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How to Become a Chartered Accountant: Australian Careers in Accounting and Bookkeeping

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What is a Chartered Accountant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a qualified financial expert. CAs audit accounts, prepare financial reports, and advise businesses on tax and strategy. In Australia, they are members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and hold a globally recognised designation.

Chartered Accountants complete a specific pathway to earn their designation. They first finish a relevant bachelor degree. Then they complete the CA Program, which includes the Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA). They also complete at least three years of mentored work experience under a qualified CA.

CAs work across many sectors. Some work in public accounting firms, helping clients with audits and tax returns. Others work in-house for companies, managing financial reporting and long-term planning. Government agencies, banks, and not-for-profits also employ CAs in senior financial roles.

Demand for CAs in Australia is strong. Jobs and Skills Australia reported accountant employment grew by 6.2% in a single year to November 2024. This makes accounting one of Australia’s fastest-growing professional occupations. The CA designation gives candidates a clear career edge.

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Career snapshots For Chartered Accountants

Chartered Accountants work in one of Australia’s fastest-growing fields. Accountant jobs grew by 6.2% in the year to November 2024, adding 13,100 new roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Most CAs work in full-time, permanent roles across public accounting, corporate finance, and government.

Salaries are above the national average. Base pay ranges from around $60,000 at entry level to over $135,000 at senior levels (PayScale, 2024). CA ANZ data (2024) shows new CAs earn 20 to 30% more than those without the CA title. Common employers include public accounting firms, big corporations, banks, and government agencies.

What will I do?

Chartered Accountants manage the financial health of businesses and organisations. They work across audit, tax, financial reporting, and advisory roles. Their daily tasks depend on the sector and the needs of each client or employer.

  • Financial Reporting – Preparing financial statements that meet legal and accounting rules.
  • Tax Compliance – Preparing and lodging tax returns and advising on tax strategies.
  • Auditing – Checking financial records for accuracy and compliance with laws.
  • Budgeting – Helping businesses plan finances by building budgets and forecasts.
  • Financial Analysis – Reviewing financial data to spot trends, risks, and opportunities.
  • Advisory Services – Giving advice on business results, cost cuts, and long-term growth.
  • Client Management – Building strong client ties and tailoring services to each client’s needs.
  • Regulatory Compliance – Keeping up with changes in tax law and accounting rules.
  • Risk Management – Finding and managing financial risks that could hurt the business.
  • Professional Development – Meeting CA ANZ’s CPD needs to stay current in the field.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Chartered Accountant calls for a mix of technical and personal skills. Strong analytical ability is at the core. CAs read complex financial data and turn it into clear advice for clients or employers. They also need solid knowledge of accounting standards, tax law, and financial reporting rules.

Communication matters just as much as technical skill. CAs explain complex financial information to people who are not finance experts. They must be clear, confident, and easy to understand. Attention to detail is also vital, as small errors in financial work can have big consequences. A commitment to ongoing learning rounds out the skill set, since the financial landscape changes constantly.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Clear communication
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Accounting software proficiency
  • Knowledge of tax law and regulations
  • Financial reporting expertise
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Time management
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability to changing regulations
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Client relationship management
  • Strategic thinking

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.