The traditional view of accountants can be a little unflattering. Words such as ‘boring’ often spring to mind. But the reality is far from dull - being a Chartered Accountant opens the door to more roles in more industries than any other business discipline.

1. What do they do?
2. Is it easy to find a job?
3. How much will I earn?
4. So where do I begin?

What do they do?

A qualified Chartered Accountant can work in just about any type of business, including:

• retail
• corporate
• banking
• real estate
• not-for-profit
• sporting
• government.

You can even have your own business, or work in partnership.

Basically, a Chartered Accountant keeps track on the money side of an organisation. Given that every business involves money, a role is always open to accountants. Think about an activity you’re passionate about, and there’s sure to be a spot for you.

More than that even, a background as an accountant can open the door to broader management and senior roles. After all, an understanding of money, costs and profits is a real advantage when managing businesses, people or departments. You’ll have a unique insight into how and why key business decisions are made.

In short, the opportunities for an exciting career are unlimited.

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Is it easy to find a job?

If you’re thinking about your career, you want to make sure it’s something where there’s always work and opportunities available.

The fact is that Chartered Accountants are increasingly in demand. With all the financial regulation and legislation of the past decade or more, financial expertise is highly sought after, so your employment opportunities are very strong.

Of course, demand varies from year to year. But most employment agencies consistently rate job opportunities for Chartered Accountants at the top of the list, year after year.

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How much will I earn?

Some careers start you off on a low salary as a way of making up for you gaining work experience. But because Chartered Accounting professionals are in such demand, you can expect a good salary right from the start.

A graduate with no experience, for example, can expect somewhere between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on which State you’re in. With four or five years under your belt, that rises to as much as $70,000. Not bad!

After that, the sky’s the limit - especially if you run your own practice or go into partnership.

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So where do I begin?

The traditional route into Chartered Accounting is a degree or diploma with a major in accounting. Most TAFE and universities offer them - and you can combine with other subjects, such as commerce or business, to broaden your skills.

Once you graduate, you’ll want to enhance your prospects by becoming a member of a recognised industry body, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants. To do that, you need to be working full-time and complete the Chartered Accountants Program.

So, far from being dull, being a Chartered Accountant is a rewarding, challenging and exciting career that opens doors. Really!

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