Accountants continue to be in demand in Australia, and can apply for visas allowing migration under the general skilled program using visa subclass 189, 190, or 489.

In common with all general skilled visa applications accountants must secure a positive migration skills assessment before they can progress a skilled visa application with the Department of Immigration.

3 professional accounting bodies in Australia have the authority to assess accountants for the purpose of migration:

  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
  • CPA Australia
  • The Institute of Public Accountants

Accountants should note that they must confirm they have English language competencies at a suitable level before applying for a migration skills assessment. This is usually demonstrated through an IELTS test, which must be the Academic version of the test.

Applicants for a migration skills assessment must have a qualification in accounting that is considered to be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.

Membership of a recognised professional accounting body outside Australia is considered to be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.

The skills assessing bodies for accountants will also assess studies undertaken with an accounting body that is not one of the above together with other tertiary studies to determine whether qualifications are comparable to an Australian Bachelors degree.

Occupations that are included under the Accountant category are:

  • Accountant (General) (ANZSCO code 221111)
  • Management Accountant (ANZSCO code 221112)
  • Taxation Accountant (ANZSCO code 221113)
  • Corporate Treasurer (ANZSCO code 221212)
  • External Auditor (ANZSCO code 221213)
  • Finance Manager (ANZSCO code 132211)

The required components of study for each of these occupations are detailed here.

GM Skilled brings together the knowledge and experience at Go Matilda Visas in the area of Australian visa strategy.

We are the preferred solution for accountants who want to move to Australia: we have been helping accountants move to Australia since 2001, and our Managing Director is a qualified accountant who moved to Australia under the general skilled program.

We have offices in Australia and the UK – and our systems are integrated, which means we can communicate easily with you and can follow up any issues arising on your behalf in Australia.

We work with our clients on the basis of a wish to have a long term relationship based on our expertise, trust and a quality service.

Our fees are fixed in amount, are agreed up front, and are payable in stages.

If you are an accountant, want to give yourself the best chance of securing a positive Australian visa outcome, and would like to discuss your options please contact your nearest GM Skilled office or complete the form on this page for a free initial discussion.

After we have spoken we can send a no obligation fixed fee proposal to you.

We look forward to hearing from you.