Accountant
Provide financial expertise and advice to individuals and organisations.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
-
5-year projectionSalary
-
Typical salaryJob satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
-
Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
-
On this page
- What's it like to be an Accountant?
- How to become an Accountant
- Latest Accountant jobs
- Top skills and experience for Accountants
- Is Accountant the right role for you?
- Accountant role reviews
What's it like to be an Accountant?
Accountants help individuals and organisations manage their finances, tax credits and obligations, and give advice on compliance and record management. Accountants may choose to specialise and become Management Accountants, Taxation Accountants, Trust Accountants, Systems Accountants, Fund Accountants or Company Accountants. Accountants may work in the public sector, for large or small organisations, or for individual clients. A bachelor degree or higher is usually required to become an Accountant. Additional certifications may also be needed.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Reviewing the income and expenditure of individuals or organisations.
- Creating and maintaining budgets.
- Preparing financial statements.
- Undertaking audits, conducting financial investigations and managing insolvency.
- Providing advice about business plans, structures and accounting systems.
- Establishing bank accounts, funds and trusts.
- Managing cash flow.
- Managing investment projects.
How to become an Accountant
To become an Accountant in Australia, you need to complete an accredited degree. Many Accountants also join a professional association to participate in an accreditation program.
- Complete an accredited bachelor degree such as a Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Business (Accounting). This usually takes three years of full-time study.
- If you already have a bachelor degree, you can complete an accredited postgraduate qualification, such as a Master of Professional Accounting. This usually takes two years of full-time study.
- After graduating, you will become eligible to join a professional accounting body such as Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Apply to participate in an accreditation program offered by one of these institutions to enhance your credentials and employability.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Accountants.Latest Accountant jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Accountant jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Accountant employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Accounting
Financial Statements
Xero Accounting Software
Tax Returns
Certified Public / Practising Accountant Qualification
Financial Reporting
Preparing Income Tax Returns
Taxation
Tax Planning
Reconciliations
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Accountant reviews
Oct 2024
Overall, while accounting can be demanding, many find the challenges worthwhile due to the rewarding nature of the work and the opportunities for professional growth.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Finance
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationHuman Resources & Recruitment
The good thingsBeing an accountant comes with a unique mix of enjoyable and challenging aspects. Here’s a breakdown of both:
Enjoyable Aspects:
Problem-Solving: Accounting often involves resolving complex financia...
The challengesChallenging Aspects:
Deadlines and Pressure: Accountants often face tight deadlines, especially during tax season or fiscal year-end. The pressure to deliver accurate results on time can be stressful...
Read more
Sep 2023
My overall experience as an Intermediate Accountant has been positive and challenging.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Accounting and Finance
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeI'm self-employed
SpecialisationAccounting
The good thingsOverall, I am very happy with my career as an accountant. It is a challenging and rewarding profession that allows me to use my skills and talents to help others.
I also like the fact that I can work...
The challengess much as I enjoy my role as an accountant, there are still some things that I don't like about it. Here are a few of the things that I find challenging:
The long hours. During busy seasons, such as ...
Read more
Share insights on your current role.
Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
