Accountant Salary in Australia 2026: State-by-State Guide for ACCA Professionals
Accountant salaries in Australia range from AUD 55,000 at entry level to AUD 900,000+ at CFO. Discover what ACCA professionals earn across states and sectors, plus visa pathways, in 2026.
Why Australia Is a Top Destination for ACCA Professionals
Australia has consistently ranked among the world's best countries to live and work — and for accountants, it offers a compelling combination of competitive salaries, strong professional recognition, and quality of life. ACCA is fully recognised across Australia, and the qualification is respected by the Big 4, multinational corporations, and the public sector alike.
Australia also has a skills shortage in accounting, meaning qualified ACCA professionals often find employer sponsorship available for visas. This guide covers what accountants earn in Australia in 2026, broken down by level, state, and sector.
Accountant Salary in Australia by Experience Level
| Level | Role | Salary Range (AUD) | GBP Equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate / Entry Level | Graduate Accountant, Accounts Assistant | AUD 55,000 – 75,000 | £29,000 – £39,000 |
| Part-Qualified | Finance Analyst, Assistant Accountant | AUD 70,000 – 95,000 | £37,000 – £50,000 |
| Newly Qualified | Management Accountant, Financial Accountant | AUD 95,000 – 130,000 | £50,000 – £68,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | Senior Accountant, Finance Manager | AUD 120,000 – 175,000 | £63,000 – £92,000 |
| Senior Manager | Group Finance Manager, Head of Finance | AUD 165,000 – 250,000 | £87,000 – £131,000 |
| Director Level | Finance Director, VP Finance | AUD 230,000 – 380,000 | £121,000 – £200,000 |
| C-Suite | CFO, Group Finance Director | AUD 350,000 – 900,000+ | £184,000 – £473,000+ |
Exchange rate used: 1 AUD ≈ £0.526. Figures are base salary before superannuation (11.5% employer contribution).
Salary by State: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Beyond
| State / City | Newly Qualified (AUD) | Senior Manager (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney (NSW) | AUD 105,000 – 135,000 | AUD 180,000 – 260,000 | Highest salaries; financial services hub |
| Melbourne (VIC) | AUD 100,000 – 128,000 | AUD 170,000 – 245,000 | Strong professional services market |
| Brisbane (QLD) | AUD 90,000 – 118,000 | AUD 150,000 – 215,000 | Growing tech and resources sector |
| Perth (WA) | AUD 95,000 – 125,000 | AUD 165,000 – 230,000 | Resources and mining premium |
| Canberra (ACT) | AUD 88,000 – 115,000 | AUD 145,000 – 200,000 | Public sector and government focus |
| Adelaide (SA) | AUD 82,000 – 108,000 | AUD 135,000 – 185,000 | Lower cost of living; lifestyle premium |
Salary by Sector in Australia
| Sector | Typical Range (Qualified) | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services / Banking | AUD 120,000 – 280,000+ | Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Macquarie Bank |
| Mining & Resources | AUD 130,000 – 320,000+ | BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Woodside, Santos |
| Big 4 / Advisory | AUD 100,000 – 250,000 | Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG |
| Technology | AUD 110,000 – 220,000 | Atlassian, Canva, Afterpay (Block), Xero, Seek |
| Healthcare / Pharmaceuticals | AUD 95,000 – 185,000 | CSL, Sonic Healthcare, Ramsay Health, Medibank |
| Retail & FMCG | AUD 90,000 – 170,000 | Woolworths, Coles, Wesfarmers, Treasury Wine Estates |
| Government & Public Sector | AUD 80,000 – 150,000 | ATO, ASIC, APRA, state treasury departments |
| Infrastructure & Utilities | AUD 100,000 – 200,000 | Transurban, APA Group, Origin Energy, AGL |
ACCA Salary Progression in Australia
| ACCA Stage | Typical Role | Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge (F1–F3) | Accounts Trainee / Finance Administrator | AUD 55,000 – 72,000 |
| Applied Skills (F4–F9) | Assistant Accountant / Finance Analyst | AUD 70,000 – 90,000 |
| Strategic Professional (P-level) | Senior Finance Analyst / Commercial Analyst | AUD 88,000 – 110,000 |
| Newly Qualified ACCA | Management Accountant / Financial Accountant | AUD 98,000 – 130,000 |
| ACCA Qualified (2–5 yrs) | Finance Manager / Group Accountant | AUD 130,000 – 185,000 |
| ACCA Qualified (5+ yrs) | Finance Director / CFO | AUD 200,000 – 500,000+ |
Superannuation: The Hidden Extra 11.5%
Australia's compulsory superannuation system requires employers to contribute 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings into a retirement fund on top of your base salary. This is a significant component of total compensation that is often overlooked by international candidates comparing salaries.
In practical terms, a job offering AUD 120,000 base salary includes an additional AUD 13,800/year in super contributions, bringing total compensation to AUD 133,800. When comparing Australian salaries to UK or Irish figures, always add 11.5% to get a true total compensation comparison.
Is ACCA Recognised in Australia?
ACCA is recognised in Australia and is a member body of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). However, it's worth noting that in Australia, the primary local qualifications are CPA Australia and CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand). Some employers — particularly those in the public accounting sector or roles requiring signing off statutory accounts — may prefer local qualifications.
For multinational corporations, financial services firms, and management accounting roles, ACCA is fully accepted and well regarded. If you're planning a long-term career in Australia, you may wish to consider completing a CPA Australia or CA ANZ qualification alongside ACCA — mutual recognition arrangements exist to make this pathway more efficient.
Visa Pathways for ACCA Accountants
Accountants are listed on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means ACCA-qualified professionals may be eligible for:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-based visa with no employer sponsorship required
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State/territory-nominated points pathway
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482): Temporary skills shortage visa — many firms in accounting and financial services use this for international hires
Points requirements and processing times vary; a registered migration agent can assess your individual eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average accountant salary in Australia?
The average salary for a qualified accountant in Australia is approximately AUD 95,000–130,000 (around £50,000–£68,000), depending on location, sector, and experience. Sydney and Melbourne command a premium of 10–15% over the national average. Superannuation adds a further 11.5% on top of base salary.
Is ACCA enough to work as an accountant in Australia?
For the majority of accounting roles in commerce, industry, and financial services, ACCA is fully sufficient. For roles requiring a practising certificate (such as signing statutory audit reports or operating a public accounting practice), you would need to also obtain membership of CPA Australia or CA ANZ. Mutual recognition arrangements streamline this process for ACCA members.
How does Australia compare to the UK for accountant salaries?
At newly-qualified level, Australian base salaries (AUD 98,000–130,000 ≈ £52,000–£68,000) are broadly comparable to or slightly above London equivalent roles (£50,000–£65,000). When superannuation (11.5%) and Australia's generally lower tax burden at mid-level incomes are factored in, total compensation can be meaningfully higher than equivalent UK roles. Cost of living, particularly rent in Sydney, is comparable to London.
Which Australian city pays accountants the most?
Sydney consistently offers the highest accounting salaries, followed closely by Melbourne. Perth commands a resources premium that can make certain roles (particularly in mining finance and management accounting) among the highest-paying in the country. Brisbane is growing rapidly as companies relocate operations from Sydney and Melbourne, and salaries are rising as a result.
Further Reading
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Johnny Meagher
Expert Tutor at Learnsignal
Qualified professional with years of experience in teaching and helping students achieve their accounting qualifications.
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