adminbhustleAustralia has become one of the top destinations for foreign professionals, especially those seeking jobs with visa sponsorship. Among the many in-demand professions, accounting stands out due to its stable career path, competitive salary, and essential role in business operations.
As companies in Australia continue to grow and expand, there is a rising demand for skilled accountants who can help manage financial records, tax compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning. This makes Australia an ideal destination for foreign-trained accountants looking for jobs and long-term career opportunities.
In 2025, the Australian job market is expected to see a stronger pull toward skilled labor from abroad due to ongoing talent shortages. Businesses across sectors such as finance, healthcare, construction, and technology require professional accountants to ensure they meet legal financial requirements and manage operations efficiently.
Many of these companies are open to hiring international professionals and even offer visa sponsorships to attract top talent from around the world. This is great news for anyone with qualifications and experience in accounting, especially those looking to relocate.
Visa sponsorship allows qualified professionals to enter Australia legally to live and work, with some visas even leading to permanent residency.
If you’re planning to work as an accountant in Australia in 2025, there are several options available that not only pay well but also include employer-sponsored visa pathways. This is especially important for those coming from countries where local opportunities are limited or where salaries do not match international standards.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes accounting a strong career choice in Australia, the kinds of roles available, what you need to qualify, and how to successfully apply for these high-paying visa-sponsored jobs.
Why Work in the Accounting Industry?
Working in the accounting industry provides not just financial stability but also long-term career growth. Australia’s economy is highly developed, and financial transparency is at the core of every successful business.
This creates a consistent need for accountants across all industries—from small businesses and startups to large corporations and government bodies. The demand isn’t seasonal or temporary; it’s ongoing and deeply integrated into the country’s economic structure.
The accounting profession offers more than just number-crunching. Accountants in Australia play a critical role in advising business owners on financial planning, conducting audits, preparing tax documents, and maintaining compliance with both local and international regulations.
This makes accounting a prestigious and respected profession. Moreover, because accounting standards are largely similar across countries, professionals from abroad can often transition into the Australian market without needing to undergo excessive retraining.
Another key benefit is that accounting jobs in Australia often come with structured career progression. Whether you start as a junior accountant or step into a senior position, there are clearly defined pathways for promotions, further education, and specialization. Many companies offer paid training and support for achieving professional certifications such as CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or ACCA, all of which are recognized in Australia.
For those looking to move to Australia, the added advantage is that the accounting sector is listed on the country’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This increases the chances of receiving visa sponsorship and eventually transitioning into permanent residency.
Whether you aim to settle in a major city or regional area, the accounting profession gives you flexibility, financial rewards, and long-term job security. It is one of the safest and most future-proof careers available for international job seekers in 2025.
Types of Accounting Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
The accounting field in Australia offers a wide range of job types, all of which have visa sponsorship potential depending on your level of experience, area of specialization, and qualifications. Some positions are more common in larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, while others are in high demand in regional areas, which often offer quicker visa processing times.
One of the most commonly sponsored positions is that of the Financial Accountant, who is responsible for preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and offering strategic guidance on financial planning. These roles are vital in larger organizations that need to manage complex budgets and operations across multiple markets.
Another popular visa-sponsored role is the Management Accountant. These professionals analyze internal financial information to support operational decisions. They are often employed in manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors, and companies are frequently willing to sponsor experienced foreign professionals to fill these vacancies.
Tax Accountants are also in high demand. With ever-changing tax laws and compliance requirements, businesses require experts to handle their corporate taxes, GST filings, and personal income tax services. Firms that specialize in accounting services often recruit foreign tax accountants to keep up with client demand.
If you have auditing experience, you might find opportunities as an External Auditor or Internal Auditor. External Auditors are required to assess and verify a company’s financial records from a neutral standpoint, often for legal and compliance purposes.
Internal Auditors, on the other hand, help companies manage internal controls and minimize risks. Both roles are on the skilled occupation list, making them favorable for visa sponsorship.
Finally, Payroll Officers and Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialists are always needed, especially in medium to large organizations. Though these roles are more administrative in nature, they are essential for day-to-day operations and are also included in various regional visa programs.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Although Australia welcomes skilled workers from overseas, there are specific requirements that candidates must meet to be eligible for accounting jobs, especially those that come with visa sponsorship.
For entry-level roles, employers typically look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. If your degree was earned outside Australia, it may need to be assessed for equivalency by a recognized authority such as CPA Australia or CA ANZ.
In addition to formal education, relevant work experience is often necessary. While some entry-level jobs require only one to two years of experience, having more can significantly improve your chances of securing visa-sponsored employment.
Employers also value international certifications such as ACCA, CPA, or CIMA, especially if these credentials are recognized in Australia.
Proficiency in accounting software such as MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks is another critical skill for foreign applicants. Australian businesses rely heavily on digital platforms to manage their finances, and knowledge of these tools will make you more competitive. You should also be comfortable using spreadsheets, particularly Microsoft Excel, as well as general reporting software.
Strong English communication skills—both written and spoken—are essential. Since you’ll be working in professional environments, you must be able to interpret financial data, write reports, and communicate findings clearly. In many visa programs, proving your English ability through standardized tests like IELTS or PTE is also a requirement.
Understanding of Australian accounting laws and practices, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), payroll obligations, and superannuation contributions, will also give you a competitive edge. While you don’t have to be an expert, showing that you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with local practices will improve your chances of being hired.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
While accounting jobs are available throughout Australia, not all regions offer the same salary levels. Generally, the highest-paying accounting roles are found in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
These urban centers host many of the country’s top financial institutions, multinational companies, and consulting firms. As a result, the demand for skilled accountants is higher, and so are the salaries.
Sydney, often referred to as Australia’s financial capital, leads the way in terms of payment structure. Accountants working in Sydney can earn significantly more than their counterparts in other cities, particularly if they are employed in the banking or corporate finance sectors.
Melbourne, the second-largest city, also offers competitive wages, especially for roles in tax consulting, auditing, and financial analysis.
Perth is another city where accounting jobs come with attractive compensation packages. Its economy is heavily tied to mining and natural resources, and companies in this sector often require specialized accountants for budgeting and financial reporting. Because of the technical knowledge required, these jobs tend to pay well.
In contrast, regional areas such as Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin may offer slightly lower base salaries but often provide other advantages like lower living costs and faster visa processing under regional migration schemes.
Many employers in these areas are eligible to sponsor foreign workers under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187 or the current equivalent), which can be a quicker path to permanent residency.
It’s also worth noting that the cost of living plays a big role in overall financial satisfaction. Earning $90,000 a year in a regional area might go further than earning $110,000 in Sydney, depending on your lifestyle and expenses. So, when considering a job, it’s important to evaluate not just the salary but also the total compensation, benefits, and local cost of living.
Salary Expectations for Foreigners in Australia
For foreign professionals coming into Australia on a visa, salary expectations can vary depending on experience, location, and area of specialization. On average, accounting professionals in Australia can expect to earn between AUD $60,000 and AUD $120,000 annually. This range is influenced by whether the position is entry-level, mid-career, or senior-level.
Entry-level accountants, particularly those just arriving from overseas, typically earn around AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year. This is a solid starting point and can increase quickly with performance, additional certifications, or internal promotions.
For professionals with three to five years of experience, the salary can rise to AUD $85,000 or more, depending on the employer and job responsibilities.
Specialized roles such as Financial Controllers, Senior Tax Accountants, or Audit Managers can fetch annual salaries of AUD $100,000 to $130,000. These roles require advanced skills, leadership qualities, and often come with additional perks like car allowances, health insurance, and bonuses. Foreigners with proven track records in multinational firms back home tend to fit well into these positions.
It’s also important to understand that salary expectations tied to visa sponsorship must meet a minimum income threshold as mandated by Australian immigration policies.
Employers offering sponsorship are required to pay a market-competitive wage to ensure that foreign workers are not underpaid compared to local employees. This protects foreign workers from exploitation and helps maintain wage equality.
Some jobs also come with performance-based bonuses, annual salary reviews, and superannuation contributions, which are mandatory in Australia. Overall, the earning potential for foreign accountants is strong, especially when factoring in benefits, career growth, and the opportunity to settle permanently through visa pathways.
Visa Types and Options for Accounting Jobs in Australia
For international job seekers aiming to secure accounting jobs in Australia, understanding the visa options is just as important as having the right qualifications. Fortunately, accounting is one of the occupations listed under Australia’s skilled migration program, which opens multiple visa pathways for qualified foreign professionals.
Whether you are a graduate, an experienced accountant, or a specialist in tax or audit, there is likely a suitable visa that will allow you to live and work legally in the country.
One of the most common options is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482. This employer-sponsored visa allows companies to fill labor shortages by bringing in foreign workers when no suitable local candidates are available.
Accountants, tax professionals, and auditors often fall under this category. The TSS visa can be issued for two or four years depending on the role and may lead to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements.
Another viable pathway is the Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189. This is a points-tested visa that does not require employer sponsorship. Accountants with strong qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency can apply through this route.
If successful, it grants permanent residency, which includes the right to work and live anywhere in Australia. However, competition is high, and a strong points score is required.
The Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 is another permanent visa option that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Accountants may be nominated based on labor demand in specific regions.
This visa also operates on a points system but usually requires slightly fewer points compared to the Subclass 189. In return, visa holders must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years.
For those interested in working in less populated areas, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 is a great opportunity. It’s valid for five years and requires sponsorship from a state or regional employer.
After three years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. Accounting roles are widely supported under this program, especially in regional cities like Townsville, Ballarat, and Launceston.
Lastly, if you are a recent graduate from an Australian university, the Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485 can be a stepping stone. It allows you to gain local work experience and apply for longer-term visas later. Some graduates use this time to become accredited with CPA Australia or CA ANZ, boosting their employability and sponsorship potential.
Each visa type has its own eligibility rules, processing time, and conditions. It’s highly advisable to consult with a registered migration agent or refer directly to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for updated visa criteria. Being informed about your visa options not only helps you choose the right path but also positions you better when approaching employers for sponsorship.
How to Find Accounting Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
Landing an accounting job in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025 requires a strategic approach, especially given the competitive nature of the job market. The first step is to make sure your resume and cover letter are professionally tailored to Australian standards.
Use clear formatting, highlight your accounting qualifications, software proficiency, work experience, and make sure your career summary reflects your visa-ready status.
Job platforms like Seek, Indeed Australia, and LinkedIn are excellent starting points. These platforms often allow you to filter for jobs that include visa sponsorship.
When applying, look for job descriptions that mention “sponsorship available,” “open to international candidates,” or “willing to sponsor overseas applicants.” Employers that include these phrases are typically familiar with the visa process and are open to hiring foreign professionals.
Another effective method is to apply directly to Australian companies that have a history of hiring foreign workers. Medium and large accounting firms such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, BDO, and EY often have ongoing recruitment drives and regularly sponsor skilled migrants. Their career portals typically provide detailed information on job openings and visa requirements.
Additionally, many small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in regional areas participate in government-supported migration programs. These businesses may not advertise widely but are open to sponsoring skilled workers, especially when they face difficulty hiring locally.
Networking is crucial in these cases. You can connect with employers through virtual job fairs, professional accounting forums, or regional recruitment events held online.
Working with a registered migration agent or Australian recruitment agency that specializes in accounting jobs is also a smart move. These professionals have insider knowledge about companies actively sponsoring visas and can match you with roles that align with your experience. They can also help guide you through the visa paperwork, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
Also, consider joining accounting associations such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), or Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
These organizations often have exclusive job boards, networking events, and employer directories. Being a member or working toward accreditation can increase your credibility and attractiveness to potential employers.
Make sure to stay active on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Recruiters in Australia frequently use LinkedIn to find international talent. Keep your profile updated with relevant keywords like “CPA,” “Xero,” “visa sponsorship available,” and mention your location preferences. Engaging with posts, writing articles, or even directly messaging hiring managers can also increase your visibility.
Finally, persistence is key. While it may take time to find the right opportunity, accounting remains one of the most visa-friendly professions in Australia. By following a well-planned strategy and using all available tools, you can improve your chances of landing a sponsored role in 2025.
10 Accounting Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
The Australian job market offers a variety of accounting roles that are open to foreign professionals. Below are ten types of jobs in the accounting field that not only pay well but also come with visa sponsorship opportunities in 2025.
- Financial Accountant: These professionals manage financial statements, compliance reports, and liaise with regulatory bodies.
Companies in sectors such as banking, mining, and healthcare frequently sponsor foreign financial accountants due to their high level of expertise and analytical skills.
- Management Accountant: Known for their role in budgeting and strategic planning, management accountants are in demand in manufacturing, logistics, and retail industries. Employers in regional areas often offer sponsorships to attract qualified talent.
- Tax Accountant: Responsible for handling company tax matters, including lodgment and planning, this role is crucial in both private firms and public practices. Tax laws in Australia are complex, and firms often sponsor experienced foreign candidates to meet client demand.
- External Auditor: This role involves reviewing financial records to ensure compliance with accounting standards and laws. External auditors are especially needed in consulting firms and are frequently offered sponsorship by the Big Four.
- Internal Auditor: Focused on risk management and internal controls, internal auditors are critical to business efficiency. Organizations in finance, insurance, and government sectors often list this position on their visa sponsorship roles.
- Payroll Officer: Although considered a junior position, payroll officers are essential for accurate salary processing, taxation, and superannuation compliance. Many companies sponsor foreign workers for this role, especially in the public and healthcare sectors.
- Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk: These roles manage cash flow and vendor transactions. While not always highly paid, they are a good entry point for new immigrants and are often included in regional employer-sponsored programs.
- Financial Analyst: This is a high-value role requiring forecasting, budgeting, and strategic advising. Multinational companies and banks are the main sponsors, offering generous packages to attract skilled foreign analysts.
- Forensic Accountant: Specializing in fraud investigation and litigation support, forensic accountants are rare and highly sought after. Law firms, insurance companies, and government agencies may offer sponsorships for this niche but essential role.
- Corporate Treasurer: One of the more senior roles, this job involves managing an organization’s finances, including investments, liquidity, and financial risk.
Given the advanced skill set required, sponsorships are more common for candidates with strong international experience and qualifications.
Each of these roles contributes significantly to business operations and financial stability, making them ideal for visa sponsorship programs.
If you hold relevant experience and qualifications, targeting these roles will improve your chances of securing a high-paying job with long-term career potential in Australia.
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