AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Accountants

ANZSCO 2211

Employed

215,500

Part-time share

16%

Female share

54%

Median weekly earnings

$2,003

Median age

42 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Accountants provide services relating to financial reporting, taxation, auditing, insolvency, accounting information systems, budgeting, cost management, planning and decision-making by organisations and individuals; and provide advice on associated compliance and performance requirements to ensure statutory and strategic governance.

What they typically do

  • Assisting in formulating budgetary and accounting policies
  • Preparing financial statements for presentation to boards of directors, management, shareholders, and governing and statutory bodies
  • Conducting financial investigations, preparing reports, undertaking audits and advising on matters such as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency and taxation
  • Examining operating costs and organisations' income and expenditure
  • Providing assurance about the accuracy of information contained in financial reports and their compliance with statutory requirements
  • Providing financial and taxation advice on business structures, plans and operations
  • Preparing taxation returns for individuals and organisations
  • Liaising with financial institutions and brokers to establish funds management arrangements
  • Introducing and maintaining accounting systems, and advising on the selection and application of computer-based accounting systems
  • Maintaining internal control systems
  • May appraise cash flow and financial risk of capital investment projects

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
35.3%
VIC
28.5%
QLD
16.2%
WA
11.5%
SA
4.6%
ACT
2%
TAS
1.2%
NT
0.7%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as an Accountants.

  • Advanced Diploma of Accounting

    FNS60222 · AQF 5 · 60 providers

    View qualification
  • Graduate Diploma of Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround

    11319NAT · AQF 8 · 1 providers

    View qualification