What Are Accounting Salaries Like In 2026?

Rezonate Recruitment • June 29, 2026

In the accounting industry, you can always count on a demand for quality professionals. But as someone working as an accountant, or in auditing, SMSF, or business support, how do you know what your skills are worth? And what else should you weigh up—like flexibility, career progression, and culture—when considering a new role?


Various trends are influencing accounting salaries in Australia. From AI and advisory shifts to locations in demand, there’s no single factor dictating how much your talent is worth. So, Rezonate is here to help. Considering a career move in the new financial year and want to make it worth your while? Let these insights from our
2026/27 Salary Guide lead the way.


What’s the highest-paying accounting job?


Is money your main motivating factor? For many people, their career goals are centred on becoming the highest possible earner. According to our
accounting salary guide, these are the roles where you could earn the most.


  • Audit Senior Manager salary: $128k - $154k
  • Business Support General Manager salary: $120k - $163k
  • SMSF Senior Manager salary: $125k - $170k
  • Accounting Firm Senior Manager salary: $150k - $170k
  • Accounting Firm Associate Director salary: $180k - $200k
  • Audit Director/Partner salary: $163k - $217k
  • SMSF Director/Partner salary: $180k - $220k
  • Accounting Firm Director/Partner salary: $190k - $220k


Keep in mind, though—it’s not just job titles that impact salaries. As recruitment experts, we’re noticing many other factors influencing the average accountant salary Australia-wide.


Trends influencing accounting salaries in Australia


At Rezonate, we know the market you work in. So, you’re expertly placed to help you seize the best opportunities possible. Here’s what you need to know about accounting salaries in Australia in 2026 and everything that shapes them. 


Rising salary expectations 


As the
cost of living continues to rise in Australia (up 2.5% in the last quarter), salaries need to keep pace. And as expected, we're noticing junior and intermediate salary expectations rising, particularly in Accounting, SMSF, and Audit roles. 


In Business Support, though, growth is meeting expectations, with most junior roles starting at $70k. However, since professionals in these roles are now expected to take on more responsibilities than before, the pay increase is more than fair.


Senior accountants harder to secure


At Rezonate, the highest-demand roles we’re noticing are Senior Accountants, with a national salary of $105k. Have strong technical and client management skills? You’re likely to increase your earnings even more. Plus, as many professionals move into commercial finance and advisory roles, demand rises while the talent pool shrinks further.


AI and advisory work shaping the future of salaries


We’re also noticing a growing need for advisory services, as AI begins to take on more compliance-based and process-driven work. Across all areas, advisory capabilities are becoming one of the key determinants of salary worth. For professionals wanting to make themselves indispensable, this is an excellent area to focus on for career advancement.


LOCATION COUNTS


In the latest
Rezonate Recruitment 2026/27 Salary Guide, there are clear differences in earning potential based on salary. For example, if you’re an Associate Director of an Accounting Firm, Brisbane is the best place to earn. However, an Audit or SMSF Director or Partner will find the highest earning potential in Sydney. Interestingly, the previous gap between city and regional salaries is closing.


What matters to job seekers as much as salary?


Sure, money is nice. But it isn’t the be-all and end-all when you’re hoping to make a meaningful career move. In addition to hearing what people want in terms of salary, candidates also told us about the major factors they consider when joining a new workplace.

  • Flexibility: In addition to less rigid start and finish times, people also want more say in hybrid and remote work conditions, clear expected outcomes of work, and a genuine work-life balance. With 36% of employed Australians regularly working from home, it’s clearly becoming the norm.
  • Career progression: Is there a clear path for advancement in your new company? Are there opportunities for education and real-world experience to improve your capabilities? Consider how much emphasis your potential new employer places on supporting their staff's progression—your growth matters, too.
  • CA and CPA support: For many accounting professionals, the goal is to be admitted as a Chartered Accountant (CA) or a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). If this sounds like you, make sure there’s support to do this in your new role.
  • Advisory exposure: Do you plan to go beyond accounting to offer advisory and strategic services to clients? Exposure to this in a role is a must. Get clear about your goals when searching for your next opportunity to ensure they can help you reach them.
  • Leadership and culture: How well do you align with your new firm’s leadership and workplace culture? Regardless of how they manage you, people want strong leaders who clearly outline expectations and provide them with the tools and resources to meet them.


Beyond your earning potential, many other factors determine the value of a role. As accounting recruitment experts, Rezonate takes your career as seriously as you do. Let us help you figure out what matters to you.


Know your worth with Rezonate


There’s no need for guesswork when you know exactly what Australian firms are paying for your skills and talent. Download the
Rezonate Recruitment 2026/27 Salary Guide and get in touch with us today. When you understand your worth, your next career move is a confident one.

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