Working in Australia

Apart from its relative isolation from the rest of the world, Australia is known as a friendly, comfortable, relaxed and easy place to live and work. For accountants working in the service sector, there are positions in a range of areas including large consultancies, smaller firms, caterers and entertainment venues, and large hotel chains and resorts. The industrial sector — including mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals and steel — and agriculture make up the bulk of the rest of Australia's gross domestic product (GDP). In these sectors the jobs involve commodity-based finance as well as accounting for international transactions.

Local professional accounting body

CPA Australia is largest accounting body in Australia and one of the largest in the world, with a membership of more than 122,000 finance, accounting and business professionals.

Australia's business environment

You can live and work in Australia if you're sponsored by an employer or, under the general skilled migration program, have skills in particular occupations required in Australia. State and Federal Governments' keenly promote new businesses and corruption is considered low by international standards.

Employment opportunities

Australia has a expanding, predominantly service-based, economy. The service sector including financial services, tourism, and education constitutes about 70 per cent of Australia's GDP. Graduates who major in finance, accounting or business are recruited on a yearly basis. Most of the big 4 accounting firms conduct annual recruitment exercises for final year accounting students from overseas universities.

Working conditions and lifestyle

Despite the relaxed image promoted internationally, Australians tend to work long hours and be very committed to their jobs. The expansion of technology such as home internet connections and Blackberrys has added further stress to workers in middle-ranking to senior roles, who are expected to be tied to their jobs even after offices have closed. Businesses operating north of Sydney, or in regional areas, tend to be more relaxed.

Work permits

To be eligible to work in Australia, you will need a working holiday visa, skilled migration visa, spousal / de facto visa or permanent residency. You can live and work in Australia if you're sponsored by an employer or, under the general skilled migration program, have skills in particular occupations required in Australia.

Those who have been living and studying in Australia under a temporary student visa can extend their stay by applying for a work or permanent resident visa. CPA Australia is able to assess overseas qualifications for those seeking membership based upon their academic and employment background. CPA Australia is also part of the Skilled Migration Internship Program.