18 December 2007

Four Australian jobs for every one accountant: ICAA

Australia's shortage of accounting graduates is leading to a severe shortage in the industry and there are now four accounting jobs available for every one accountant, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA). This means opportunities for qualified accountants with Australian visas and rising salaries and benefits.

Fuelled by the booming economy, the accountancy profession is one of the fastest growing job sectors, the ICAA predicts. The shortage of skilled accountants is particularly severe in regional areas and academics from Charles Sturt University have set up an advisory panel to help firms attract and retain staff, the Australian newspaper reports.

Accountants graduating from Australia's universities are decreasing, the latest Federal Department of Education, Science and Training data shows. Numbers have stabilised or declined over the past few years and there are currently about 5,200 graduates each year.

At the same time demand for accountancy skills is growing, due to the resources boom, the strong Australian currency and the expanding wealth management industry.

Anyone applying for an Australia skilled visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.