www.graduateopportunities.com >> industry snapshots 41


sponsor accounting


Overview Accounting is one of the most highly regarded careers in the business world today. Why? Because it’s not just money but numbers that make the world go round, and the recent economic challenges have meant that now more than ever accountants are required to meet the needs of today’s dynamic business environment. Even in an economic downturn there is a demand for proven, young accounting professionals in Australia because of the breadth of knowledge they can bring to an organisation. This trend is set to continue.


The work Accounting and finance professionals work to ensure that companies or organisations are financially efficient and profitable. Accountants are valued for their commercial know-how, analytical thinking and leadership abilities, and are often considered to be the interpreters in the language of business today.


Accountants interpret financial information to make informed decisions about an organisation’s prosperity and direction. The depth of experience and training required to be an accountant makes it an ideal step into broad senior management roles. It’s therefore not surprising that many heads of business start off with an accounting qualification, gaining an essential understanding of how businesses operate.


An accounting role can involve the measurement, interpretation and communication of financial activity. This could mean working in strategic planning or market


“I am part of a team that works with the engineers, project managers and technical personnel whose primary responsibility is the maintenance and expansion of the electricity infrastructure within the south west of Western Australia.


I have been able to learn about the workings of a new industry, apply my knowledge to make recommendations on a daily basis and help people who do not naturally have a finance focus. A fantastic work-life balance means that the years of late nights studying have all been worth it.”


Belinda Lake CA, Business Analyst, Western Power


analysis, as an accountant or auditor, or in specialised areas such as financial planning or forensic accounting.


Accountants can work everywhere! Every company and organisation requires some form of accountant, whether it be a major conglomerate or a small or medium-sized enterprise. Therefore accountants are found in fashion houses or technology companies, in government organisations and charities, as well as working for major clients in a Big 4 professional firm – KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst & Young – or a public practice firm.


Accounting is a job for life because, once qualified, there is a world of opportunity. The growth potential within a role extends all the way to the top of an organisation and the work can be as varied as you want to make it.


For more information visit: www.charteredaccountants.com.au/students www.cpaaustralia.com.au


What you need postgraduate accounting qualification and work experience – the two key professional accounting designations in Australia are Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA)


both accounting bodies provide useful information about how to become qualified, the work opportunities available, and how to get started.


GCA and Graduate Opportunities thank The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia for assistance with this industry snapshot.


money matters:


graduate salary ranges for selected relevant occupations($)


Accountant: 40 - 55k Accounting Clerk: 38 - 58k Internal Auditor: 45 - 54k


Figures from the Australian Graduate Survey 2009, GCA. Ranges refer to the middle 50 per cent of salaries for bachelor degree graduates with permanent residency, in full-time employment in Australia late ‘08-early ‘09.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98