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Accounting
What comes to mind when you think of accounting careers? Many people would answer something along the lines of ‘calculations,’ ‘finances,’ or ‘numbers on paper,’ but the reality of this career path is something far more exciting.
From helping local community members start their dream businesses to guiding international corporations through new and costly projects, your life as an accountant will never be boring! What’s more, there are tonnes of specialisations that fall under the accounting umbrella, so you can tailor your career to your unique strengths and interests.
Some of the exciting accounting avenues you can explore are:
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Environmental Accounting
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Forensic Accounting
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Government Accounting
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Managerial Accounting
And trust us, that’s not all!
Defining Accounting
Before delving into accounting job opportunities and insights into what life in this industry could look like, it’s important to establish a firm understanding of what accounting actually means.
In short, accountants are essential in every industry. They help people and businesses reach their financial targets with savvy money management and strategic skills. How they support their clients varies based on the needs of the client and the accountant’s specialisation.
Imagine a day as an accountant where you’re managing budgets for a cool tech startup, diving into the finances of a popular fashion brand, or sorting out expenses for a hit music label. So, if you didn’t think accounting was a dynamic job, it’s time to think again!
Accounting in New Zealand
Another compelling benefit to pursuing an accounting career is that you’ll enjoy a heightened level of job security (and did we mention accounting salaries are pretty sweet, too?).
According to Chartered Accountants ANZ:
“Accounting, audit and finance professionals in New Zealand are currently in shortage and, in the absence of change, shortages will persist and grow into the future.”
While this sounds like bad news, it’s great for aspiring accountants, as the lack of competition makes it easier for newcomers to break into the industry. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to try your best — you won’t land a fancy, high-paying role by cruising through your studies!
There are tonnes of ways to kickstart an accounting career, whether you’re planning on attending university or enrolling at a polytechnic or institute of technology such as Te Pūkenga, WelTec, or Ara Institute of Canterbury. These institutions offer practical, industry-focused programmes designed to prepare you for real-world accounting roles.
In fact, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started today!
What You Could Do
One of the best parts about an accounting career is the extensive range of specialisations you can choose from (and the exciting accounting pathways that lead to each). Regardless of your interests, you’re almost guaranteed to find your perfect role; all you need to do is look!
To get you feeling inspired, we’ve compiled a list of five exciting accounting job opportunities. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. If these accounting pathways aren’t quite to your liking, simply keep looking! There are tonnes of other options out there in any industry you’re passionate about.
Audit
The term ‘audit’ refers to the process of looking at and verifying a company’s financial records to make sure that everything is being reported accurately. Under the auditing umbrella, there are three different categories: external, internal, and government. If you’re working as an auditor, you’ll be executing external audits as an unbiased third party who’s outside of the company in question.
Those who choose to specialise in auditing will be ensuring that organisations operate fairly and identifying growth opportunities; it’s an incredibly important and rewarding avenue!
Corporate Finance
In short, corporate finance careers involve dealing with a corporation’s capital structure, which relates to funding and actions that could increase the company’s value. Those working in this field will plan and implement initiatives and resources while taking into account any potential risks.
If the idea of advising on investments and transactions, doing due diligence, structuring transactions and being involved in tonnes of other exciting processes piques your interest, the world of corporate finance could be perfect for you!
Advisory Roles
Accountants working in advisory roles help their clients achieve financial and operational goals by providing expert opinions. Their responsibilities include cash flow forecasting, tax planning, and a bunch of other important financial topics.
If you like seeing others succeed (and are well-known for giving fantastic advice), an advisory role might be a great fit. All you need is some in-depth knowledge about financial planning, analytics and industry knowledge, and you’ll pick that up in time.
Tax
If you’re already a member of the workforce, you’ll be well acquainted with the Inland Revenue (IRD), myIR, and the concept of tax returns. If you choose to specialise in tax accounting, you’ll be helping individuals and businesses prepare and file their tax returns correctly, as well as manage their tax payments so they don’t underpay or overpay what they owe.
Taxation teams also advise on income tax, GST, capital gains (where applicable), international transactions, and employment-related taxes such as PAYE. In short, it’s a dynamic and varied role that can be incredibly rewarding!
Wealth Management and Wealth Protection
Want to rub shoulders with the top 1%? Accountants going into wealth management and wealth protection work with affluent clients to ensure that they stay affluent. Usually, clients will have a minimum of two million in assets before enlisting the help of a wealth manager.
Those in this specialisation work on projects related to financial planning, investment management, insurance sales and estate planning. Essentially, the ultimate goal of a wealth manager is to help others increase their wealth and protect it over the long term.
If you want to discover even more, head over to Forbes’ article describing 8 Types of Accounting.
Graduate Employment and Gender Split
While we love to highlight alternative career pathways for job hunters who don’t resonate with the idea of attending university, those pursuing an accounting career in New Zealand will typically need to complete a Bachelor of Accounting or a degree in finance, economics, or business. You can explore study options through providers listed on Careers New Zealand (careers.govt.nz) or directly via New Zealand university websites.
Formal qualifications are important because if you want to become a Chartered Accountant, you’ll need to meet the academic requirements and complete a professional programme through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
The good news? Accounting skills are consistently in demand. According to Careers New Zealand, accountants are listed as a role with steady demand, particularly for those with professional accreditation and experience. This means graduates with the right qualifications and practical experience are well placed to secure roles, even in a competitive job market.
Gender Split
Women are continuing to break down barriers and challenge outdated stereotypes in accounting careers — and it’s fantastic to see. In New Zealand, the profession has seen strong female representation, particularly among university graduates and early-career accountants.
Globally, organisations such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) report that women make up a significant proportion of their membership. In Australia and New Zealand, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand has also reported growing female participation across study programmes and membership pathways.
The accounting industry is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive — proof that this career path is open to everyone, regardless of gender.
Average Salary
As with any profession, accounting salaries in New Zealand vary depending on your role, location, qualifications, and level of experience. However, national data from sources such as Careers New Zealand and industry insights from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand show that accounting remains a well-paid and stable career choice.
Here’s a general guide to full-time accounting salaries in New Zealand:
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Graduate / Entry-Level Accountant: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
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Mid-Level Accountant: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
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Senior Accountant: $90,000 – $120,000+ per year
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Highly experienced / Specialist roles: $120,000+ per year
If you’re curious about specific accounting roles, here’s a rough breakdown of what different positions may earn in New Zealand:
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Assistant Accountant | $55,000 – $75,000
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Senior Accountant | $90,000 – $120,000+
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Financial Accountant | $85,000 – $115,000
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Management Accountant | $90,000 – $120,000
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Project Accountant | $85,000 – $115,000
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Accounts / Finance Officer | $50,000 – $70,000
With these figures in mind, it’s easy to see that accounting salaries in New Zealand are competitive. That said, earnings are influenced by your qualifications (such as becoming a Chartered Accountant), industry sector, and years of experience. In other words, while the big salaries are absolutely achievable, you’ll likely need to build your skills and experience to reach them.
Qualifications and Entry Pathways
If you’re ready to enter the exciting world of finance, the most important first step is earning the right accounting qualifications. While you don’t need to be a Chartered Accountant (CA) to work in all accounting roles, you do need relevant tertiary qualifications — and if you want to become a CA or hold senior positions, professional accreditation is essential.
To gain the core skills and credentials you’ll use throughout your career, you have a couple of main pathways in New Zealand:
Polytechnics & Institutes of Technology
If university-style learning isn’t your first choice, studying through a polytechnic or institute of technology can be a fantastic option. Providers within the Te Pūkenga network (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) offer practical, career-focused accounting programmes designed to get you job-ready.
Examples include:
Many programmes offer flexible study options, including part-time and online learning, making it easier to balance work and study.
University
The traditional university pathway is one of the most common routes for aspiring accountants — especially if your goal is to become a Chartered Accountant through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
While studying, you can apply for internships, graduate programmes, and vacation roles with accounting firms to build experience early and work toward a permanent position after graduation.
Some of New Zealand’s top universities for accounting and commerce include:
Courses to Consider
Depending on your goals, you might study:
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New Zealand Diploma in Accounting
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Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting)
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Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
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Master of Professional Accounting
No matter which pathway you choose, combining your qualification with practical experience and (if desired) professional accreditation will put you in a strong position to build a successful accounting career in New Zealand.
