Apart from its relative isolation from the rest of the world, Australia is known as a friendly, comfortable, relaxed and easy place to live.
According to The Economist's world's most liveable city list, Melbourne currently ranks at number two, Perth at number four, Adelaide equal seventh and Sydney equal ninth.
With a population approaching 21.5 million, Australia has a predominantly service-based, expanding economy.
The service sector including financial services, tourism, and education constitutes about 70 per cent of Australia's GDP.
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 largely make up the rest of Australia's GDP.
In these sectors the jobs involve more commodity-based finance as well as accounting for international transactions.
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.
There is currently a shortage of skilled workers in finance, accounting and business, so people in these fields have more opportunities to find work and be sponsored.
Even though there is a shortage of accountants, employers still look upon the CPA designation favourably when choosing employees.
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 of the organisation based upon their academic and employment background.
CPA Australia is also part of the Skilled Migration Internship Program.
