How to become an accountant in Australia & salary guide
Wondering how to become an accountant? Read on to learn about everything from accountant salary and job opportunities to the qualifications and skills you’ll need.
With an excellent employment outlook and opportunities to work in different industries and parts of the country, accountancy is a popular career choice among Australians.
From multinational corporation to a start-up, accountants play a key role in managing finances, supporting decisions, and keeping operations running smoothly.
Wondering how to become an accountant in Australia? This guide covers everything you need to know, from accountant salary and job opportunities to the skills you’ll need, the qualifications required, and the accounting courses that can help you get started.
Let’s start at the beginning.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant records and analyses financial records to inform business decisions. They also translate complex figures into clear, actionable insights that drive strategy and efficiency.
Accountants typically:
Prepare and review financial statements to track performance
Manage budgets and forecast cash flow to guide planning
Lodge business activity statements (BAS) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on time
Advise clients on tax planning and compliance
Implement internal controls to prevent errors and fraud
With accountant qualifications, you can choose from a variety of career paths and specialisations. Think tax accounting, forensic investigation, management reporting, and audit services. Each pathway offers unique challenges and requires different accounting qualifications and skills tailored to that niche.
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Duties and responsibilities of an accountant
The duties and responsibilities of accountants include bookkeeping, tax compliance, and audit support. Breaking down complex regulations into clear processes ensures businesses avoid penalties and focus on core activities.
Fundamental tasks:
Bookkeeping: Record daily transactions accurately in ledgers
Tax preparation: Complete and submit income tax returns and BAS by deadlines
Audit coordination: Gather, organise, and present documents to auditors
Financial analysis: Examine data to identify trends and recommend cost savings
Regulatory compliance: Ensure adherence to ATO and ASIC standards to avoid penalties
Many accountants also manage payroll processing, reconcile bank and supplier statements, and implement IT accounting solutions. These tasks help businesses meet legal obligations and maintain financial health.
Understanding these responsibilities is a key part of learning how to become an accountant in Australia and preparing for a successful career in the field.
What skills do you need to be an accountant?
To succeed as an accountant, you need a combination of technical knowledge, software proficiency (Xero and MYOB), and strong people and organisational skills. These are typically grouped into two categories: hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills include:
Accounting and financial knowledge: Understanding accounting principles, tax law, and financial reporting is a must.
Accounting software skills: Proficiency with cloud-based accounting software like Xero and MYOB is highly valued.
Numeracy: Strong maths skills are important for budgeting, financial analysis, and accurate record-keeping.
Soft skills include:
Critical thinking and problem-solving: Accountants need to assess financial situations, identify trends, and develop strategies to improve business performance.
Communication: You’ll need to explain financial information clearly to people who don't have a financial background — both in writing (e.g., reports) and speaking (e.g., in meetings or presentations).
Organisation: Strong organisational and time management skills are important for handling multiple tasks, complex projects, and meeting deadlines efficiently.
How to become an accountant in Australia
1. Accountant qualifications: Which accounting qualification is right for you?
To become an accountant in Australia, you can study for a certificate, diploma, or degree — but the right choice depends on your goals.
A Certificate IV or Diploma is a great option if you’re looking for practical, job-ready skills and a quicker path into the workforce. These courses are typically faster, more affordable, and offer the flexibility to study online at your own pace. They can also lead to further study if you choose to continue later.
Diploma of Accounting
In Australia, the minimum qualification needed to become an accountant is a Diploma of Accounting. Although many accountants complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you don’t necessarily need one to work in an accounting role — especially for entry-level roles or those looking to gain practical skills quickly.
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
If you're not ready to commit to a full degree, you can begin with a nationally recognised qualification, such as a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or the Diploma of Accounting. These accounting courses are not only building core practical accounting skills but also provide a pathway to higher education — such as a bachelor’s degree or professional programs later.
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Bachelor degree
On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree provides a more academic pathway and is often required for professional certification with CPA Australia or CA ANZ. However, it takes longer and involves a bigger commitment in time and cost.
Whatever path you choose, make sure the course is nationally recognised and meets current industry standards to support future career growth or accreditation.
2. Register with a professional association
To work as a fully qualified accountant and progress in your career, you’ll eventually need to register with one of Australia’s three main professional accounting bodies:
Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
Certified Practising Accountants (CPA Australia)
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) — formerly known as ICAA
Each body has specific entry requirements. Diploma holders join the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), while degree graduates register with CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
3. Gain work experience and upskill
Start in a junior role such as accounts assistant, bookkeeper, or entry-level accountant to put your skills into practice.
As you gain experience, look for ways to grow — through short courses, mentorship, and staying current with industry trends. This can help you move faster into specialised areas like tax, auditing, or management accounting and accelerate your career.
Accountant salary & career outlook in Australia
Accountants in Australia earn an average of $1,841 per week, with salaries ranging from $55,000–$65,000 for entry-level roles, and up to $95,000 or more for managers and senior positions. Your earning potential depends on several factors, including your qualifications, experience, industry and location.
Larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to offer higher salaries — often 10–15% above the national median. Industry also plays a big role; accountants working in financial services, mining, or professional services typically earn more than those in other sectors.
Source: Jobs and Skills 2024
With steady demand across both the private and public sectors, accounting is one of the most stable and in-demand careers in Australia.
It offers clear pathways for growth, with more opportunities and higher salaries as your skills and experience increase.
Why study accounting through Swinburne Open Education?
Swinburne Open Education offers flexible, online accounting courses designed for career starters, career changers, or those looking to upskill while working.
You can choose from two nationally recognised qualifications:
Both accounting courses focus on practical, job-ready skills that prepare you for entry-level roles, help you manage your own business, or act as a pathway to further study.
What students find most valuable:
Learn online at your own pace, from any device.
Industry-developed content aligned with Australian employers.
Access to trainer support, live Q&As, and online forums.
Hands-on experience with MYOB and Xero simulators.
By studying with Swinburne Open Education, you’re gaining the skills that employers across Australia are looking for, all backed by Swinburne University of Technology.
Accountant career FAQs
Why should I choose accounting as a career?
Accounting is a good career choice because it’s stable, always in demand, and offers above-average pay.
Businesses need accountants to manage money and stay on track, so the job is secure. You can work in many industries and grow your career over time.
Can you become an accountant without a degree in Australia?
Yes, a Certificate IV or Diploma is enough for many entry-level accounting roles.
However, if you want to join a professional accounting body, specific qualifications are required. There are three professional bodies in charge of regulating the accounting industry in Australia: the CPA, CA ANZ, and IPA.
To register with CPA or CA ANZ, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
To register with the IPA, a Diploma of Accounting is required.
Accountant versus chartered accountant: What’s the difference?
An accountant in Australia can work in various roles without being registered with a professional body. Many entry-level jobs are accessible with a Certificate IV or Diploma of Accounting, especially in small businesses.
A chartered accountant is formally recognised by CA ANZ. To become one, you must get a bachelor’s degree, complete the CA Program, and gain three years of work experience alongside a CA. Chartered accountants often work in senior or specialised roles.
What’s the difference between a chartered accountant and a CPA in Australia?
There is one major difference between a chartered accountant and a CPA in Australia. A chartered accountant concentrates on the technical aspects of accounting and taxes, while a certified practising accountant focuses more on business management and may offer advice on business planning, marketing, and more.
Chartered Accountants are members of CA ANZ. CPAs are members of CPA Australia. Both are highly qualified and offer a wide range of financial services.
Launch your accounting career today
Accounting is a practical, rewarding career with strong job prospects, above-average salaries, and the flexibility to work across many industries. Whether you're starting fresh or changing direction, it all begins with the right qualification and support.
At Swinburne Open Education, we offer flexible online accounting courses designed to help you take the first step with confidence. You’ll gain real-world skills, industry-recognised credentials, and support along the way.
Ready to learn how to become an accountant in Australia? Get in touch with one of our course advisors to explore your study options and plan your next steps.
Accounting courses you may be interested in
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping Online
Study accounting and bookkeeping online to start your career as an accounts officer or gain skills to manage your own business's accounts.
Diploma of Accounting Online
This accounting diploma builds on the Cert. IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping course. It provides skills to start or develop existing knowledge of accounting.
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