How to Become An Accountant
1 Courses
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.
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.
About the author
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.
