 6: Maintain Continuing Professional Development

All three professional bodies require ongoing learning to keep your membership active. CPA Australia and CA ANZ each require 120 hours of CPD every 3 years. Relevant activities include technical seminars, online courses, and in-house training. Keeping your CPD current ensures you stay across changes in tax law, accounting standards, and technology.

What does an Accountant do?

An accountant’s day covers a mix of financial analysis, reporting, and client advice. They review financial statements and check that all legal requirements are met. From there, they might audit accounts, assess budgets, or advise clients on tax. Accountants also help businesses plan for growth and manage financial risk. Their work keeps finances running smoothly and supports good decisions at every level of an organisation.

Tasks

Accountants handle a wide range of financial tasks every day. From preparing tax returns to advising on business strategy, their work helps clients stay compliant and financially strong. Here is a snapshot of what accountants do:

  • Formulating budgetary and accounting policies – helping organisations build sound financial strategies and guidelines.
  • Preparing financial statements – creating reports for boards, management, and stakeholders.
  • Conducting financial investigations – running audits and preparing reports on mergers, acquisitions, and fraud.
  • Examining operating costs – analysing income and spending to find savings and improve efficiency.
  • Ensuring compliance – checking that financial reports are accurate and meet statutory requirements.
  • Offering financial and taxation advice – advising clients on business structures, plans, and tax strategies.
  • Preparing tax returns – completing returns for individuals and organisations in line with ATO rules.
  • Liaising with financial institutions – managing funds and investment arrangements with banks and brokers.
  • Implementing accounting systems – setting up and maintaining effective accounting software solutions.
  • Maintaining internal controls – keeping financial processes secure to prevent fraud and errors.
  • Appraising cash flow and financial risk – reviewing the financial case for capital investment decisions.

Skills for Success

Accountants need a solid mix of technical know-how and soft skills. Key technical skills include financial reporting, tax work, auditing, and using accounting software such as Xero or MYOB. A good grasp of Australian tax law and accounting standards is a must. Attention to detail is critical, as small errors can lead to compliance issues.

People skills matter just as much. Accountants talk to clients, managers, and regulators, so clear communication is essential. Time management, problem-solving, and working well under pressure are also key. Staying up to date with changes in tax law and technology keeps accountants competitive throughout their career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Clear communication
  • Time management
  • Accounting software skills (Xero, MYOB, SAP)
  • Knowledge of financial regulations and tax law
  • Mathematical ability
  • Organisational skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Adaptability to new tools and processes
  • Client focus
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Commitment to ongoing learning

Average Salaries

The average yearly pay for an accountant in Australia is around $95,000 (Robert Half Finance and Accounting Salary Guide, 2026). Median full-time weekly earnings are $2,003, or about $104,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Pay grows with experience and professional membership.

min $60 K

max $150 K

av $95 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.