Change to Migration Skills Assessment Requirements for Accountants

From the 1st of July 2015 the number of compulsory elements successfully studied by an individual to secure a positive migration skills assessment from one of the professional accounting bodies in Australia is changing.

To recap, individuals with an accounting qualification and/or professional membership of a suitable accounting body outside Australia can seek a migration skills assessment in one of the following occupations:

> Accountant General, ANZSCO Code 221111

> Management Accountant, 221112

> Taxation Accountant, 221113

> External Auditor, 221213

> Corporate Treasurer, 221212

> Finance Manager, 132211

Note: The choice of which occupation to nominate is typically determined by visa strategy. If a skilled visa pathway is being contemplated the question is often whether there a preferred State or Territory Government is sponsoring a particular occupation.

From the 1st of July, 2015 candidates for a migration skills assessment must meet at least seven core knowledge areas, with the exception of External Auditors and Taxation Accountants, who must meet at least eight.

Details of the core knowledge areas are available at the websites of each of the three accounting bodies that are given the authority to assess the above occupations:

> Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

> CPA Australia

> Institute of Public Accountants Australia

Most applicants seeking a migration skills assessment from one of these accounting bodies must meet the following requirements:

> Qualification: a qualification comparable to an Australian bachelor degree.

> Core Accounting Knowledge: applicants must have covered certain compulsory subjects in their accounting qualification. The changes taking effect on the 1st of July, 2015 are in this area.

> English Language: applicants must undertake an English test, and pass this at the required level.

If you have accounting qualifications at degree level or are a member of a professional accounting body, and want to investigate living and working in Australia please complete the enquiry form on this webpage for a free initial discussion about your Australian visa options, and how we might help.

Go Matilda Visas has been helping accountants move to Australia for over 15 years, and our MD is a professionally qualified Chartered Accountant in the UK and Australia – he migrated to Australia as an Accountant under the general skilled visa program in 2001.

Our fees are fixed in advance, are payable in stages – or can be paid over 6 months using our interest free payment plan.

We look forward to hearing from you.