Accountant job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed accountants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed accountants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for an accountant
Generally, accountants work regular office hours but may be expected to work more during busy times, like the end of the financial year. They may work in large or small organisations, for individual clients or in the public sector.
So, what do accountants do?
Tasks vary depending on the business and their requirements, but generally, an accountant’s duties include:
- Ensuring a company is complying with laws and regulations
- Maintaining accounting systems
- Preparing financial statements and reports
- Strategising and advising on how to cut business costs
- Monitoring budgets and spending
- Analysing and auditing finance performance
- Preparing tax returns
- Managing investment projects
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Makes a difference
When someone starts a business, they rarely imagine themselves deep in financial processes and spending a lot of time working out legislation and requirements. Accountants take this pressure off small and large businesses and allow them to get on with what they really want to be doing.
Enjoyable
If you like numbers, thrive within streamlined and efficient processes and want to help businesses get the most out of their money, a job as an accountant can bring a lot of enjoyment. Some accountants choose to work with clients from specific industries that they relate to, which adds further value to their assistance.
Flexible hours
Part-time work and flexible hours are a big drawcard for this type of work, particularly if you strike out on your own — so your work can fit around what’s important in your life.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for an accountant
The job outlook for accountants in Australia is good. The job market has seen significant growth over the last five years, and accounting industry predictions tell us that this trend will continue. Workforce numbers are set to reach around 223,300 by 2025, a rise of more than 8%, meaning jobs in this stable job will be in abundance.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
Careers within the financial industry can take many forms. Starting an entry-level role as an accountant can lead you to senior accountant roles. It might also spark your interest in specific financial areas that, on their own, can be full-time careers.
Some pathway options could be:
Junior
-
Accounts assistant
Most common qualification: Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217)
-
Payroll clerk
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)
Mid
-
Accounts administrator
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30317)
-
Bookkeeper
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)
-
Payroll officer
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)
Senior
-
Accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
-
Accounting manager
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60217)
-
Auditor
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
-
Chief financial officer (CFO)
Most common qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
-
Tax accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
If your current or past job has had you working with numbers, reporting or analysis, you might already have skills that you can bring to the table as an accountant. You may also have natural soft skills that are advantageous to the career.
Some essential soft skills accounting professionals have:
Time management
Accountants can work on accounts for one business or work for many clients simultaneously. Either way, being organised and having good time management skills ensures you get time-sensitive tasks done efficiently.
Problem-solving
There is a lot of room for discrepancies in finance, and as with any other business, varied problems and issues can pop up from time to time. Having a logical approach to problem-solving allows you to identify issues and rectify them in the best way possible.
Communication
Accountants are constantly in contact with clients, team members, and suppliers. Good communication skills allow you to deal directly with everyone you need and deliver the best service.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Studying your qualification through a recognised training organisation (RTO) will give you the accountant requirements and skills needed to perform the role.
Some technical skills required are:
Business management accounting
Data and report analysis
General computer operation
Accounting systems and processes
Financial accounting and reporting
Taxation processes
Business and company law
Auditing processes
Investment management
How to become an accountant
-
Study for a bachelor's degree
The most common pathway to becoming an accountant is completing a Bachelor of Accounting. With various optional majors, minors and elective units available in this degree, you can tailor a degree to support your career objectives.
-
Further study
If you already have a tertiary degree qualification and meet the eligibility requirements, you could complete a postgraduate Master of Professional Accounting.
-
Study short courses
If you are not quite ready to study for a bachelor’s degree, you could consider completing a VET accounting course as an accountant pathway. These shorter courses can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to get your foot in the door and work in a support-level position at an accounting company. You can then qualify for your degree at a later date.
-
Apply for registration as a certified practising accountant
Accountants must register at a governing professional accounting body such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) or CPA Australia (CPA).
Explore related qualifications
To work as an accountant, you must have the correct accounting qualifications. Studying accountancy allows you to gain the skills and confidence to start your new career in the best position.
So, what qualifications do you need to be an accountant?
Bachelor of Accounting
A Bachelor of Accounting is the most popular accountants qualification and provides learners with the opportunity to develop accounting, finance, economics, management, taxation, and data analysis skills. It teaches a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of accounting and finance.
An accounting degree takes three years, full-time or part-time equivalent, to complete. This course can be studied entirely online, in-class or a combination of the two.
1 providers offer this course
Bachelor of Business
A Bachelor of Business with an Accounting major provides fundamental skills and knowledge in business finances and accounting, including business systems, accounting systems, company accounting and economics.
The duration of this course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time. This course can be delivered in in-class and digital learning methods.
3 providers offer this course
Certificate IV in Accounting
This course offers a comprehensive overview of accounting and bookkeeping and is a great pathway to accounting if you decide to study further later.
The average duration for this course is one year, can be studied full or part-time and is available for online and in-class learning.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding which may cover all or part of the course fees for learners that meet the requirements.
*Those who wish to provide paid BAS services must be registered by the Tax Practitioners Board. This qualification meets the TPB education requirements for registration. Registration also requires mandatory work experience under a licenced BAS agent. If you want to become a registered BAS agent, check current registration requirements with the TPB as they are reviewed regularly.
5 providers offer this course
Diploma of Accounting
This qualification provided learners with skills in financial services such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax services and many other services offered by accountants. This course can be used as a career pathway into accounting if further qualifications are completed.
The average duration of this accountant training course is one year and can be completed full-time or part-time in either a classroom setting or online in a self-paced method.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding which may cover all or part of the course fees for learners that meet the requirements.
*This qualification is an approved Tax Practitioner Board course which can lead to registration as a tax agent. Learners who wish to register with the TPB also need to complete a work experience requirement and should check current registration rules as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.
2 providers offer this course
Related subjects
Many jobs in the financial industry can offer excellent career potential. No matter what job you decide is right for you, the financial sector will always need newcomers to these integral roles.
Some other subjects that might interest you:
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Vera
Nov 08 2021A love of numbers and problem solving are key.
What are the best parts of the job?
Working in a team. Using my love of numbers and problem solving to get to the end result. Seeing a project through from start to end. The satisfaction of my reports being used in the decision making of the business.
What's the most challenging part?
Fast paced. Deadlines. When reports are required they are required yesterday. You need to be well organised and keep up to date with reports so that when someone requires them are always ready.
Roland
Nov 08 2021A challenging, yet gratifying career.
What are the best parts of the job?
Assisting clients with queries regarding their superannuation fund, as well as solving issues or problems they have. Also assisting them increase their net wealth.
What's the most challenging part?
Being proactive and trying to help clients help themselves. Being ignored by clients when you are just trying to do your job. Dealing with technology change and constant change in superannuation regulations.
Callum
Nov 09 2021Deadline management is a must.
What are the best parts of the job?
Interaction with customers and mastering processes.
What's the most challenging part?
Having to deal with tight deadlines.
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Job cluster: The Informer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A job as an accountant is best suited to the career personality of The Informer.
Fluent in many communication styles, The Informer works well directly with clients and in a team but is equally comfortable working autonomously.
Natural information gatherers, Informers excel in finding the information they need, analysing and reporting.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant earn?
Accounting salaries average at $86,320.00 in Australia. Those who go into business for themselves have a much higher earning potential.
What makes a good accountant?
A good accountant has excellent communication, time-management and organisational skills. They love to help others succeed and work hard to ensure their jobs are performed efficiently and accurately.
Can you become an accountant without a degree?
The minimum qualification required to work as an accountant is a diploma in accounting, but most accountants have a bachelor’s degree. You can also get an entry-level role in an accounting firm as support staff as a pathway to a position in accounting if further qualifications are studied later.
Can you become an accountant online?
Yes. With flexible learning environments available from many course providers, you can find a course that you can complete online. However, some particle elements or work placement may require physical attendance.
How long does it take to become an accountant?
It can take around three years to become a qualified accountant but this time frame can vary greatly depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. You may also decide to use a short course to get your foot in the door so that you can qualify further down the track.