How to Become an Accountant in Australia
Accounting does not have to start with one fixed path. You can begin with practical accounting skills, build software knowledge, gain experience, then decide whether CPA, CA, ACCA, tax, BAS, CAT or IPA related pathways match your goal.
This guide maps the different routes, skills and course options so you can choose your next step with a clearer plan.
Quick answer
To become an accountant in Australia, start by learning accounting basics, bookkeeping, business records, Excel, Xero, MYOB and payroll. If your goal is CPA or CA, you will also need to meet the formal study and experience requirements set by the relevant professional body.
If you want a practical pathway first, The Career Academy’s Accounting Pathway Program can help you move from foundation accounting through to advanced accounting skills and Certified Accounting Technician, or CAT, learning. This can be useful if you want accounting technician level knowledge before deciding whether to continue into CPA, CA, ACCA, tax or BAS pathways.
How this guide was created
This guide was created by The Career Academy team using Australian salary guides, professional body information, Tax Practitioners Board guidance, course details and keyword research for accounting course searches in Australia.
We have focused on practical information for career changers, school leavers, admin professionals, business owners and learners who want to understand the difference between entry level accounting skills, accounting technician pathways and professional accounting pathways.
Editorial note: This guide is reviewed regularly to keep course details, Australian pathway information and source links as accurate and useful as possible.
Why industry accredited learning matters
When comparing accounting courses online, it is worth looking beyond the course title. Industry accredited learning can give students extra reassurance that the training has been reviewed against recognised standards.
At The Career Academy, eligible courses are industry accredited, and students can receive CPD points after successful completion. Some accounting pathways may also include learning connected to Certified Accounting Technician, IPA or accounting technician level outcomes.
Always check the individual course page for the latest accreditation, CPD, pathway and completion details.
Find the accounting pathway that fits you
Not everyone needs the same starting point. Pick the route that matches where you are now, then build from there.
Start with the basics
Learn accounting terms, bookkeeping basics, business records and simple reports before choosing a larger course.
Build accounts and software knowledge
Focus on accounts administration, bookkeeping, Xero, MYOB, Excel and payroll skills used in everyday finance roles.
Explore CAT and IPA linked learning
Choose a pathway that helps you build towards accounting technician level knowledge, including CAT learning where included in the course structure.
Add tax, BAS and payroll awareness
Build useful finance knowledge for small business support, compliance tasks, superannuation and reporting.
Your accounting route map
This route map shows how the pathway can build in stages. You do not need to decide everything on day one.
Foundation
Learn accounting terms, income, expenses, assets, liabilities, transactions and simple reporting.
Practical accounts skills
Build bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, GST awareness and business record skills.
Software and payroll
Add Xero, MYOB, Excel, payroll and superannuation awareness to make your skills more practical.
CAT and IPA linked pathway
Explore Accounting Pathway Program or Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers options if you want accounting technician level learning.
Professional pathway
Explore CPA, CA, ACCA, tax agent or BAS agent requirements if they match your long-term goal.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant helps people and organisations understand, manage and report financial information. Their work can include preparing financial reports, reviewing business performance, supporting budgeting, assisting with tax information, managing compliance tasks and helping business owners make better financial decisions.
In smaller businesses, accounting work may overlap with bookkeeping, payroll, accounts administration and software based finance tasks. In larger organisations, accountants may specialise in management accounting, financial accounting, audit, tax, reporting or commercial finance.
Accounting is not one single pathway
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking accounting is only for people who go straight to university. That can be one pathway, but it is not the only starting point.
Many learners begin with practical accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, accounting technician or software skills before deciding whether to move towards CPA, CA, ACCA, tax or BAS pathways.
You can compare our online accounting courses in Australia if you are looking for a practical starting point.
Accountant salary guide in Australia
Salary can vary based on location, industry, experience, qualification level, software skills and whether the role is entry level, assistant, technician, graduate, senior or professionally qualified.
SEEK lists the average annual salary range for Accountant roles in Australia around this range.
Indeed reports this average base salary for accountants in Australia, based on salary data updated in May 2026.
Location, industry, software skills, seniority and professional requirements can all affect salary outcomes.
Methodology: Salary figures were checked against SEEK Australia and Indeed Australia in May 2026. These figures are general guides only. Course completion does not guarantee a job, salary, promotion or professional registration.
What skills do accountants need?
Accountants need more than number skills. Employers often look for people who can use software, understand business records, communicate clearly, follow rules and explain financial information in a useful way.
Accounting principles and financial records
Bookkeeping and transaction accuracy
Accounts payable and receivable
Payroll and superannuation awareness
Xero, MYOB and cloud accounting tools
Excel and spreadsheet reporting
GST, BAS and tax awareness
Communication and business support
Do you need a degree to become an accountant in Australia?
The answer depends on what you mean by “accountant”. For professional pathways like CPA or CA, you will need to meet the academic, study and work experience requirements set by CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ.
However, if you want to start building accounting skills or move into accounts support, bookkeeping, payroll, accounts administration or accounting technician style work, you may not need to begin with a university degree straight away.
This is where practical online accounting study can be useful. It can help you build real finance skills first, then decide whether you want to continue towards a professional pathway later.
Where the CAT and IPA pathway fits
The Certified Accounting Technician, or CAT, pathway is a practical route for learners who want to build accounting technician level knowledge. It is useful if you want to work across bookkeeping, accounts administration, payroll, GST, financial reporting, Xero, MYOB and small business finance support.
At The Career Academy, the Accounting Pathway Program is designed to help students move from accounting foundations through to advanced accounting skills and Certified Accounting Technician learning. The pathway includes the Certificate in Accounting, Advanced Certificate in Accounting with Xero, and the Certified Accounting Technician Program.
The Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers is another route for learners who already lean towards bookkeeping and want to build upwards. This pathway includes Certificate in Business Bookkeeping, Advanced Certificate in Accounting with Xero, and the Certified Accounting Technician Program.
The Institute of Public Accountants, or IPA, has partnered with The Career Academy to support students working towards bookkeeping and accounting technician outcomes. Always check the latest course page and IPA information before enrolling, as membership rules, pathway benefits and course inclusions can change.
Is this the right starting point for you?
This guide is designed to help you understand your options before choosing an accounting course. It is useful if you want practical skills, but it is important to know what an online course can and cannot do.
This may suit you if
You are new to accounting, changing careers, helping with business finances, working in admin, or wanting practical accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and software skills.
It can help you build
Useful knowledge in financial records, accounts tasks, GST awareness, payroll, Xero, MYOB, Excel and everyday business finance support.
It may not be enough if
Your goal is to become a registered tax agent, BAS agent, CPA or Chartered Accountant. Those pathways have separate rules, study requirements and experience requirements.
Before you enrol
Check the course page, access period, accreditation details, CPD information, pathway inclusions, payment options and whether the course matches your current level and long-term goal.
CPA, CA, ACCA, tax agent and BAS agent pathways explained
Professional accounting and tax pathways have their own rules. A practical accounting course can help you build useful skills, but it does not replace professional body or registration requirements.
CPA pathway
CPA Australia states that the CPA Program includes four compulsory subjects, two electives and an experience component. It also lists a recognised degree and 36 months of relevant experience as part of the pathway.
Chartered Accountant pathway
Chartered Accountants ANZ states that the CA Program combines a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting with 3 years of Mentored Practical Experience. Applicants also need to meet academic and provisional membership requirements.
ACCA pathway
ACCA may be useful for learners who want an internationally focused accounting pathway. Before choosing this route, check the latest ACCA entry requirements, exemptions and recognition in Australia.
Tax and BAS pathways
If you want to provide tax agent or BAS agent services for a fee in Australia, Tax Practitioners Board requirements apply. The TPB has separate qualification and experience rules for tax agents and BAS agents.
Choose an accounting course based on your goal
There is no single accounting course that suits everyone. The right option depends on your starting point, time commitment and whether you want practical accounting skills, accounting technician level learning or a pathway towards broader professional study.
Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping
A beginner friendly option if you want to understand accounting and bookkeeping basics before moving into a larger course.
Certificate in Accounting
A practical course for learners who want to build core accounting skills used in business finance and accounts support work.
Accounting Pathway Program
A structured pathway for learners who want to move from accounting foundations through to advanced accounting skills and Certified Accounting Technician learning.
Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers
A practical route for bookkeepers who want to build upwards into accounting technician level learning, including CAT learning as part of the pathway.
Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway
A useful pathway if you want accounting support skills with payroll, administration, business records and workplace software knowledge.
ACCA Qualified Pathway
A structured study option for learners interested in an internationally focused accounting route.
Advanced Certificate in Xero
A practical option if you want to build cloud accounting software skills used by many Australian businesses.
Course pricing, payment options, access periods, accreditation, CPD points, pathway inclusions and study details can change. Always check the course page for the latest information before enrolling.
Possible roles linked to accounting skills
Accounting training can support a range of finance, accounts and business support roles. Job titles and requirements vary by employer, but accounting skills may be useful for roles such as:
- Accounts Assistant
- Accounts Administrator
- Accounting Technician
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Assistant
- Accounts Payable Officer
- Accounts Receivable Officer
- Assistant Accountant
- Junior Accountant
- Small Business Finance Support
Always check each job listing carefully, as some roles may require a degree, professional membership, software experience, workplace experience or registration.
Common mistakes to avoid when starting accounting
- Thinking there is only one pathway: Accounting can start with practical accounts, bookkeeping, payroll, CAT learning or software skills before moving into a professional pathway.
- Skipping software skills: Xero, MYOB and Excel are useful because many finance roles are software based.
- Confusing a course with professional registration: CPA, CA, tax agent and BAS agent pathways have separate requirements.
- Missing the CAT / IPA option: If you want accounting technician level learning, compare the Accounting Pathway Program and Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers.
- Choosing a course without checking your goal: Start with your career aim, then choose the course that matches your current level.
FAQs about becoming an accountant in Australia
How do I become an accountant in Australia?
Start by learning accounting basics, bookkeeping, financial records, Excel and accounting software. If you want a professional designation such as CPA or CA, you will need to meet the academic, study and experience requirements set by the relevant professional body.
Can I study accounting online in Australia?
Yes. Online accounting study can help you build practical finance skills around work, family or other commitments. It can be a useful starting point before deciding whether to move into a longer professional pathway.
What is the CAT pathway?
The CAT pathway refers to Certified Accounting Technician learning. It can help learners build practical accounting technician level knowledge across areas such as accounting, bookkeeping, reporting, software, ethics and professional practice. It does not replace CPA, CA, BAS agent or tax agent requirements.
What is the IPA pathway?
The IPA pathway refers to learning connected with the Institute of Public Accountants. Some The Career Academy accounting pathways include CAT and IPA linked learning or benefits. Always check the latest course page for current pathway details, membership information and eligibility.
What is the difference between the Accounting Pathway Program and the Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers?
The Accounting Pathway Program is suited to learners who want to move from accounting foundations through to advanced accounting and CAT learning. The Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers is suited to learners who are starting from, or already focused on, bookkeeping and want to build upwards into accounting technician level learning.
Do I need a degree to start working in accounting?
Not always. Some support roles in accounts administration, bookkeeping, payroll and assistant accounting may focus on practical skills and software experience. Professional pathways such as CPA or CA have specific degree, study and experience requirements.
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping focuses on recording and organising financial transactions. Accounting usually goes further by analysing financial information, preparing reports and supporting business decisions.
Is Xero or MYOB better for accounting jobs?
Both can be useful. Xero is common in cloud accounting and small business environments, while MYOB is also widely used for business and payroll tasks. Learning both can give you a wider software skill set.
How long does it take to become an accountant?
It depends on the pathway. A practical online course may take weeks or months, while CPA or CA pathways can involve formal study and several years of relevant experience. Start with your goal, then work backwards from the requirements.
Can an accounting course help me get a job?
An accounting course can help you build practical skills and show learning, but it does not guarantee a job. Employers may also look for experience, software skills, communication, attention to detail and role specific requirements.
Which accounting course should I start with?
If you are completely new, start with an introductory course. If you want stronger accounting skills, the Certificate in Accounting or Accounting Pathway Program may be more suitable. If you are already focused on bookkeeping, the Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers may also be worth comparing.
Ready to choose your accounting starting point?
Compare the available accounting courses and choose the option that matches your current level, study goal and long-term pathway.
Compare Accounting CoursesSources used
- The Career Academy AU Accounting Courses
- The Career Academy AU Accounting Pathway Program
- The Career Academy AU Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers
- The Career Academy AU Industry Accreditation and Awards
- SEEK Australia Accountant Salary Guide
- Indeed Australia Accountant Salary Data
- CPA Australia CPA Program
- Chartered Accountants ANZ CA Program Information
- Tax Practitioners Board Tax Agent Requirements
- Tax Practitioners Board BAS Agent Requirements
