Accountants in Australia top the list of In Demand Jobs in Australia, fueled by shortages in vital sectors including finance, mining, and real estate. Skilled Indian professionals holding CA, CPA, or comparable credentials discover plentiful roles in hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
This blog delves into the robust demand, detailed pathways from skills assessments to professional memberships, varied job positions with sponsorship potential, and accessible migration routes through Subclass 189/190 visas, making accounting a prime avenue for career advancement and permanent residency in Australia. Let’s dive into our blog.
Table Of Content
1Are Accountants in demand in Australia?2Requirements to Become an Accountant in Australia3How to Become an Accountant in Australia4Accounting Jobs in Australia5Accounting Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship6Accountants Salary in Australia6Conclusion7Frequently Asked Questions
Are Accountants in demand in Australia?
Yes, accountants are in demand in Australia, positioning it as an attractive hub for skilled Indian professionals seeking global career growth.
Australia’s dynamic economy, powered by thriving sectors like mining, finance, real estate, and construction, creates ongoing shortages for qualified accountants. The Skills Priority List (2025-26) from Jobs and Skills Australia explicitly ranks accounting among top shortage occupations, forecasting over 25,000 vacancies each year through 2028.
Accountant demand in Australia is particularly strong in major hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, where businesses actively seek expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance.
Requirements to Become an Accountant in Australia
To become an accountant in Australia, you need recognised accounting qualifications, English language proficiency, relevant work experience, a positive skills assessment, professional membership, and eligibility for a skilled migration visa.
Here’s a detailed overview of the requirements to become an accountant in Australia:
1. Recognized Academic Qualifications
Hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in accounting or related field equivalent to Australian standards. Indian CAs qualify via skills assessment by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or VETASSESS, covering core areas like financial accounting and auditing.
2. English Language Proficiency
Prove competency via IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in each band) or an equivalent English test, as per current Australian migration standards; exemptions may apply for English-medium qualifications.
3. Professional Work Experience
Accumulate 3 years supervised experience for membership bodies or 2+ years for tax registration; Indian experience often counts.
4. Skills Assessment for Migration
Obtain positive skill assessment for accountants in australia from CPA/CA ANZ/VETASSESS confirming Australia ANZSCO code suitability, essential for visa eligibility.
5. Professional Membership
Join CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA after assessment: complete any required exams (exemptions for Indian CAs), ethics training, and CPD commitment.
6. Visa Application
Use the skills assessment and membership for skilled migration visas like Subclass 189 (points-tested PR), 190 (state-nominated), or 491 (regional provisional). Submit EOI via SkillSelect.
How to Become an Accountant in Australia
Indian professionals, including CAs and other qualified accountants, can follow this step-by-step process to become accountants in Australia and to How to Migrate to Australia from India.
Step 1: Obtain Recognized Qualifications
Complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, commerce, finance, or related field equivalent to Australian standards, covering core areas like financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. Overseas qualifications undergo skills assessment by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, VETASSESS, or IPA to confirm suitability.
Step 2: Prove English Proficiency
Meet the English requirement with IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band or PTE Academic with the required minimum score in each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) as per current Australian skilled migration standards. Exemptions may apply for recognised English-medium qualifications.
Step 3: Gain Relevant Work Experience
Accumulate 1-3 years of supervised professional experience in accounting roles (post-qualification). Indian experience counts; internships or part-time roles qualify pro-rata.
Step 4: Secure Skills Assessment
Apply to CPA Australia, CA ANZ, IPA, or VETASSESS for positive Australian skill assessment, required for migration and membership. Submit transcripts, CV, references, and English results.
Step 5: Join Professional Body
Enroll in CPA Program, CA ANZ, or IPA: complete any exams (exemptions for Indian CAs), ethics module, and 36 months experience. Maintain annual CPD.
Step 6: Register for Practice (If Needed)
For tax/public work, register with Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) as a tax agent, requiring 2+ years experience and fit/proper status. Obtain indemnity insurance.
Step 7: Apply for Skilled Visa
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect for Subclass 189/190/491 visas using your assessment. Gain invitation and apply for PR.
Accounting Jobs in Australia
Accounting jobs in Australia include:
1. Management Accountant
2. Financial Accountant
3. Tax Accountant
4. Auditor
5. Forensic Accountant
6. External Auditor
7. Internal Auditor
8. Cost Accountant
9. Accountant (General)
10. Payroll Accountant
Australia offers diverse accounting roles across finance, audit, tax, and management sectors, with high demand in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Indian professionals with skills assessments qualify for these ANZSCO-aligned positions via platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, and Big Four firms. Valid job roles include:
These Accountants in Australia roles involve preparing financial statements, conducting audits to ensure compliance, managing tax returns and advisory for businesses/individuals, analyzing costs for budgeting decisions, performing forensic investigations into financial discrepancies, handling payroll processing and superannuation compliance, and providing general accounting services like bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting to support organizational governance and strategic planning.
Accounting Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
Accounting jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship include:
1. Management Accountant
2. Financial Accountant
3. Tax Accountant
4. External Auditor
5. Forensic Accountant
6. Internal Auditor
7. Cost Accountant
8. Payroll Accountant
Australia’s ongoing accountant shortage is pushing employers such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and mid-tier accounting firms in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to offer visa sponsorship for skilled Indian professionals.
Most sponsorships are offered through the Subclass 482 (TSS) visa, with clear Permanent Residency pathways via Subclass 186 (ENS). These roles are frequently sponsored because Accountant (General) – ANZSCO 221111 remains on the MLTSSL/STSOL, as per Jobs and Skills Australia 2025–26 data.
Indian Chartered Accountants and qualified accountants with a positive skills assessment from CPA Australia or CA ANZ can qualify easily. The basic requirements include IELTS 7.0 and a minimum of 2+ years of relevant work experience.
Platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, 482jobs.com, and agencies such as Hays and Robert Walters list 1,000+ openings, with employers handling nominations after interviews.
With more than 25,000 accountant vacancies annually, this creates a fast-track migration option without relying on points-tested visas such as Subclass 189 or 190.
Accountants Salary in Australia
The average salary for accountants in Australia ranges between AU$ 85,000-95,000 annually.
Accountant salaries in Australia vary significantly by experience level, location (higher in Sydney/Melbourne), and specialization, reflecting the profession’s high demand.
Entry-level accountants in Australia, typically with 0–3 years of experience, earn an average of AU$55,000–65,000 annually, focusing on basic bookkeeping and support roles.
Mid-career accountants in Australia, typically with 4–9 years of experience, earn an average of AU$75,000–95,000, handling complex financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance tasks in corporate or advisory settings.
Senior accountants in Australia, typically with 10+ years of experience, including managers, earn an average of AU$100,000–140,000, overseeing teams, audits, and strategic planning; top earners exceed AU$150,000 in Big Four firms.
Key differences stem from responsibility scope entry-level emphasizes learning, mid-career adds analysis, seniors drive decisions plus qualifications (CPA/CA boosts 10-20%). Regional roles pay 10-15% less but offer visa perks.
Conclusion
Australia immigration presents Indian accountants with exceptional pathways to rewarding careers fueled by strong demand in finance, mining, and real estate sectors. Secure skills assessments and professional memberships with CPA Australia or CA ANZ, then pursue sponsored roles or direct PR through skilled visas like Subclass 189 and 190. This journey unlocks opportunities in dynamic cities like Sydney and Melbourne, blending professional growth with long-term stability Down Under.
For accurate and up-to-date eligibility criteria, skills assessment guidelines, and visa information, refer to the official Australian Government and professional accounting body websites. Start your Australia immigration today for a prosperous future.
