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Accounting Careers in Australia: Roles, Salaries & Pathways

Accounting is crucial for every kind of business, making it an exceptionally high-demand field. But whilst there are some common characteristics of an accountant, not all accounting roles are the same. Let's explore the different types of accountants, their tasks, their salaries and future pathways.

Thinking about a career in accounting? You're not alone. Accounting is one of Australia’s most stable and respected professions, offering diverse career paths, strong job security, and competitive salaries. Whether you're passionate about numbers, strategy, or problem-solving, there's a type of accountant role that could be the perfect fit for you.

At NBIA, we’re here to guide you through the exciting world of accounting in Australia—what roles exist, what they involve, and what you can expect to earn.

Types of Accountants and their salary ranges in Australia

Accounting is far more than just crunching numbers. Here are the most common specialisations:

1. Tax Accountant

  • Duties: Prepare and file tax returns, advise on tax planning, ensure compliance with ATO regulations.
  • Salary: Average of $75,000–$100,000 per year.
  • Career Path: Start in public practice or corporate tax, progress to senior tax advisor or tax director.

2. Financial Accountant

  • Duties: Prepare financial statements, ensure compliance with accounting standards, report to external stakeholders.
  • Salary: Around $95,000–$115,000 annually.
  • Career Path: Move into senior financial roles, CFO, or financial controller.

3. Management Accountant

  • Duties: Budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, internal reporting to support strategic decisions.
  • Salary: $95,000–$120,000, with senior roles reaching $145,000+
  • Career Path: Progress to senior management accountant, finance manager, or business strategist.

4. Auditor

  • Duties: Examine financial records, ensure accuracy and compliance, assess risk.
  • Salary: $85,000–$130,000, depending on experience and sector.
  • Career Path: Internal auditor, external auditor, audit manager, risk consultant.

5. Forensic Accountant

  • Duties: Investigate financial fraud, support legal cases, analyse financial data for litigation.
  • Salary: Typically $90,000–$130,000, depending on complexity and employer.
  • Career Path: Work with law enforcement, legal firms, or corporate compliance teams.

6. Corporate Accountant

  • Duties: Oversee internal financial operations, reporting, and compliance within a company.
  • Salary: $90,000–$140,000.
  • Career Path: Finance manager, controller, or CFO.

7. Insolvency Accountant

  • Duties: Help businesses who are in financial distress, manage asset sales, negotiate with creditors.
  • Salary: $80,000–$120,000.
  • Career Path: Insolvency practitioner, restructuring advisor.

Salaries vary by location, with Melbourne and Sydney offering higher averages than regional areas or capital cities.

Duties Across the Profession

Regardless of specialisation, most accountants in Australia perform tasks such as:

  • Preparing financial statements and reports
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Tax compliance and planning
  • Auditing and risk assessment
  • Advising on financial strategy and performance
  • Ensuring regulatory compliance (ATO, ASIC)

Accountants are increasingly involved in strategic decision-making, especially with the rise of automation and data analytics and will often become business advisers as well as completing compliance work.

Pathways to Becoming an Accountant

To become a fully-fledged chartered accountant in Australia, you typically need a Bachelor of Accounting or Finance followed by a professional body accreditation (CPA Australia, Chartered Accountant ANZ, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) ).

However, as a stepping stone, you can join the accounting industry with a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. This qualification prepares you for roles such as:

  • Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Officer
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable Officer

A Certificate IV can provide the foundation for you to progress to a Diploma of Accounting, and then the Advanced Diploma of Accounting. These qualifications prepare you for roles such as:

  • Assistant accountant
  • Junior auditor
  • Payroll Officer
  • Accounts Manager

If you wanted to continue to a Bachelor's degree, you would find many universities will grant you credit for units already completed in your Certificate IV and Diplomas.

Final Thoughts

Accounting is more than just a job; it’s a gateway to a dynamic and rewarding career. And one that is always in demand. Whether you're drawn to tax, financial strategy, auditing, or forensic investigation, there’s a path for you. You may even want to start your own tax agent business or public accounting practice! With strong demand across industries and many evolving roles, now is a great time to start your accounting journey.

Interested in studying accounting? Explore NBIA’s accredited programs and take the first step toward a future in finance.

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