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How to Become an Accounts Assistant: A Meticulous Job With Room to Grow

Although formal training isn’t always necessary to get an entry-level accounts assistant role, a course in accounting or business administration, like a Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217) or a Certificate IV in Business Administration (BSB40515), will set you apart from the rest and show prospective employers that you have the vital skills needed to hit the ground running.

Discover more about a role as an accounts assistant and how to position yourself as a candidate for an entry-level role.

accounts-assistant
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
  • Start Learning
  • Reviews

Accounts assistant job description
info 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 accounts assistants 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.

Accountants assistants work to support a team of finance professionals or directly support one accountant in any way necessary to ensure the business processes are on track. From organising financial paperwork to gathering information needed from clients, accounts assistants are a vital part of any accounting firm.
Organising

Organising
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Detail-oriented

Detail-oriented
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Intellectual

Intellectual
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for an accounts assistant

Accounts assistants are the right-hand people to senior employees in an accounting firm and use their strong organisational skills and good attention to detail to support their team in many ways.

Account assistant duties can include:

  • Supporting accountants and the wider finance team
  • Reconciling accounts
  • Processing payments and invoices
  • Preparing tax returns
  • Communicating with clients and suppliers
  • Processing financial transactions
  • Preparing financial reports and financial statements
  • Resolving financial discrepancies
  • Accurately maintaining financial information
  • Filing various financial records
  • Updating ledgers and spreadsheets
  • Taking meeting minutes
  • Performing necessary administrative duties for the business

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Learning opportunities

Learning opportunities

Starting with an accounting assistant job can offer you a huge learning experience. The valuable opportunity to gain experience in this position can serve you well if you progress further into a more senior financial role. 

Read More
Job security

Job security

The accounting industry has had stable growth recently, and this rise is predicted to continue over the next five years. With the industry’s positive outlook, accounting roles in the financial sector are a safe bet for the foreseeable future. 

Read More
Enjoyable

Enjoyable

If you love being in a supportive role, are at ease in communication with many people, enjoy numbers, and like a process-driven job, then a accounts assistant career can be enjoyable.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
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
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

medium

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

high

Skill level
info
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.

medium

Job market trends for an accounts assistant

Most businesses need assistance when it comes to their finances, and with the support of better economic conditions on the horizon, the sector is set to see stable further growth. 

The predicted continued industry growth in financial accounting paves the way for a more robust workforce, which will open up more job opportunities, including support staff, from here on out.

$61,880 Per Year

Median salary
info 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
info 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
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Not only is a career in accounts administration a solid choice for the long-term, but it can also lead to job growth and open you up to many other opportunities.

Some career paths could be:

Junior

  • Accounts assistant

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217)

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: Diploma of Payroll Services (FNS50417)

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
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

A job supporting a larger team in accounting requires specific soft skills. The skills you learn in training situations are essential, but just as important are the innate strengths people have in their personalities that allow them to excel in their careers.

Some soft skills you can bring to the table might be:

Communication

On a day-to-day basis, accounts assistants contact senior accounting staff, clients and suppliers. Good communication is vital to ensure no misunderstandings or grey areas in this accuracy sensitive industry. 

Read More

Problem-solving

Discrepancies come up occasionally in accounting, along with many opportunities for things to go wrong in the business. Your ability to think logically and systematically identify issues and rectify problems will be a massive advantage to this role. 

Read More

Time management

Most processes in accounting are very time-sensitive. Good organisation and timekeeping skills ensure you have everything in place when it needs to be. 

Read More

Teamwork

As a support position in accounting practises, accounts assistants constantly collaborate with a team of other finance professionals. Team members that are approachable, receptive and empathetic are crucial to a cohesive work environment.

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

As part of their role, accounts assistants need to perform fundamental accounting tasks. To gain the skills you need to complete tasks confidently, you can study a VET course. 

Some technical skills required are:

Research and analysis

Read More

Best accounting practises

Read More

Business administration

Read More

Account reconciliations

Read More

Tax documentation preparation

Read More

Financial report preparation

Read More

Budget and forecast management

Read More

Accounting principles

Read More

Operation of computers systems

Read More

Using industry tools, techniques and accounting software (like QuickBooks)

Read More

How to become an accounts assistant

As an essential first step into a career in accounting or finance, the role of accounts assistant requires a solid knowledge of entire systems and processes. You can take some steps to be in the best place to gain a position within an accounting firm.
  1. Study

    To gain the essential skills needed to work in the finance industry, you can complete a VET course through TAFE or an RTO (registered training organisation). Courses like a Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217) or a Certificate IV in Business Administration (BSB40515) will provide you with a broad understanding of systems and processes necessary to enable you to join the industry with confidence. 

  2. Further study

    Those who wish to progress further in the accounting industry can complete a Bachelor of Accounting. This degree prepares learners for a role as an accountant and significantly increases career progression outlook. 

Explore related qualifications

Many registered training organisations in Australia provide courses covering the foundation skills you need to start a promising career as an accounts assistant. 

Options vary and offer flexibility to fit into the busiest schedules. 

Diploma of Accounting

Study method Online

A Diploma of Accounting prepares learners for supportive accounting job roles autonomously and under the supervision of senior accounting professionals in financial services and other industries. 

 

The diploma teaches skills needed in accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax services and other complex accounting duties, which will make you an attractive prospect to future employers. 

 

The average duration of this course is one year. This course can be completed online or in a classroom environment. It can be studied part-time or full-time in self-paced study modes. 

 

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 (TPB) course in Australian taxation law and commercial law, leading to registration as a tax agent. Learners who wish to register with the TPB should check current registration requirements as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.

Read More

1 providers offer this course

Monarch Institute

Certificate IV in Business Administration

Study method Online

A Cert IV in business administration focuses on developing strong business administrative abilities and teaches a broad base of skills ideal for use in various industries. 

 

After completing this course, you will be prepared to start an administrative role in an accounting company and further develop your accounting skills on the job.

 

The average duration of this course is one year. You can complete this course online in a self-paced study mode or on campus.

 

This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding which may cover all or part of the course fees for learners that meet the requirements. 

Read More

4 providers offer this course

Open Colleges
Swinburne Open Education
MCI Institute
Mentor Education

Related subjects

A job as an accounts assistant might sound perfect for you, but there are many other fantastic jobs in the finance sector that are perfect for highly organised people.

Accounting
Accounting
Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Payroll

Reviews
info 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.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Gabriella
Nov 04 2021

A self-regulating role that gives me independence.

What are the best parts of the job?

Accounts assistant roles can be fairly busy at the beginning of the month, but pretty consistent throughout the rest. I like that it is self regulated and that I am in charge of ensuring tasks are flowing and that deadlines are met. The independence makes the role exciting, while the structure of the role is pretty set, so what needs to be done and when rarely changes.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management and being disciplined. You also need to be self motivated as you have to self manage many tasks at once.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Erin
Nov 04 2021

Full of deadlines and organisation.

What are the best parts of the job?

Working amongst a team that is all fully switched on and organised.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The most challenging part is keeping and meeting timelines.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Aiden
Nov 04 2021

A great way to get exposed to different areas of business.

What are the best parts of the job?

Getting your work the way you want to get it done, and learning all about different business requirements.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

You need to be on the ball when it comes to being proactive and growing your skills.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Joshua
Nov 04 2021

Become an accounts assistant if you're seeking good work-life balance.

What are the best parts of the job?

A good working environment that promotes work-life balance.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Keeping up with the details. Lots of data entry which some might find a bit repetitive.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Ryder
Nov 03 2021

A good option if you want to climb the career ladder.

What are the best parts of the job?

Working with friendly customers. A great option if you're looking to work your way up in the industry.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Christmas season is the most challenging and busy time. Accounting tasks can sometimes be monotonous or boring as they are often repetitive. Because of this, it's crucial that you're always actively exposing yourself to dfiferent niches in accounting and building on your skill set regularly.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Evie
Nov 04 2021

A job where you can help others with your knowledge of numbers.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love helping others, and helping my team. Accounts admin is a versatile role that I find very enjoyable.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Trying to find the best solution based on the individual challenges I'm presented with.

Read More
Qualification Diploma
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Aiden
Nov 04 2021

Intellectually stimulating with good balance.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love an intellectual challenge and my job has that daily. Good work-life balance.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Having disagreements with other staff member in my field.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Owen
Nov 04 2021

Knowledge of numbers will get you far in this career.

What are the best parts of the job?

A career perfect for logical people that are passionate about numbers.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Learning new systems and technologies depending on the company you begin working for.

Read More
Qualification Certificate (nonaccredited)
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
1 2 3

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A job as an accounts assistant allows you to exercise your natural organisation skills and work within amazing teams of knowledgeable people. If you love the idea of a career in the finance industry, there is no shortage of resources, how-to guides and handy tips to make your dream job a reality.

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The Coordinator Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Coordinator
info 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 in accounting requires process-driven workers and a love for organisation. An accounts assistant role would be perfect for a person that fits The Coordinator’s personality type.

The Coordinator likes to know their job inside out and feel confident that they can perform their tasks to the highest standard. They work well in a team but are equally as happy working autonomously, getting the job at hand done. 

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How much does an accounts assistant earn?

In Australia, the average salary for an accounts assistant is $64,349.

What makes a good accounts assistant?

A good accounts assistant is a team player with great communication skills and basic professional accounting and business administration skills.

What's the difference between an accounts assistant and an accounting administrator?

Accounts assistants have a broad knowledge of accounting processes and directly assist senior accountants or a team of accountants in all facets of accounting. Accounts administrators are more focused on accounting practice’s clerical and financial processes.

How long does it take to become an accounts assistant?

Although no formal training is required to start a role in account administration, you can complete a course in business administration or a diploma in accounting to gain the vital skill needed to work in the industry in about one year.

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