Accounting

Accounting is about understanding the numbers behind how businesses work. Accountants, auditors, bookkeepers, tax agents and payroll officers help organisations understand what they've earned, what they owe and what it all means, giving people the information they need to make better decisions. From finance and tax to consulting, technology and even running your own business, accounting skills can take you into almost any industry.

It's a great fit if you like order, enjoy solving puzzles with numbers and want a career that can start with a certificate at TAFE or a commerce degree at uni and grow into a Chartered Accountant qualification. Graduate numbers have fallen while demand keeps rising, so employers are actively looking for new entrants.

At a glance

Job outlook
In demand
Fewer graduates are coming through than employers need, and a national shortfall is forecast by 2035.
Roles not requiring ATAR
71%
Certificate IV and diploma pathways through TAFE lead into bookkeeping, payroll and accounts roles.
Roles and settings
7
In accounting firms, the finance team of any business, the ATO, or self-employed as a tax or BAS agent.

Sources: O*NET, ACIR, Your Career

Why Accounting?

Steady, well-paid work that every organisation needs, with a qualification that is recognised around the world.

Employers are short of accountants and auditors
Start at TAFE or uni, then qualify as a Chartered Accountant
Every business needs the skills, in every town
Build skills that can take you into finance, consulting, leadership or even your own business.

Do you have any questions about Accounting? Just ask me!

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Industry outlook

In demand
Accounting course completions have fallen by more than half since 2018 while employment keeps growing, and Chartered Accountants ANZ forecasts a shortfall of nearly 18,000 accounting, audit and finance professionals by 2035.
AI changes the work, not the need
Software already does the data entry. The jobs that are growing are the ones that interpret the numbers, advise clients and sign off on audits, which is where the professional judgement is.

Entry requirements

Typical ATAR range: Not required for TAFE pathways; most commerce and accounting degrees sit between the mid-60s and the low 90s.
Prerequisites: An accredited accounting degree, then the Chartered Accountants Program to practise as a Chartered Accountant. Registration with the Tax Practitioners Board to work as a tax or BAS agent. A police check for most roles.
Pathways: Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping at TAFE for bookkeeping and payroll roles; a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting or Business for accountant and auditor roles; the Chartered Accountants Program after graduating.
Duration: Six to twelve months for a certificate, three years for a degree, then around three years of supervised work to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.