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Is There Still an Accountant Shortage in Australia? (2026 Market Breakdown)

Fri, 29 May 2026 02:46:51 GMT

In a profession as old as time, the demand for experienced accountants has always been steady. However, in 2026, it’s growing even more. As experts in finance and accounting recruitment, Rezonate is noticing a mismatch between the number of skilled professionals seeking their next move and the opportunities available.

But is there an accountant shortage in Australia? All signs point to yes. But in good news for our candidates: their expertise is even more valuable.

In this guide, we examine the stats and predictions for the accounting job market to understand exactly what’s happening. Gain insider expertise from Rezonate’s Director and Co-Founder, George Howard , about the future of accounting in Australia, and how you can make the most of it.

What does the future of accounting in Australia look like?

Whether they’re managing financial operations, ensuring compliance, or directing strategic planning, there’s always a need for skilled accountants. And according to the stats, it’s only going to keep growing. In Australia, accountants remain in high demand , with the latest report showing employment increasing by 6.2% in the last year alone.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the professional accounting body, expects this demand to continue to rise. But more interestingly, it also estimates a shortfall of around 6,000 accountants by 2030 . To address it, they’re calling on the government to list accountants on the Occupation Shortage List . Currently, only taxation accountants remain.

Interesting Trends we’re noticing

The term ‘accountant shortage’ can seem a little terrifying. But as a candidate, there are plenty of promising movements that you can use to your advantage. Here are some trends we’re noticing in accounting recruitment that might change the way you think about your next career move.

Shortages are more specific

According to George, there’s no longer a blanket shortage of accountants in Australia. “The biggest pressure is finding people to fill senior roles at the manager level and up,” he says. “Junior supply is actually better, but since firms aren't hiring enough of them to build pipelines, they're stuck chasing a small pool of seniors.”

Tax specialists, CFOs, and senior auditors

People are starting to realise their worth, and George says it means that more experienced people are less desperate to move. “Tax specialists, senior audit and CFO-adjacent roles are hard to find. As they require experience that takes years to build, you can’t upskill someone into them quickly.”

Senior staff are looking sideways

These days, more and more senior candidates are finding the accounting firm career path less attractive. “They’re looking sideways,” George says. “Rather than staying in a firm, they’re seeking out industry roles or planning to do their own thing.”

Every city and firm size is different

It’s not always easy for clients to make the hiring decisions they need to. “Mid-market and smaller firms are feeling it hardest because they can’t compete with Big 4 resources,” George says. Location-wise, it’s hard to find quality accountants in some cities and regional areas. Currently, Australia has around 215,000 employed accountants , with NSW holding more than a third of the market share.

Our tips for Accountants (and their employers)

Trends aside, all of our candidates have a goal of making a meaningful career move. To ensure you use the accountant shortage to your advantage and take a professional step that you’re proud of, Rezonate has some advice.

Ask for visibility on progression

A good employer should have a plan in place for how their people will progress. “Candidates want visibility on how they'll actually move up, so don’t be afraid to ask what it is”, George says. “The best firms show clear progression pathways for their people.”

Consider the culture and benefits

“Candidates are less loyal but more intentional. They're making calculated moves for better titles, flexibility, or learning opportunities,” George says. Salary guides show that pay is up around 8-12%, but flexibility is equally important. “The best employers pay fairly for the market and build a real culture where people matter more than perks.”

Learning and professional development

Seek out an employer who takes learning and professional development seriously. Not only does it provide value to you as an individual, but it also shows that the partners actually care about their team.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

It can be tricky to gauge how honest an employer is about a role. But that’s what Rezonate is for. We build long-term relationships with our clients that give us genuine insight, enabling us to determine whether you’re a good fit for each other.

Know your worth

Don’t be afraid to lay everything out on the table about your career goals and what you’re looking for in a firm or an accounting job . Rezonate can handle the rest. For employers, it’s equally important to know what you’re good at. “I always urge a client to think like a candidate,” George says. “Why would someone actually want to work for them?”

With a skills shortage occurring, having a relationship with a trusted consultant can help you make even more confident moves. Not only do we understand the industry, but we also take time to build relationships with our clients and candidates. That way, everyone is happy.

Make the accountant shortage work for you

Keen to use the accountant shortage to your advantage? Rezonate’s dedicated business support and accounting consultants can show you how. Make your next career move with the people who get it. Reach out today .

Best Accounting Courses and Certifications in Australia: Which Ones Are Actually Worth It?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:47:44 GMT

When accounting and business support professionals ask us about certifications, the real question behind it is usually: Which qualification will actually help me get hired, promoted, or paid more in the Australian market?

The answer depends on where you are in your career, what kind of role you want next, and whether you want to stay in public practice, move into industry, specialise, or step into leadership.

Certifications will not replace experience. Firms still care about the work you have done, the clients you have supported, the systems you know, and how well you communicate. But the right certification can strengthen your profile, show commitment to professional development, and help you stand out in a competitive accounting or business support job market.

At Rezonate Recruitment , we work closely with Accounting and Business Support professionals across Australia, from Graduate Accountants and Business Services professionals through to Practice Managers, SMSF specialists, Senior Accountants, Managers, and Partners. Our focus is on helping professionals understand what actually matters in the market, not just what looks good on paper.

Below is a practical breakdown of the certifications, memberships, and courses that can genuinely support your career growth.

Do accounting certifications actually matter?

Yes, but only when they match your career direction.

A certification can help you:

Build credibility with firms and hiring managers
Strengthen your technical knowledge
Move into a specialist area such as tax, audit, SMSF, payroll, or advisory
Meet registration or licensing requirements
Show initiative when applying for promotions or new roles
Build confidence when negotiating salary or career progression

However, more qualifications are not always better. A Senior Accountant applying for a Manager role does not necessarily need five extra short courses. They may benefit more from completing CA or CPA, building client management experience, and learning how to mentor juniors.

Similarly, a Business Support professional in an accounting firm may not need an accounting degree, but payroll training, Xero knowledge, CAS experience, or practice management skills can make a real difference.

The best certification is the one that supports the role you actually want next.

Best certifications & courses for Accountants in Australia

1. Chartered Accountant, CA

The CA qualification is one of the most recognised accounting designations in Australia and New Zealand. It is particularly valuable for professionals working in public practice, audit, tax, advisory, business services, and senior finance roles. The CA Program includes nine subjects, made up of seven core subjects and two electives, alongside three years of mentored practical experience.

Best for: Graduate Accountants, Intermediate Accountants, Senior Accountants, Auditors, Business Services professionals, and future Managers
Why it helps: CA is highly regarded by public practice firms. If you want to progress in accounting, particularly into senior client-facing, advisory, audit, or leadership roles, this qualification is often a strong advantage.
Career value: Strong. For many accounting firms, CA completion or progress toward CA is a clear signal that you are serious about long-term progression.

2. Certified Practising Accountant, CPA

The CPA Program is another highly recognised pathway for accountants in Australia. It is especially useful for professionals who want broad commercial, technical, and strategic accounting knowledge.

CPA Australia notes that costs can include application fees, foundation exam fees, annual membership fees, and subject enrolment fees, so it is important to review current fees before enrolling. CPA Australia’s 2026 member service fees list Associate membership at $399.50 and CPA or FCPA membership at $888.

Best for: Accountants in public practice, commercial finance, management accounting, reporting, tax, advisory, and leadership pathways.
Why it helps: CPA can support a wide range of accounting careers and is well understood by employers. It is particularly useful if you want flexibility across public practice and industry.
Career value: Strong. CPA is widely recognised and can support progression into more senior accounting, finance, and management roles.

3. Institute of Public Accountants, IPA

The Institute of Public Accountants is another professional accounting body in Australia. It may be relevant for accountants who want professional recognition, practical support, and pathways that suit small business, public practice, or advisory-focused careers.

IPA offers membership pathways, partner accounting programs, short courses, certificates, diplomas, and its Global Certificate of Public Accounting Program.

Best for: Accountants working with SMEs, small business clients, public practice firms, or professionals looking for an alternative professional accounting pathway.
Why it helps: IPA can provide professional recognition and ongoing learning, particularly for accountants who work closely with small business clients.
Career value: Moderate to strong, depending on the role and firm. CA and CPA are more commonly requested in many job ads, but IPA can still be valuable in the right setting.

Best certifications for Tax Accountants

4. Tax Agent Registration

If your long-term goal is to provide tax agent services, run your own practice, or take on more responsibility in tax, Tax Practitioners Board registration is important.

The Tax Practitioners Board states that tax agent registration requires applicants to meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 18, being fit and proper, meeting qualification and experience requirements, and maintaining appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

For one common pathway, the TPB lists requirements including an accounting degree or postgraduate accounting award, board-approved Australian taxation law courses, board-approved commercial law courses, and one year of full-time relevant experience in the past five years.

Best for: Tax Accountants, Senior Accountants, Managers, practice owners, and professionals who want to provide tax agent services.
Why it helps: For tax-focused roles, this can be more than a nice-to-have. It can support genuine career progression and increase your value to firms that provide tax services.
Career value: Very strong for tax, public practice, and practice ownership pathways.

5. Board-approved tax and commercial law courses

Some accountants do not need a full new degree, but may need specific board-approved subjects to meet tax agent registration requirements.

The TPB notes that some individuals may need to complete board-approved courses in areas such as basic accountancy principles, Australian taxation law, and commercial law, depending on their pathway.

Best for: Accountants working toward Tax Agent Registration or professionals with overseas or non-standard qualifications.
Why it helps: These courses can close eligibility gaps and help you meet formal requirements.
Career value: Strong when linked to registration. Less useful if completed without a clear reason.

Best certifications for SMSF Accountants

6. SMSF Specialist Advisor, SSA

SMSF is a highly technical area, and specialist training can help you stand out if you want to build a career in superannuation, compliance, or SMSF advisory.

The SMSF Association describes the SMSF Specialist Advisor program as a 12-week course that provides independent accreditation to showcase SMSF expertise.

Best for: SMSF Accountants, SMSF Managers, Senior SMSF Accountants, SMSF specialists, and professionals working in firms with strong superannuation divisions.
Why it helps: SMSF roles require strong technical knowledge and attention to detail. A specialist designation can strengthen credibility, particularly in firms that value deep SMSF expertise.
Career value: Strong for SMSF-specific roles. Less relevant for generalist accounting roles unless SMSF is part of your client base.

7. RG146 SMSF or financial advice training

If your role involves SMSF advice or financial product advice, you may need to understand RG146 requirements. ASIC’s Regulatory Guide 146 sets out minimum training standards for advisers and how those standards can be met.

Some SMSF training providers also offer courses designed to satisfy RG146 SMSF specialist knowledge requirements.

Best for: SMSF professionals, financial planning support roles, accountants working closely with advisers, and professionals in regulated advice environments.
Why it helps: It can be valuable where SMSF advice, compliance, or financial services obligations are part of the role.
Career value: Strong in the right regulated environment. Always check whether your role requires this before enrolling.

Best certifications for audit professionals

8. CA or CPA for auditors

For audit professionals, CA and CPA remain two of the most useful qualifications. Audit roles often require strong technical accounting knowledge, professional scepticism, reporting skills, and a clear understanding of standards and compliance.

Best for: Graduate Auditors, Intermediate Auditors, Senior Auditors, Audit Managers, and future Audit Partners.
Why it helps: Firms often look favourably on auditors who are completing or have completed CA or CPA. It shows technical grounding and long-term commitment to the profession.
Career value: Very strong. For audit career progression, CA or CPA is often one of the most important professional signals.

9. Internal audit and risk certifications

For accountants moving toward internal audit, risk, governance, or compliance roles, certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor, CIA , or Certified Information Systems Auditor, CISA , may become relevant.

Best for: Internal Auditors, Risk Analysts, Governance professionals, Compliance professionals, and accountants moving into enterprise or corporate environments.
Why it helps: These certifications can support a move away from traditional public practice accounting into broader risk and assurance roles.
Career value: Strong for internal audit and risk pathways, but less necessary for general public practice roles.

Best certifications for Business Services Accountants

10. Xero Advisor Certification

For Business Services professionals, cloud accounting skills are highly valuable. Many accounting firms use Xero daily for client files, reporting, reconciliation, payroll, and advisory work.

Xero states that its certification is designed to build Xero skills, demonstrate expertise across the platform, and is free of charge.

Best for: Graduate Accountants, Junior Accountants, Intermediate Accountants, Business Services professionals, bookkeepers, and client-facing accountants.
Why it helps: Xero knowledge is practical. It shows you can work efficiently inside systems that firms and clients actually use.
Career value: Strong at junior to intermediate level. For senior professionals, it is useful but usually expected rather than a standout differentiator.

11. MYOB , QuickBooks , and cloud accounting courses

While Xero is widely used, many firms and businesses also use MYOB, QuickBooks, and other accounting systems. Short courses or platform certifications can help if you are applying for roles that require specific software knowledge.

Best for: Bookkeepers, Assistant Accountants, Business Services staff, Accounts Officers, and Business Support professionals working around finance systems.
Why it helps: Software confidence can make you more job-ready, especially in smaller firms where people need to be productive quickly.
Career value: Moderate to strong, depending on the firm’s tech stack.

Best certifications for payroll, bookkeeping, and BAS roles

12. BAS Agent Registration

If you provide BAS services, BAS Agent Registration may be required. The TPB states that BAS agents must have been awarded a Certificate IV or higher qualification in bookkeeping or accounting, and must have completed a board-approved GST/BAS taxation principles course.

Best for: Bookkeepers, BAS professionals, Payroll Officers, Accounts Officers, and finance support professionals.
Why it helps: It supports compliance and credibility if your role involves BAS services.
Career value: Very strong for BAS and bookkeeping roles.

13. Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

This is one of the most practical foundational qualifications for people entering accounting support, bookkeeping, BAS, accounts, or payroll pathways.

Best for: Career changers, junior finance professionals, bookkeepers, Accounts Officers, and Business Support professionals wanting finance skills.
Why it helps: It gives structured knowledge across bookkeeping, accounting basics, BAS, payroll, and compliance.
Career value: Strong for entry-level and support roles. For degree-qualified accountants, it may be unnecessary unless required for a specific registration pathway.

14. Payroll training and certification

Payroll is a specialised function, and strong payroll knowledge is highly valued in both accounting firms and internal business support teams.

The Australian Payroll Association offers Payroll Essentials training designed to help professionals build confidence with Australian payroll fundamentals. Its Advanced Payroll course is aimed at payroll professionals with at least one year of experience, as well as Senior Payroll Officers, Team Leaders, Payroll Managers, bookkeepers, accountants, HR, and finance personnel involved in payroll.

Best for: Payroll Officers, Senior Payroll Officers, Bookkeepers, Practice Managers, Accounts Officers, HR support, and Business Support professionals.
Why it helps: Payroll mistakes are costly, so firms and businesses value professionals who understand payroll rules, reporting, compliance, and systems.
Career value: Strong for payroll and accounting support roles.

Best certifications for business support professionals in accounting firms

Business Support professionals are essential to the smooth running of an accounting firm. This includes EAs, PAs, Receptionists, Client Services Coordinators, Practice Managers, Office Managers, Tax Admin, and administrative support professionals. Rezonate’s website content specifically positions Business Support as a specialist area within accounting firms, including EA, PA, Practice Manager, Client Services, Admin, and Reception roles.

The right certification here depends on whether you want to stay in administration, move into practice management, specialise in payroll, or build finance-adjacent skills.

15. Business administration qualifications

A Certificate III or IV in Business, Business Administration , or a related qualification can be useful for early-career support professionals.

Best for: Receptionists, Administrators, Junior Client Services staff, and career changers.
Why it helps: It builds confidence in communication, administration, business systems, documentation, and office processes.
Career value: Moderate. It is useful early on, but experience becomes more important as you progress.

16. Practice management and office management training

For Business Support professionals who want to move into Practice Manager, Office Manager, Operations Manager, or Client Services Manager roles, leadership and operations training can be valuable.

Best for: Senior Administrators, Practice Managers, Office Managers, Client Services Managers, and EAs moving into operations.
Why it helps: Accounting firms need support professionals who can manage workflows, systems, people, deadlines, client communication, and internal processes.
Career value: Strong when paired with accounting firm experience.

17. Microsoft Office and Excel training

Excel is still one of the most useful practical skills for accounting and business support professionals. Advanced Excel training can help with reporting, data management, reconciliations, scheduling, tracking, and workflow management.

Best for: Accountants, Accounts Officers, Payroll Officers, Practice Managers, Client Services staff, EAs, and Office Managers.
Why it helps: Strong Excel skills make you faster, more accurate, and more useful across a firm.
Career value: Strong. It may not always be the headline certification on a CV, but it is one of the most practical skills employers notice.

18. Client service and communication training

In accounting firms, Business Support roles often involve client communication, partner support, deadline management, and sensitive information handling. Training in communication, stakeholder management, or client service can support career progression.

Best for: Client Services Coordinators, Practice Managers, EAs, PAs, and administrative professionals in public practice.
Why it helps: Technical systems matter, but firms also need people who can communicate clearly, manage competing priorities, and keep clients supported.
Career value: Moderate to strong, especially for support professionals moving into senior roles.

Which certification is best for your career stage?

If you are a Graduate Accountant

Focus on CA or CPA, plus practical software skills like Xero. At this stage, firms want to see that you are building a strong technical foundation and can learn quickly.

Best options:

CA
CPA
Xero Advisor Certification
Excel training

If you are an Intermediate Accountant

This is a good time to commit to a professional pathway and start thinking about your specialisation.

Best options:

CA
CPA
Tax courses
Xero or cloud accounting certifications
SMSF training, if relevant

If you are a Senior Accountant

At this level, certifications should support progression into management, advisory, client leadership, or a specialist field.

Best options:

CA or CPA completion
Tax Agent Registration pathway
SMSF Specialist Advisor
Advanced tax or advisory courses
Leadership training

If you are a Manager or a future Partner

At this level, firms care about technical strength, client relationships, leadership, commercial thinking, and the ability to grow people.

Best options:

CA or CPA
Tax Agent Registration
Public practice or practice management programs
Leadership and business advisory training
Specialist SMSF or audit qualifications, where relevant

If you are in business support

Your best options depend on your pathway. If you want to move into Practice Management, focus on operations, systems, client service, and leadership. If you want finance-adjacent roles, payroll, bookkeeping, Xero, and BAS training may be more useful.

Best options:

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Payroll training
Xero certification
Business administration qualifications
Excel training
Practice management training

What certifications do accounting firms actually value?

From a hiring perspective, firms tend to value certifications that do one of three things.

First, they prove technical capability. CA, CPA, tax, audit, SMSF, and BAS qualifications can all show that you have the knowledge required for more complex work.

Second, they reduce risk. This is especially important in tax, payroll, SMSF, audit, and compliance-heavy roles.

Third, they show career intent. If you are actively studying or completing a relevant certification, it tells firms you are investing in your future.

That said, certifications work best when they match your experience. A qualification will not make up for poor communication, lack of attention to detail, or limited practical exposure. The strongest candidates usually combine professional development with real examples of client work, systems knowledge, problem-solving, and career direction.

Which certifications are worth the investment?

As a general guide:

Best overall accounting certifications: CA and CPA
Best for tax careers: Tax Agent Registration pathway
Best for SMSF roles: SMSF Specialist Advisor
Best for bookkeeping and BAS roles: Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, BAS Agent Registration
Best for payroll roles: Payroll Essentials or Advanced Payroll training
Best for Business Services roles: CA, CPA, Xero, Excel, tax training
Best for Business Support roles: Xero, Excel, payroll, administration, and practice management training

Before investing in a certification, ask yourself:

Will this help me move into the role I want?
Is it recognised by the firms I want to work for?
Will it strengthen my current experience?
Does it meet a formal registration requirement?
Will I actually use the skills in my next role?

If the answer is yes, it may be a smart investment.

Do you need more certifications to get promoted?

Not always. Sometimes the next step in your career is not another course. It may be:

Taking on more complex client work
Learning how to manage juniors
Improving your communication with partners and clients
Building stronger advisory skills
Getting exposure to new industries or client types
Moving to a firm with clearer progression

This is especially true in public practice. A Senior Accountant may already have strong technical skills, but if they are not getting client exposure or leadership opportunities, another certification may not solve the real issue.

Need guidance on your next step?

Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals, experience level, and the type of firm you want to work in.

At Rezonate Recruitment , we help Accounting and Business Support professionals understand what firms are actually looking for, where the market is moving, and which steps can support long-term career growth. Rezonate’s strategy focuses on positioning the team as trusted career advisors for accounting professionals, with practical guidance around progression, salary, and market expectations.

Whether you are deciding between CA and CPA, considering SMSF, moving into payroll, or wondering if it is time to explore a new firm, a short conversation can give you clarity.

Thinking about your next move? Chat to Rezonate for a confidential career conversation. Looking for your next role? View Accounting and Business Support jobs with Rezonate.

Meet Rezonate Recruitment

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:39:05 GMT

As Australia’s leading accounting and finance recruitment agency, we use our knowledge of the sector and a genuine desire to be useful to our clients and candidates to do things differently. By building long-term, meaningful relationships, we help people and firms find their next opportunity.

Rezonate Recruitment didn’t come from nowhere. George Howard and Will Millington share how it started, what they’ve learned, and how they approach recruitment today.

Who we are

When we founded Rezonate, it was from a desire to approach recruitment differently. Not satisfied with the purely transactional state of placement filling, we want to be an accounting recruitment agency that’s actually useful to our clients and candidates.

Everything we do is to help people make better career decisions, and firms hire people who fit their culture and growth. But most importantly, we want to build something that focuses on long-term relationships, rather than resetting every couple of months.

“Even though the accounting sector is relationship-driven, generalist recruiters have serviced it for years without understanding its nuances,” George says. “Public practice, career trajectories, or what actually matters to accountants building their careers—that’s what we know and care about at Rezonate.”

Today, our team of committed consultants understand talent and how to build genuine relationships. Whether you’re a job seeker or a firm looking to add to your team, you’ll appreciate our fresh approach.

Who we help: Clients and Candidates

To sum it up: we match people with people. Helping candidates discover their dream job, or firms and clients find that needle in a haystack, we work on both sides of recruitment to align expectations and make the right fit. And as a result, the accounting sector as a whole benefits.

Our candidates

Whatever stage of the job search you’re at, we listen to your expectations and begin building a relationship from the very first conversation. At Rezonate, we help all accounting professionals, including those who:

Aren’t actively looking for work.
Believe it’s easier to stay where they are.
Want to understand their market value.
Need honest advice about their careers.

We also take time to understand your ambitions. “Do they want to specialise in tax? Move into advisory? Build leadership experience? Or perhaps go client-side?” George says. “When opportunities arise, we know exactly what fits their trajectory.”

As accounting and finance professionals continue to remain in high demand in Australia, working with people who understand your worth has never been more important.

Our clients

We’ve built Rezonate to offer a more considered, hands-on approach to recruitment, shaped by what clients actually need. As specialists in the accounting sector, we can help, even if you:

Want to feel in control of the hiring process.
Already work with a recruitment agency.
Don’t have the budget for it right now.

Operating with clarity and transparency, we can help at any stage of your business’s recruitment journey. Plus, with our Australia-wide network that includes people who aren’t on the market right now but are open to the right move, you never know what can happen.

Why we do it

So often during the recruitment process, relationships are fleeting and strictly business. But we want to build something where relationships actually last, rather than just quick cycles. With this approach, it’s a win-win-win for candidates, clients, and your recruitment team.

“In the old school of recruitment, candidates were treated like CVs, and clients like transactions,” Will says. “They didn't actually care if the fit is right or if the candidate thrives. And both sides feel that.” At Rezonate, we believe a good recruiter should act as a career advisor, not a salesperson.

Our goal is placements where both the candidate and the firm are better off than they would’ve been otherwise. We want our candidates to have the opportunity to develop their skills, and we want our clients to have someone who genuinely fits the role and their firm. That way, we add real value to both sides.

What we can do for you

Ultimately, the biggest benefit we offer our candidates and clients is understanding. We understand the accounting market, its career pathways , what people want beyond salary, and what drives retention versus turnover.

With this understanding, we offer:

A commitment to building long-term relationships.
Personalised guidance that’ll help you meet your career goals.
An Australia-wide network of professionals and firms to tap into.
Strategic placements that align clients and candidates.
Deep market knowledge of the accounting sector.

You don’t need to be ready for a career change or to bring someone into your team. A simple conversation with our consultants can give you an idea of what’s happening in our sector, and what’s possible for you.

Working specifically in accounting and business support recruitment, we can ensure the very best people are matched with the firms that deserve them.

Get in touch today

Things are changing in recruitment and Rezonate is the agency showing how to do it. Whatever stage of your job search you’re at, we can help. Whether you’re hiring or exploring your next career move, we help you make confident decisions in the accounting and business support space. Get in touch today.

What Accounting Firms Are Really Looking for When Hiring

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:27:03 GMT

When accounting firms are hiring, it’s easy to assume the decision comes down to technical skills.

Qualifications, experience, and technical ability are all important, and they’re often what gets a candidate through the door. But they’re rarely what makes the final decision.

From our experience working with firms across Australia, hiring managers are looking for something more well-rounded.

1. It’s Not Just Technical Skills

Communication is one of the biggest factors. Accounting is a client-facing profession, and firms need people who can explain concepts clearly, build relationships, and represent the business well. A technically strong candidate who struggles to communicate effectively will often be overlooked for someone who is slightly less experienced but more confident with clients.

Another key factor is how candidates approach their work. Firms value people who take ownership, show initiative, and think beyond the task in front of them. This doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does mean being proactive, asking the right questions, and showing a genuine interest in improving.

Consistency also plays a role. Hiring managers look for steady progression in a candidate’s career. They want to see growth, increasing responsibility, and a clear trajectory over time. It’s not about having a perfect CV, but rather showing that you’ve developed your skills and taken on new challenges as you’ve progressed.

2. Attitude and Cultural Fit Matter More Than You Think

Attitude is another area that often gets underestimated.

Candidates who are open to learning, adaptable, and positive in their approach tend to stand out quickly. These are the people firms see as long-term hires, individuals who can grow into leadership roles and contribute to the wider team culture.

Cultural fit is just as important. Every firm operates differently, and hiring managers are looking for people who align with their way of working. This includes everything from communication style and team dynamics through to values and expectations. A candidate might look perfect on paper, but if they don’t align with the firm’s culture, it can create challenges down the line.

3. How You Present Yourself Makes the Difference

For candidates, this means it’s important to think beyond your technical skillset when preparing for opportunities.

How you present yourself, how you communicate your experience, and how you demonstrate your value all play a significant role in how you’re perceived. Being able to clearly explain your impact, not just your responsibilities, can make a strong difference.

It’s also worth remembering that hiring is a two-way process. Just as firms are assessing you, you should be assessing them. The goal isn’t just to secure an offer, it’s to find a role where you can grow, feel supported, and build a long-term career.

If you’re unsure how you come across in the market, or what firms are really prioritising right now, getting an external perspective can be incredibly valuable. We offer free consultations, no strings attached, if you want to get honest advice from a team that helps firms hire every day. Just reach out to us , we're always happy to help.

Often, a few small adjustments in how you position yourself can significantly improve your opportunities.

How to Know If It’s Time to Move Roles in Accounting

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:21:35 GMT

Most people don’t wake up one day and decide they need a new job. In reality, the decision builds over time.

At Rezonate, a large portion of the candidates we speak to weren’t actively job hunting when we first connected. They were simply curious. Something didn’t feel quite right, or they wanted to understand what else was out there. That’s usually the first sign.

So, what are the signs it's time to move?

Sometimes it’s obvious. You might feel underpaid compared to your peers, overworked without recognition, or stuck in the same role with no clear progression. In these cases, the decision to move can feel straightforward.

Other times, it’s more subtle. You might notice your motivation dropping, even though nothing major has changed. You’re doing the same work, in the same environment, but it no longer feels engaging. You might also find yourself questioning your long-term future at the firm, without having a clear reason why. These moments are easy to ignore, but they’re often worth paying attention to.

A simple way to sense-check where you’re at is to ask yourself a few honest questions. Are you still learning and developing your skills? Do you feel valued by your team and leadership? Is there a clear next step for you within your current firm?

If the answer to most of these is no, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should resign tomorrow. It does, however, suggest it might be time to explore your options.

Exploring other options

Exploring the market doesn’t lock you into anything. In fact, it usually does the opposite. It gives you clarity.

When you understand what roles are available, what firms are offering, and what your profile is worth, you’re in a much stronger position to make an informed decision. That might mean staying where you are with a renewed perspective, or it might mean taking the next step in your career.

Another important point to consider is timing. Many professionals wait until they feel completely ready to move before having conversations. By that stage, they’re often frustrated or burnt out, which can lead to rushed decisions. Having conversations earlier allows you to stay in control and approach the process more thoughtfully.

It also helps you build relationships with recruiters and firms before you actually need to make a move.

Where to go from here

Ultimately, changing roles is a big decision, and it’s not one that should be taken lightly. But staying in a role that no longer aligns with your goals can have a long-term impact on your growth and satisfaction.

If you’ve started questioning what’s next, that’s usually a sign worth exploring.

Even a simple conversation can give you the clarity you need to decide what the right move looks like for you. Get in touch with our team if you want some honest advice and insights into the current market.