Accountants in Australia earn between $75,000 and $130,000 per year depending on experience, qualifications, employer type, and specialisation. Big Four partners earn $500,000–$1,000,000+, while CFOs at ASX-listed companies regularly exceed $400,000–$800,000 in total remuneration including bonuses and equity.
Key Takeaways
- Graduate accountant: $55,000–$72,000
- Intermediate / senior (3–7 years): $80,000–$115,000
- CA or CPA qualified: earns 10–20% more than non-qualified at equivalent level
- Big Four manager: $120,000–$160,000
- CFO (mid-sized company): $180,000–$350,000
- Big Four partner: $400,000–$1,000,000+
Accountant Salary by Experience (2025–26)
| Level | Years Experience | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate accountant | 0–1 | $55,000–$72,000 |
| Junior accountant | 1–3 | $68,000–$88,000 |
| Intermediate accountant | 3–5 | $80,000–$100,000 |
| Senior accountant | 5–8 | $95,000–$120,000 |
| Manager | 7–12 | $115,000–$155,000 |
| Senior manager / director | 10+ | $150,000–$220,000 |
| Partner / CFO | 12+ | $300,000–$1,000,000+ |
Big Four vs Mid-Tier vs Industry
| Employer Type | Graduate | Senior Accountant | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Four (KPMG, Deloitte, EY, PwC) | $62,000–$72,000 | $110,000–$130,000 | $135,000–$165,000 |
| Mid-tier firm (Grant Thornton, BDO, RSM) | $58,000–$68,000 | $95,000–$118,000 | $118,000–$145,000 |
| Boutique / suburban practice | $52,000–$62,000 | $75,000–$100,000 | $95,000–$120,000 |
| ASX-listed company (in-house) | $65,000–$75,000 | $105,000–$130,000 | $130,000–$160,000 |
| Government / public sector | $65,000–$75,000 | $90,000–$110,000 | $110,000–$135,000 |
| NFP / charity | $55,000–$65,000 | $75,000–$95,000 | $95,000–$115,000 |
Specialisation and Pay
| Specialisation | Salary Premium |
|---|---|
| Tax (corporate) | +$10,000–$25,000 |
| Forensic accounting | +$10,000–$20,000 |
| Mergers & acquisitions | +$15,000–$30,000 |
| Financial planning (CFP) | +$5,000–$20,000 |
| Management accounting / FP&A | Market rate |
| Audit | Market rate |
| Bookkeeping / accounts payable | Below market (separate role) |
CA vs CPA: Does the Qualification Matter?
Both the Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia designations are well-regarded. In practice:
- Most employers value either qualification equally for senior roles
- CA is more common in public practice (Big Four, mid-tier audit)
- CPA is more common in industry and government
- Having either qualification vs none typically adds $5,000–$15,000/year at equivalent experience
CAANZ membership requires a postgraduate program (~18 months) plus 3 years of mentored work experience. CPA Australia requires the CPA Program (~3 years) plus work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average accountant salary in Australia?
The average accountant salary in Australia is approximately $95,000–$105,000/year across all levels and employer types, based on SEEK and Hays salary data. Entry-level graduates start at $55,000–$72,000; experienced senior accountants earn $95,000–$120,000.
Do accountants earn good money in Australia?
Accounting is a solid middle-to-upper income profession in Australia. Mid-level accountants earn above the national average. The real financial upside comes at manager level and above in commercial roles, or through partnership in public practice.
Is CA or CPA better for salary in Australia?
For most roles, both qualifications are treated comparably. CA ANZ may have a slight edge at Big Four and top-tier firms. CPA Australia is widely accepted in industry and government. Completing either qualification is strongly recommended — unqualified accountants face a salary ceiling.
What does a CFO earn in Australia?
CFOs at ASX-listed companies earn widely — from $250,000 at small caps to $1,000,000+ in total remuneration at large ASX 100 companies. Mid-market CFOs (private companies, $20M–$200M revenue) typically earn $200,000–$400,000.
Related Guides
- Salary by Occupation Australia
- Accountant Tax Deductions Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- Income Percentile Calculator
Salary data sourced from SEEK Salary Insights, Hays Accounting & Finance Salary Guide 2025, and Robert Half Australia Salary Guide 2025. Figures are indicative. For advice on your personal finances, speak with a licensed financial adviser.